Monica: A Life of Monica Dickens
'All I have ever done is to report the experiences of my life.'
So said Charles Dickens' great-granddaughter Monica Dickens, author of twenty-five novels and many classics for children, and one of the most popular writers of her day. Born into the upper classes, as a bored and unhappy debutante in the 1930s she took the incredible step of going into domestic service. One Pair of Hands, the book Monica wrote about her exploits, sold in the millions and has never been out of print since. Her subsequent works, calling on her rich experience as a wartime nurse, Spitfire factory worker, GI bride and more, sold in similar numbers but are now largely forgotten.
Often dismissed as a 'light' writer, and her widespread appeal deflecting serious recognition, Monica Dickens was nevertheless highly praised by some of the most respected authors of the twentieth century, and indeed beyond. Far from writing lightly, in her middle period she addressed issues such as child abuse, suicide, and inner city deprivation. Her novels, always threaded with humour, were immensely understanding of human frailties, but at the same time urged resilience and responsibility for one's fellow man. These were qualities that Monica herself possessed in plenty. After becoming a volunteer for the Samaritans in England, this deeply compassionate woman went on to found the first branch of the organisation in America and hence to save countless lives. Her name is engraved on a marker near the soaring bridges over the Cape Cod Canal, where she campaigned for the erection of higher barriers to stop desperate people jumping to their deaths.
All her writing life Monica was compared to Charles Dickens, not always favourably. And yet the similarities between them are there: eccentric characters, humorous observation of the English scene, social conscience, an optimistic and moral view of life – but above all, talent for the written word.
Amazon reviews of Monica
Wish I had written this!
This book was really enjoyable and made me want to re-read Monica Dickens' work. The amount of research that obviously went into this biography was amazing. Monica Dickens comes across as a great writer and a warm, compassionate person, who I wish I had the pleasure to have known. (5 out of 5 stars)
Excellent read
Anne Wellman's biography of Monica Dickens is an excellent read. In her clear and fresh writing style and on the basis of her thorough research and insightful analysis, she brings Monica to life as a thoroughly admirable woman of great compassion and drive.
I found the description of Monica's period as the wife of an American naval officer in the United States particularly interesting. Anne Wellman not only examines Monica's continuing career as a writer, but also her determined and successful efforts to start a Samaritan organisation, and the pluses and minuses of being the great-granddaughter of Charles Dickens. Anne Wellman shows herself to be a keen and sympathetic observer of transatlantic differences. (5 out of 5 stars)
Absolute eye opener
I have never read any Monica Dickens, so wasn't coming to this from the point of view of being 'a fan'. The book is very well written and an absolute eye opener re Monica and her amazing life. Well worth a read. (5 out of 5 stars)
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