Following Ophelia

I'd heard Following Ophelia mentioned by quite a few fellow booksellers and really liked the sound of this book, even though YA historical fiction is not my typical read.

I'm so glad I decided to read it as I became thoroughly engrossed in Mary's world and was sad to finish this beautiful yet sad story of a girl inspired by Millais's Ophelia, the model & painter Lizzie Siddal, and most importantly, Mary's desire to make a better life for herself.

Full review to follow.

As a real lover of Pre-Raphaelite anything at all, it was a treat to find and read this book. It is a beautifully written book; it is vibrant, crackling with all the life of Pre-Raphaelite London - the parties and the drama intertwined with the deft balancing act that protagonist Mary Adams must maintain as a maid by day, and an artist's muse at night. 

There are twists and turns you don't expect, and Ms. Bennett carries you on a real page-turner of a ride. I read it within, I think, a day, and enjoyed every emotion she made me feel! It was quite the experience, and I look forward to the next book.