Charles Dickens and Georgina Hogarth: A curious and enduring relationship

by Christine Skelton

Charles Dickens called his sister-in-law Georgina Hogarth his ‘best and truest friend’. Georgina saw Dickens as much more than a friend. They lived together for twenty-eight years, during which time their relationship constantly changed. The sister of his wife Catherine, the sharp and witty Georgina moved into the Dickens home aged fifteen. What began as a father–daughter relationship blossomed into a genuine rapport, but their easy relations were fractured when Dickens had a mid-life crisis and determined to rid himself of Catherine. Georgina’s refusal to leave Dickens and his desire for her to remain in his household led to rumours of an affair and even illegitimate children. He left her the equivalent of almost £1 million and all his personal papers in his will. Georgina’s commitment to Dickens was unwavering but it is far from clear what he did to deserve such loyalty. There were several occasions when he misused her in order to protect his public reputation.

Why did Georgina betray her once much-loved sister? Why did she fall out with her family and risk her reputation in order to stay with Dickens? And why did the Dickenses’ daughter Katey say it was ‘the greatest mistake ever’ to invite a sister-in-law to live with a family?

312 pages, Hardcover

Published April 18, 2023

Reviews

[Karen Mace · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is Book 4 of my 20 Books of Summer 2025.

I came into this book knowing next to nothing of Charles Dickens as a person, so didn't know about the family set up he had - all I can say now is that his wife was a bloody saint!!

This book takes a look at the man behind the books, and the extraordinary relationships he had -mainly with the sister of his wife! He comes across in this book as quite an entitled and arrogant man, it's his way or the by way! And his wife seemed happy (!) to indulge in his ways, as did many others in his world. That includes the companionship he created with her sister, Georgina, who appeared to be quite star struck in his presence and who, over the years, put his needs above that of her own sister. The way the pair treated his poor wife, Catherine, was quite atrocious and this book really shines a light on the trajectories of their lives, including the wife being moved 'on', and he, the children and Georgina moving in together and carrying on their lives.

I enjoyed the pace of this book and their lives did seem to play out like a soap opera of the times, especially with all the rumours along the way. A real eye opener!

[Gina Dalfonzo · Rating 3 out of 5]

Full review forthcoming.