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The Wayward Muse
Raised in the slums of Oxford with a certainty of her own homeliness, seventeen-year-old stableman's daughter Jane Burden is discovered by the charismatic and irreverent painter Dante Gabriel Rossetti, with whom she falls madly in love before circumstances prompt her marriage to the shy craftsman William Morris. By the author of The Painted Kiss. 50,000 first printing.
304 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2007
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
February 22, 2008
This book gets 3 stars because of the subject matter. The author's actual writing ability? Awful. It read like a cheesy romance novel. The ridiculous way the author paints William "Topsy" Morris is deplorable. Yes, he was teased by friends, but he was a great name in philosophy, arts, politics, poetry, and other topics. Show the man some respect!
In summary, the only person I would recommend this book to would be either someone who loves trite romance novels and knows nothing of the Pre-Raphaelites, or someone who adores the Pre-Raphaelites and is willing to ignore trite romance to imagine what it may have been like to be part of the group of artists.
Really....the love triangle between Jane Burden-Morris, William Morris, and Dante Gabriel Rossetti is exciting enough without having to add the cheesy romance tone. It's too bad.
In summary, the only person I would recommend this book to would be either someone who loves trite romance novels and knows nothing of the Pre-Raphaelites, or someone who adores the Pre-Raphaelites and is willing to ignore trite romance to imagine what it may have been like to be part of the group of artists.
Really....the love triangle between Jane Burden-Morris, William Morris, and Dante Gabriel Rossetti is exciting enough without having to add the cheesy romance tone. It's too bad.
January 1, 2020
3.5 stars
June 25, 2007
I learned part way through this book that it is actually based on real historical figures prominent in the Pre-Raphaelite art movement. Figuring this out didn't help the transparent plot, or the weak and pathetic characters.
The book centers on the love affair between Jane Burden (later Morris) and Dante Gabriel Rosetti. Rosetti is a talented painter who retains Jane as his model and muse.
The writing is pedestrian, imagery is lacking, tension between characters is laughable, the plot is thin and don't blink or you'll miss the climax of the novel.
It's an easy and mindless read if you have absolutely nothing better to do and aren't particularly interested in enjoying a good story.
July 19, 2010
While I enjoyed reading about the Pre-Raphaelite circle this book felt rather pedestrian. It was very matter-of-fact in its presentation with no beauty in the writing and no real emotion coming out of these supposed great and tragic loves. I was happy to have a number of books in my collection with illustrations of the art and homes of the P-R's as I really needed outside sources to be able to fully visualize the paintings and settings in the book. I also hated the cover which, to me, did not appear at all to be in the style of the book's subjects. I found it jarring and far too modern looking.
October 12, 2011
Well-researched but uninspired novelization of the life of Jane Burden, who was William Morris' wife and Dante Gabriel Rossetti's model and lover. Unfortunately, while the Pre Raphaelites are fascinating, this book often reads like a soppy romance novel, and the dialogue is banal.
January 20, 2015
Excellent writing. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, despite Jane’s character, which makes me respect Hickey even more. Once I realized the plot, I almost put the book away, except Hickey’s writing and depiction of the characters stayed my hand. This book is one of the best fiction depictions of a real Victorian marriage that I have read yet; the main characters are real people, and while the story may not be entirely factual, the plot seems to follow the real time-line faithfully. The writing style is simple yet lush, the scenery vivid, the characters organic and sympathetic. Anyone working on making their characters flawed, especially the main character, should read this book as an example of how to maintain your reader’s interest.
Originally posted at http://worderella.com/2007/08/book-th...
Originally posted at http://worderella.com/2007/08/book-th...
November 28, 2010
For a novel about art and beauty, the writing seemed rather bland. The story is about Jane Burden, one of the frequent models for the Pre-Raphaelite artists William Morris and Dante Gabriel Rossetti. The most interesting character was Rossetti and I liked how Hickey portrayed his tendency to confuse art with reality. He falls in love with Jane after she acts as a model for his painting of Lancelot and Guinevere. He frequently calls her Guinevere and seems to like her best when she is sitting for him. However, beyond a couple mentions of the paintings and poetry Jane inspired, there is very little real connection between the art and the story. At times it felt like the author was just listing events that happened. I finished it, but struggled through the beginning and ending.
October 2, 2014
I am lost between categorizing this read as a tragic love story or a hopeless romance. I loved how Jane's character slowly molded and changed through the progression of the novel. I was also torn between feeling sympathy for Jane's fate or disgusted by her decisions. The struggle between love and obligation. Is one moment of fulfilled desire worth a lifetime of culpability? An amazing read. I would highly recommend people read The Wayward Muse!
June 30, 2016
Una biografia novelada de Jane Burden/Jane Morris. Muy recomendable si se está interesado en el circulo de los prerrafaelitas. Parece bastante fiable.
