Travelling to Infinity by Jane Hawking
This is the true story behind the brilliant film starring Eddie RedMayne - The Theory of Everything.
Committing over 25 years to the genius that is Stephen Hawking took a lot out of his wife Jane. Early in their relationship he was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease and given 2 years to live. In the spring of 2016 he is still going strong and has become the most famous scientist on the planet, receiving many prestigious awards.
Jane talks about her first meeting with Stephen at school at the age of 7, but beginning a relationship as a student in 1962. She documents both his career and their life at home. They had 3 beautiful children and somehow she managed to complete the thesis for her degree while looking after Stephen 24 hours a day, run the household and bring up their children. She describes the agony of the relationship breakdown, and the causes of that breakdown. Throughout the story, however difficult her situation at home, the admiration she feels for Stephen Hawking shines through. She describes how he developed his theories and how others followed him.
At times heartbreaking while at the same time told with humour and passion. This is a story about love, dedication, disability and genius. Jane Hawking is a talented writer and an incredible human being, staying out of the limelight for many years, putting Stephen first. He dominated the family, Cambridge University and Jane’s every waking thought. There is nothing that should cause her shame, and she has much to be proud of.
Michael Braccia