The Case of the Married Woman: Caroline Norton and Her Fight for Women’s Justice

Historian and novelist Fraser (The King and the Catholics) delivers an informative biography of author and women’s rights activist Caroline Norton (née Sheridan; 1808–1877). Married to Tory MP George Norton at age 19, Caroline’s sardonic wit and exotic beauty made her one of London’s most popular salon hosts. Though George relied on Caroline’s social connections to help advance his political career, he grew jealous of her many male admirers, including prime minister Lord Melbourne, and physically assaulted her. When the marriage fell apart in 1836, George sued Lord Melbourne for damages due to “criminal conversation,” or adultery. Though he lost that case, English law entitled Norton to full custody of the couple’s three children and the proceeds from Caroline’s writing. In response, Caroline launched a vociferous campaign on behalf of the rights of married women, helping to win passage of the 1839 Infant Custody Act and the 1857 Divorce and Matrimonial Causes Bill, which shifted divorce rulings from ecclesiastical to secular courts and allowed separated women to “hold property in their own names and sign contracts.” Fraser’s vivid character sketches and incisive analysis of legal, political, and rhetorical matters result in a winning study of an indefatigable crusader who turned a personal tragedy into a public triumph. (May)