In the glamorous world of 1915 San Francisco, Charmian London finds herself caught between her famous husband, Jack London, and the enigmatic Harry Houdini, who harbors a secret obsession with her. I explore the love triangle between the Londons and Harry Houdini in The Secret Life of Mrs. London.
How did Houdini and Jack London, the two most famous men of their era, fall in love with the same woman, Charmian Kittredge London?
What Did Houdini & Jack London Have in Common?
More than you might think! These two giants of their time, united by charisma, ambition, and a thirst for the extraordinary, crossed paths in 1915 in San Francisco. Both rose from humble beginnings, driven by a relentless pursuit of their dreams. They both changed their names and lied about their upbringing!
Houdini was born Erik Weissman in Hungary, yet claimed he was born in Appleton, Wisconsin! Why? He wanted to be American. He reinvented himself as Harry Houdini, the magician, to support his mother and father, who did not speak English.
Jack London was born as John Griffith Cheney and was raised by his black nursemaid because his mother had shot herself in the head.
Despite their bleak beginnings, Houdini and Jack pushed the limits of adventure and daring, traveling the world. Jack served as a war correspondent for Hearst newspapers, while Houdini toured Europe performing impossible escapes.
So why did both men fall for Charmian?
She was a thoroughly modern woman, not a prissy Victorian. She had been raised on FREE LOVE, and worked her way through Mills College as the president's assistant. Although athleticism was frowned upon for women, Charmian was a champion horsewoman, swimmer, and sailor. She skippered a forty-three-foot ketch with Jack from San Francisco to Hawaii, the Samoan Islands, and Australia. Charmain was the first to read and review Jack London's first book, Son of a Wolf, and recognize the talent he had.
The Londons had an equal relationship and deep and passionate love. Then WHY and WHEN did she have an affair with Houdini? And Houdini was happily married to Bess. Why was he drawn to Charmian? Watch the blog for more on the love triangle between the Londons and Harry Houdini.
Get The Secret Life of Mrs. London
GOLD DIGGER and SILVER ECHOES by historical novelist Rebecca Rosenberg are available now at Amazon
