The Impossible Life of Mary Benson by Rodney Bolt – Published by Atlantic Books June 2012

Subtitled “The Extraordinary Story of a Victorian Wife”, this is the story of Mary Benson, betrothed from childhood to Edward White Benson (who later became Archbishop of Canterbury).

Viewed as one of the cleverest women in Europe, mother to six equally talented children, including the authors EF Benson and AC Benson , Mary’s life story is pieced together from diaries, letters and public documents, covering her childhood, marriage, family and her passionate friendships with women.

But the book is as much about her husband as it is about Mary. EW Benson is widely known as a result of his high profile work during his time as Bishop of Truro, when he introduced the service of Nine Lessons and Carols, and was responsible for the rebuilding of Truro Cathedral. A tireless fundraiser, he was a tyrant at home – critical of his wife’s housekeeping and lack of organisation – and a demanding father.

When her husband collapsed and died in church, Mary, who had formerly lived at Lambeth Palace and counted Queen Victoria amongst her friends, was left homeless and with limited funds. So what did she do? She immediately set up home with Lucy Tait, daughter of a former Archbishop, and lived [fairly] happily ever after, until her death in 1918.

Verdict: Thoroughly researched and, to quote the friend who recommended this book “you couldn’t make it up!” An extraordinary life indeed, but in parts a bit too detailed and dry to be a really enjoyable read.****