TOW #12- IRB: "The Criminal Conversation Of Mrs Norton" by Diane Atkinson

The Criminal Conversation of Mrs. Norton by Diane Atkinson is a thrilling tale of gender equality in England. George Norton, the husband of Caroline Norton, is a powerful and corrupted gentleman that urges Caroline assist him in climbing the social latter of British politics. However, the Norton's courtship was spark without Caroline's consent. It is revealed that her mother pushed for their marriage. The scandal does not pick up until it Caroline's clever whit and charm allure Lord Melbourne, the Whig Prime Minister. Inevitably, George Norton uncovers the affair and sues Caroline for "Criminal Conversation," or for lack of a better term, adultery.
The author, Diane Atkinson writes in omniscient third person in order to provide information from every single person in the story. The events in this book took place in 19th century England, a time when most communicated by telegraph or letters. Atkinson's strategic omnipresent narration allows her to pull quotes from each individual involved in this scandal and trial. Mrs. Norton wrote over 1,500 letters about her experiences and Atkinson's narration lets for her to quote Caroline as well as Mrs. Norton's peers.  "The young man sent her poetry, which she thought was a 'little rough', so she suggested they correct the proofs when he was next in London: 'there is no doubt you will improve under my fostering care'."(Atkinson 115). The direct quotes from Norton provide an insight into her exact thoughts while she was going through this scandal. While Norton did not write and autobiography, Atkinson's style of writing flawlessly weaves Caroline Norton's thoughts into her writing, creating the illusion that the audience is reading a diary or tell-all book.

Diane Atkinson's writing, most specifically her choice of omnipresent third person narrator create a seamless flow of thoughts from the people that these events are based off of themselves.