Travelling to Infinity: The True Story Behind The Theory of Everything

by Jane Hawking

Paperback, 2014

Status

Available

Publication

Alma Books (2015), Edition: Movie Tie-In, 450 pages

Description

Biography & Autobiography. Nonfiction. HTML: Professor Stephen Hawking is one of the most famous and remarkable scientists of our age and author of the scientific bestseller "A Brief History of Time", which sold over 25 million copies across the world and will be adapted as a children's book in the Autumn of next year. In this compelling memoir his first wife, Jane Hawking, relates the inside story of their extraordinary marriage. As Stephen's academic renown soared, his body was collapsing under the assaults of motor neurone disease, and Jane's candid account of trying to balance his 24-hour care with the needs of their growing family will be inspirational to anyone dealing with family illness. The inner-strength of the author, and the self-evident character and achievements of her husband, make for an incredible tale that is always presented with unflinching honesty; the author's candour is no less evident when the marriage finally ends in a high-profile meltdown, with Stephen leaving Jane for one of his nurses, while Jane goes on to marry an old family friend. In this exceptionally open, moving and often funny memoir, Jane Hawking confronts not only the acutely complicated and painful dilemmas of her first marriage, but also the faultlines exposed in a relationship by the pervasive effects of fame and wealth. The result is a book about optimism, love and change that will resonate with readers everywhere..… (more)

Rating

½ (35 ratings; 3.7)

User reviews

LibraryThing member slsmith101
This is a book about the twenty-five year marriage of Jane and Steven Hawking, and I almost feel like I've experienced every minute of it. It is greatly detailed with many boring references to Jane's doctoral thesis which could have easily been left out. They were, however, easy to skim over. I
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have always been interested in Steven Hawking and how he was able to function with severe motor neuron disease. He is a genius with a big ego and Jane is obviously a saint with a fantastic memory. I found the book for the most part very interesting, and even though it could have been a lot shorter, it was a worthwhile read. I am looking forward to seeing the movie.
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LibraryThing member Neverwithoutabook
I've always had a deep appreciation and admiration for Stephen Hawking and his discoveries. When I heard of the movie, "The Theory of Everything", I wanted to see it. I'm glad I didn't have an opportunity before reading this book. As always, the book is better than the movie. I finished the book
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last week, and two days later watched the movie. The movie is good as far as it goes and I was interested to hear that both Stephen and Jane were impressed by the actors who portrayed them. Their comments are part of the bonuses on the DVD. The movie was enjoyable but as always, there is a lot that has to be left out. The book is so much more interesting and intense. To read Jane Hawking's story of their meeting and subsequent life together is nothing short of amazing. One cannot help but feel for this brilliant young man when he is diagnosed with ALS and given two years to live. Boy did he ever prove them wrong! One also cannot help but admire his and Jane's strength and determination through everything to make it work no matter the cost. Jane is herself a very intelligent, strong and determined woman who loved Stephen dearly and worked hard to give him everything she could throughout all their trials. Maybe I'm saying to much...maybe not enough. Would you read this book if I say you won't regret it? I know I won't.
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LibraryThing member hobbitprincess
Jane Hawking has written an excellent book about her life with Stephen Hawking. Although they are no longer married, I sense her caring, love, and respect for him through her words. I admire immensely for all that she did, especially when their children were younger with Stephen's requiring so much
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help. Her dedication is inspiring. Jane is very intelligent, and it shows not only in her writing but in her interests and her pursuit of her own PhD. The writing did get technical when she talked about some of Stephen's research, and I found it hard to follow since it's physics. I appreciate even more the mind of Stephen Hawking and now have the utmost respect for his first wife.
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LibraryThing member MandaTheStrange
Although, my heart is hurting a little bit from reading Jane Hawking's memoir, she is so beautifully honest about the hardships and successes of her marriage to Stephen Hawking. She really painted a realistic picture in comparison to the adaptation and cinematic portrayal of 'The Theory of
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Everything' which was just a wee bit sugar coated in comparison to this.
Professor Stephen Hawking was a great man but he would never have achieved many of the scientific breakthroughs that he did without Jane. It would have been so hard living in his shadow, with no acknowledgement and dealing with the emotional turmoil and abuse as her marriage suffered.
She made Stephen human.
A great read and a very human and realistic peek into their lives. Highly recommend
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Language

Original language

English

Original publication date

1999
2007

Physical description

450 p.; 5.04 inches

ISBN

1846883474 / 9781846883477
Page: 0.3002 seconds