Much is known of the celebrated novelist Charles Dickens – his books are loved throughout the world, and he had an ability to craft the most amazing and entralling stories. However, very little is known of his wife Catherine Hogarth; Far Above Rubies is Catherine’s story – a fictionalised account of her life with Charles.

The narration is by Catherine herself, and starts on the evening she first meets Charles, at a dinner hosted by her father. Although Charles seems to be drawn to Catherine’s younger sister Mary, it is Catherine to whom he proposes, marries and subsequently has nine children with. However, while he was undoubtedly an intelligent and charismatic man, he was a difficult husband – developing infatuations with numerous other women, ordering Mary that she must not ever contradict him or argue with him, and acting thoughtlessly and selfishly, with little or no regard for her feelings.

I really enjoyed the story – the writing flowed really well, and it was a pleasure to read. I felt that the character of Catherine – who so little is known about – really shone through. Charles was also drawn really well, and while it was easy to see why someone would get exasperated with him, the reader could also see why someone might be drawn to his confidence (verging on arrogance) and intelligence.

At several times in the book, I did want to give the main character a metaphorical shake and ask her why she was prepared to put up such behaviour from her husband, but I also found myself liking her very much.

Overall, this is a fascinating read for both fans and non-fans of Dickens. I found myself flying through it, and my attention was held throughout. Definitely recommended. ( )