Lives of the Wives

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A witty, provocative exploration of the tumultuous marriages of five renowned writers, this work illuminates the creative process alongside the influences of money, fame, and power in their complex relationships. The history of wives often reflects silence and resilience, particularly in the context of celebrity and male privilege. The marriages of famous writers frequently reveal stormy dynamics marked by ambition, narcissism, and infidelity. As critic Elizabeth Hardwick noted, a man's brutality towards his wife is often overlooked. Author Carmela Ciuraru delves into the lives of these literary couples, revealing the struggles behind their public personas. Kenneth Tynan's jealousy of his wife Elaine Dundy's success highlights the tension between support and rivalry. Roald Dahl's initial pride in Patricia Neal's stardom turned to resentment when she became the primary breadwinner. Elizabeth Jane Howard found it necessary to divorce Kingsley Amis to pursue her writing, as his needs stifled her creativity. The most traditional partnership featured Una Troubridge and Radclyffe Hall, who, despite their conservative views, navigated their own unique challenges. The relationship between Italian novelists Elsa Morante and Alberto Moravia was fraught with incompatibility and emotional turmoil, yet it fueled their literary achievements. This insightful and humorous book examines the intricate interplay of life, art, and love within t