American Dreamers - Charmian and Jack London (1988. e2000)
Stasz, ClariceIn 1903 he shocked the morals of his country when he left his wife and two young daughters for a spunky spinster five years his senior. A new breed of woman, Charmian Kitteridge was notorious in the Bay area for daring to ride her horse astride and work in an office, unlike proper women of the day. As his "Mate-Woman," Charmian contributed to Jack's accomplishments -- she was his editor, transcriber, confidante, as well as the model for many of Jack's female characters. Together they overcame threats to their love that stemmed from Jack's alcoholism, infidelities, and illness.
This is a compelling portrait that challenges the long held view of London as a rough, hard-drinking womanizer, and of Charmian as a passive, childish dependent. Instead, this is a love story and a fascinating portrait of a couple whose courage, passion, and vitality remain a model of love fulfilled.