September 7, 2014
Jane Burden is seventeen years old, the daughter of an abusive and uncaring mother and distant father, facing marriage to an cruel boy and a life of continued poverty in the slums. This all changes when painter and poet Dante Gabriel Rossetti "discovers" her and declares her the "most beautiful girl in all of Oxford". This, however, is not the typical Cinderella story. The real Rossetti, Jane Burden (later Morris) and the rest of the Pre-Raphaelite movement lived far too elaborate lives to fit in that box. Cinderella, after all, didn't marry another man (William Morris) and then have an affair with Prince Charming. Nor did Prince Charming have a substance abuse problem and another woman (Lizzie Siddal) as his wife.
The Wayward Muse is an incredibly frustrating read. The bones for a great story are there, but author Elizabeth Hickey never gives it that extra push to make the book anything more than an enjoyable, but fairly insubstantial read. There's so much potential and The Wayward Muse never really comes close to fulfilling it.
As a note to historical accuracy – I'm largely unfamiliar with the details. My knowledge of the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood comes from watching Desperate Romantics and reading a few blog posts that briefly covered what liberties with the truth were taken in the show. On whole, The Wayward Muse seems to work well with what I know, but then I'm like Jon Snow: I know nothing.
Except Rossetti liked wombats. Which, as an Australian, makes me feel all warm and gooey inside. \o/
Hickey's writing style is fairly simple and straightforward, though not horrifically bad for the most part. It did need at least one more revision to remove awkward phrases, add depth and otherwise tighten things up. However, there are traces of depth to be found, but they are few and far between. I really liked Hickey's description of Rossetti, though:
Now I need to talk about the biggest flaw in the book: Jane.
She's not unlikeable, but she's not terribly anything at all. The title describes her as "wayward", but if anything, she just sits in the middle and lets herself be pulled one way, then another and then another, as events unfold around her. She hardly makes any decisions for herself. In lively dinner scenes with the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood and associates, she's just an observer. She marries William Morris because her mother threatens to disown if she doesn't and it's Morris who does the pursuing.
Similarly, her affair with Rossetti is almost entirely motivated by Rossetti's pursuit and interest in her – while Jane is clearly infatuated with him, she always waits for him to make the first move. I enjoyed the suggestion of closeness between the two of them – the idea that at a party, they would sit in a dark corner and just talk. But I needed more of Jane being more active in their relationship and less of Rossetti being the only one actively engaged in their relationship.
There are sections of the book that do make Jane seem less sympathetic. After beginning the affair with Rossetti, Jane is "sick with guilt" over the matter and then:
Then there's the scene where Jane is meant to be weaning Rossetti off drugs, but decides to "let him have as much [of the drug] as he wanted" because she's too scared of losing him, because he found a way around her restrictions and because he's like his old-self when he's on the drug. Yikes. Hickey is constrained by historical events, sure, but it happens in the space of one paragraph, suggesting that Jane didn't try very hard to get Rossetti off the drugs in the first place. It also felt like Jane was more concerned with getting back the charming, energetic Rossetti she fell in love with instead of making sure the person she loved was healthy and safe. If more time had been spent on this sequence of events, I think such negative impressions could have been mostly avoided.
This is a complaint that is appropriate to much of the book. The pace of The Wayward Muse is just too brisk. Things seem to happen in this book at great speed and little reflection. We get a whirlwind tour of Jane Burden's life but rarely do we ever get the time to breathe it in. Everything just happens so fast and it's easy to miss details – Jane gives birth for the first time in the space of a paragraph, her second pregnancy is mentioned as an aside. Now, I'm not fussed on baby subplots but I felt that such scenes needed to have more impact in the story.
I found the decision to refer to Rossetti and Morris by their surnames somewhat odd as the novel is written from Jane's perspective and to her, they were Gabriel and William.
Rossetti and Jane's husband, Morris, are more vividly drawn than Jane, but again, I wanted more depth in their characterisation. I was never quite clear on whether Rossetti's grand claims in regards to his feelings to Jane were real. I did appreciate that all the main players in the love triangle/square (Rossetti, Lizzie, Morris and Jane) were drawn sympathetically, though I thought Lizzie was underused and wanted to understand her and Morris' motivations more. Hickey seems to suggest that Lizzie exaggerated her poor health to manipulate Rossetti and that Morris is willing to accept Jane's affair with Rossetti if the facade of his marriage is maintained. It's fascinating, but it's only implied and too brief in execution. I wanted to see more of it.
Which really sums up my reaction to this book. There's so much there that I want to see more of and there are scenes and sequences that desperately need expansion to become more than a basic recital of facts. Despite the great list of flaws I've documented, I did find the book highly enjoyable. This, I think, is down to the bare bones of the story – it has all the right ingredients to be something truly special, but it always falls short.
I wanted to love this. I could have loved this. But The Wayward Muse was just disappointing on almost all accounts.
