Passion's child: The extraordinary life of Jane Digby

by Margaret Fox Schmidt

.

Genres: Biography, History, Nonfiction

268 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1976

Reviews

[Rmschow · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the most fascinating biography I have ever read. I have long been a fan of Jane Digby and her adventurous life, but Schmidt did an amazing job of sorting fact from fiction. The author's painstaking research paid off and the result is an accurate and amazing depiction of the English lady whose real life rivals that of any fictitious literary heroine.

[Faye Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well researched and documented story of the life of Lady Jane Digby. Scandalous in her time, unwelcome in court circles, she lived life on her own terms, or so it seemed. My first impression, after reading about Jane elsewhere was that she was self-indulgent and quite amoral, leaving a trail of abandoned husbands, children and lovers behind her without looking back. Passion's Child digs deeper into her life, debunking some of the inaccuracies repeated over and over by people who either failed to check their sources, or who embellished their information to suit their own purposes. The author is somewhat kinder to Jane as she brings out the human side of the spoiled child bride who was thrown into court society without a safety net. Searching for "love," Jane spent years flitting from country to country with scandal following close behind. In her later years, however, Jane found both excitement and contentment as the wife of a Bedouin Sheik in Syria. I especially enjoyed the background and historical approach to the various locales where Jane lived and traveled.

[History Buff · Rating 4 out of 5]

I can't comment on the historical accuracy of this book, but it's a really riveting read that's as good as a top-notch historical novel. Highly recommend.

[Hilary · Rating 5 out of 5]

A thoroughly engrossing biography of a 19th century woman whose heart ruled her head. Amazing life: four husbands, homes in London, Paris, Munich, Corfu and finally Syria. A really good read and informative of its era.

[Cws]

306.7

[Tracey · Rating 2 out of 5]

A so-so biography of a fascinating woman.
The author has too much invested in reviving or defending Jane Digby, and spends a lot of time speculating on motives.