An authentic, captivating, informative yet intimate memoirs

This book exceeded all of my expectations. Jane Hawking is a remarkably talented woman who invites the listener to get up close to her delightful family and introduces the people and places that have shaped their lives in such a way that the listener is inspired to face life's challenges and feels restored. I would give a copy to any woman who has loved and cared for another.

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A Genius of Another Kind

An intricate, fascinating account by a remarkably perceptive individual who possesses observational and endurance talents well beyond the norm. Jane’s expressive talents complement the rest of her abilities nicely. It is likely that her intellect is nearer to that of Stephen than she is aware. I found the ending so satisfying. It rounded off the previous turbulence so very well. The lack of NHS support was lamentable but it has always been under resourced and now even more so.

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Lovely book

This is one of my favorite audiobooks. I have listened to it twice now. So much better than the movie "The theory of everything". Though I like the movie too.

While listening I get so caught up in the story I sometimes talk back to Jane. Silly, I know.

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Fascinating Background

I found this book absorbing and felt it was written with restrain and respect. I am glad she wrote this to balance the story of a great man .. he had an exceptional brain ... and yet she was the enabler for so much of his life and career

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Interesting

An insight into the fascinating lives of the Hawkings. An enjoyable but sad read, a genius hit by tragedy affecting all around him

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4 people found this helpful

Excellent

If you could sum up Travelling to Infinity in three words, what would they be?

Very enlightening insight.

Who was your favorite character and why?

My favourite character has to be Jane because I've now been beside her throughout her life's journey and I have taken every extraordinary footstep with her.

Which scene did you most enjoy?

I most enjoyed the scenes where Jane refused to doubt her Christian faith despite the pressure Stephen placed upon her.

If you made a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

Love doesn't always conquer everything!

Any additional comments?

I love the honesty in Jane's story. She hides nothing as she expresses the hurts, the frustrations and the happiness. She is an extraordinary woman with a very brave heart and her courage shines through on every page. She deserves the happiness she has found with Johnathan.

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Interesting

This was not quite what I expected, even though I have seen the movie awhile back. As with every book that's been turned into the movie, there are so many layers that are missed out. It just shows that without her dedication, Stephen could have been far less known.

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Behind every great man is a great woman

Keep going with the story, the mood lifts and soars. Jane is a steadfast woman with an abundance of love. Her weaknesses make her human and language make the story a must read text. Depressing at times but a story of humility and profound kindness. Jane is an example citizen and the kind of woman you'd like to have as a friend.

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10 people found this helpful

The film is better!

Would you say that listening to this book was time well-spent? Why or why not?

It was too long. The content was interesting in places only. I found myself fast forwarding in certain bits which is not what I normally do

What was your reaction to the ending? (No spoilers please!)

Well the ending is in the public domain already so not really that exciting.

How did the narrator detract from the book?

It took me a while to work out what was wrong with the narration. The narrator is very well spoken and clear so what was the problem? Finally worked it out. She was reading it out aloud not narrating it. She gave the impression the author was a bit of a serious minded dried up prune which she probably is not but that is the effect the narration had.

Do you think Travelling to Infinity needs a follow-up book? Why or why not?

No. The book was all about how everything was about Stephen not her or her family. And that is the nail on the head because of course Stephen is one of the reasons you read the book. Whilst I have massive admiration for how she supported Stephen because it was quite incredible how she managed...as an author she did actually make the"boring bits" very boring. Eg the bits on the development of physics through the ages and her Spanish literature studies and her singing. Sorry. Feels a bit mean to say that.

Any additional comments?

Each child was carefully mentioned so they had each had a fair share written about them , and some nice things said. This did not add to the narrative. This was keeping the family happy when they read the book. In the end I just carried on to the end out of persistence.

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A fascinating account of the Hawking family

Would you listen to Travelling to Infinity again? Why?

I generally don't read books twice because there are so many more that I have not read once, but I would read more books by the same author or on the same subject

What about Sandra Duncan’s performance did you like?

Good pace and clarity

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

I did not want to put it down, but it is a very long audio book and requires several sittings.

Any additional comments?

I have an interest in Physics and have long been a fan of Stephen Hawking. This books details another side of the story - a wife and family that struggle with living with not only a strong willed and celebrated genius but also a very disabled person during a period when there was little medical or financial support or even disabled access to public buildings. The trails and tribulations, personal sacrifices and fight for space to allow for personal achievement that ensure and the complex relationships that are formed make a for a fascinating book.

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6 people found this helpful