Travelling to Infinity

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. In this compelling memoir, his first wife Jane relates the inside story of their extraordinary marriage. As Stephen’s academic renown soared, his body was collapsing under the assaults of motor-neuron disease, and Jane’s candid account of trying to balance his twenty-four-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.

'This is not a vindictive book, although the agony she went through is palpable; if Stephen’s struggle to keep his mind clear is heroic, so is her determination to balance his escalating needs and those of their three children.'
Independent on Sunday

'A great read.' Daily Mail

'Jane writes about her former husband with tenderness, respect and protectiveness.' Sunday Express

'Jane Hawking’s harrowing and compelling account...rings very true.' Irish Times

'Jane Hawking is precise and bright.' The Observer

'Stephen Hawking may think in 11 dimensions, but his first wife has learnt to love in several.' The Times

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