Dickens and the Whore: A Novel

Though inspired by the story of Urania Cottage, an actual London Home for fallen women conceived by Charles Dickens and opened in 1847, this novel is a work of fiction. And though many of the characters were real people, I have taken liberties with them, which, I hope, will be pardoned by both the Academe, and the Here After. My intent was to give a dramatized account of the early days of this unique social experiment through the eyes of a girl who lived it, and by the man who felt it possible to offer such women an innovative second chance. If, after turning the last page, my readers feel they know Charles Dickens and the Girls of Urania Cottage in a fuller and more compelling fashion, I will consider my duty done. Jennifer M. Emerson – December, 2013