Praise for Following Ophelia

“A dreamy, romantic novel about a young woman becoming embroiled in the Pre-Raphaelite art scene …I'm very happy to learn that this is the first in the series, as I feel Mary had only dipped her toe into this fascinating and scandalous world and there's so much more I want to know and see through Mary's eyes.” – Melinda Salisbury, author of The Sin Eater’s Daughter

“A vivid portrait of Pre-Raphaelite glamour and the perils of beauty, desire and independence.” – Anna McKerrow, author of Crow Moon

“Sophia has conjured up a world as alive with colour and texture and beauty and rebellion as the paintings that she references…I was utterly engrossed from first page to last. Please can I have the sequel now?” – Perdita Cargill, author of Waiting for Callback 

“Following Ophelia paints a vivid tapestry of the world of the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood, familiar to anyone who has seen Desperate Romantics (one of my favourites!). New and old characters are equally charming, and Mary(/Persephone) caught my heart straight away. She holds her own in a new and intimidating world of flamboyant, talented men brilliantly. I was completely convinced by her as a character and could happily read a whole series about her. Thank god there is going to be one! I can't wait for the next book in this series!” – Lauren James, author of The Loneliest Girl In The Universe

“I especially enjoy novels where there is real-world knowledge woven around the story and Following Ophelia does this in terms of Greek myths, the pre-Raphaelite art movement and 1850s London...I was completely swept up in Mary’s life.” – Anne Miller, Standard Issue Magazine

“It’s like the nineteenth century version of Hannah Montana.” - Jess, Heart Full of Books         

“In a story filled with glamour and excitement, Bennett paints her own portrait of 1850s London, its fusty interiors and filthy streets, describing Victorian clothes – her own passion - in particularly wonderful detail…It makes for heady, absorbing reading; fans will want to know what happens to Mary next, and may well be inspired to seek out Pre-Raphaelite paintings, and Millais’s Ophelia in particular.” – Andrea Reece, LoveReading4Kids 

“This book is perfect for fans of YA and history and art. I think that Sophia Bennett's familiar tone means that this would be a fantastic start for fans of contemporary who are looking to try something new. The writing is beautiful and slightly decadent, rich with research and passion.” – Cora, Tea Party Princess

“The pomp. The flair. The excess. The detail. Nothing was missed and it made for such an enthralling read.” - Sarah Clare, Behind on Books          

“A lush historical fiction steeped in research about the pre-Raphaelites in Victorian London. I for one know far too little about this at the moment and so I'm very excited to not only be swept away by gorgeous descriptions and a kick-ass story, but also to learn a thing or two along the way.” – Zarina, Page to Stage Reviews

“I was very happy to hear about Following Ophelia, written by one of my favourite UKYA authors, Sophia Bennett. It’s set during the Pre-Raphaelite period and discusses art, betrayal, secrets, and achieving your dreams.” – Lucy, Queen of Contemporary