Review

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I would highly recommend this book to anyone interested in history; especially the Victorian era

What was one of the most memorable moments of Effie: The Passionate Lives of Effie Gray, John Ruskin and Millais?

Learning more about John Ruskin the person rather than the art critic. I have always admired the work of Ruskin, but this book helped delve deeper into the man; I did not really like him as a person, but perhaps understood him better.

Which character – as performed by Sophie Ward – was your favourite?

Sophie ward did try to portray the characters by using accents, although the book is written as more of history story rather than a novel.

Did you have an emotional reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I guess I had an emotional reaction to the book in that I thought about the limited choices women had in Victorian England. I was also amazed and rather impressed by how adventurous the Victorians were in their travel destinations, especially given that travel was not easy and often dangerous.

Any additional comments?

I really enjoyed this book much more than I thought I would. I thought at first it would be a little dull, but I stuck with it and often found I was transported back to Victorian England. Because the book is written using diaries it brings to life the sights and experiences of individuals, and I was compelled to seek out portraits and paintings to help me visualise the people referred to. They became three dimensional through this book and I really became absorbed in it. If you like history, and are interested in art you will enjoy this book. I think it would make a great movie at some point and with the soon to be released movie about Turner will compliment this area of interest.

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4 people found this helpful

Fascinating life of Effie Gray

Although very factual it was a very interesting look at Victorian values and life. it was a different world with women very subjugated to men.
Thoroughly enjoyed it and very well read.

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1 person found this helpful

The passionate lives of Effe Grey

Brilliant !
Having studied history of Art & visited Brantwood house home of John Ruskin
This was beautifully informative
I wanted to visit Art Gallery’s to see the pre-raphaelites once more & discovered some the paintings hanging in my own house ( copies ofc)
Lovely story sad & sweet Victorian Britain with its secrets revealed
Highly recommend

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A well researched and sympathetically told life story

I liked the calm, empathetic way Effie’s story was portrayed on the backdrop of the times in which she lived

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