The Wayward Muse is an incredibly frustrating read. The bones for a great story are there, but author Elizabeth Hickey never gives it that extra push to make the book anything more than an enjoyable, but fairly insubstantial read. There's so much potential and The Wayward Muse never really comes close to fulfilling it.
As a note to historical accuracy – I'm largely unfamiliar with the details. My knowledge of the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood comes from watching Desperate Romantics and reading a few blog posts that briefly covered what liberties with the truth were taken in the show. On whole, The Wayward Muse seems to work well with what I know, but then I'm like Jon Snow: I know nothing.
Except Rossetti liked wombats. Which, as an Australian, makes me feel all warm and gooey inside. \o/
Hickey's writing style is fairly simple and straightforward, though not horrifically bad for the most part. It did need at least one more revision to remove awkward phrases, add depth and otherwise tighten things up. However, there are traces of depth to be found, but they are few and far between. I really liked Hickey's description of Rossetti, though:
He carried himself like someone who had been thought beautiful from a very young; his grace was slightly studied, as if he was used to be being looked at, ad his confidence seemed unerring, though he was no longer slender and his hairline was beginning to recede.The dialogue, at times, seemed jarring. In one instance, Jane tells one of her young daughters to put on a sweater. In my experience, "sweater" is an American term referring to the clothing that the British (and Australia) call a jumper or a jersey. Given that the book is almost entirely set in the United Kingdom and none of the characters are American, the use of "sweater" felt inappropriate. Having a doctor tell Jane "Mr. Rossetti has had a complete psychotic break" also didn't work for me as I associate the phrase "complete psychotic break" with more modern times. That said, I am not an language expert and can only comment on what I felt was jarring.
Now I need to talk about the biggest flaw in the book: Jane.
She's not unlikeable, but she's not terribly anything at all. The title describes her as "wayward", but if anything, she just sits in the middle and lets herself be pulled one way, then another and then another, as events unfold around her. She hardly makes any decisions for herself. In lively dinner scenes with the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood and associates, she's just an observer. She marries William Morris because her mother threatens to disown if she doesn't and it's Morris who does the pursuing.
Similarly, her affair with Rossetti is almost entirely motivated by Rossetti's pursuit and interest in her – while Jane is clearly infatuated with him, she always waits for him to make the first move. I enjoyed the suggestion of closeness between the two of them – the idea that at a party, they would sit in a dark corner and just talk. But I needed more of Jane being more active in their relationship and less of Rossetti being the only one actively engaged in their relationship.
There are sections of the book that do make Jane seem less sympathetic. After beginning the affair with Rossetti, Jane is "sick with guilt" over the matter and then:
This is how Rossetti felt when Lizzie died, she thought to herself. No wonder he drank himself to sleep.So, the unfortunate impression I get here is that Jane believes her guilt over having an affair is on a par Rossetti's guilt and grief over his wife's suicide. Is this supposed to make me feel sorry for Jane, or empathise with her emotional turmoil? It only makes me think less of her.
Then there's the scene where Jane is meant to be weaning Rossetti off drugs, but decides to "let him have as much [of the drug] as he wanted" because she's too scared of losing him, because he found a way around her restrictions and because he's like his old-self when he's on the drug. Yikes. Hickey is constrained by historical events, sure, but it happens in the space of one paragraph, suggesting that Jane didn't try very hard to get Rossetti off the drugs in the first place. It also felt like Jane was more concerned with getting back the charming, energetic Rossetti she fell in love with instead of making sure the person she loved was healthy and safe. If more time had been spent on this sequence of events, I think such negative impressions could have been mostly avoided.
This is a complaint that is appropriate to much of the book. The pace of The Wayward Muse is just too brisk. Things seem to happen in this book at great speed and little reflection. We get a whirlwind tour of Jane Burden's life but rarely do we ever get the time to breathe it in. Everything just happens so fast and it's easy to miss details – Jane gives birth for the first time in the space of a paragraph, her second pregnancy is mentioned as an aside. Now, I'm not fussed on baby subplots but I felt that such scenes needed to have more impact in the story.
I found the decision to refer to Rossetti and Morris by their surnames somewhat odd as the novel is written from Jane's perspective and to her, they were Gabriel and William.
Rossetti and Jane's husband, Morris, are more vividly drawn than Jane, but again, I wanted more depth in their characterisation. I was never quite clear on whether Rossetti's grand claims in regards to his feelings to Jane were real. I did appreciate that all the main players in the love triangle/square (Rossetti, Lizzie, Morris and Jane) were drawn sympathetically, though I thought Lizzie was underused and wanted to understand her and Morris' motivations more. Hickey seems to suggest that Lizzie exaggerated her poor health to manipulate Rossetti and that Morris is willing to accept Jane's affair with Rossetti if the facade of his marriage is maintained. It's fascinating, but it's only implied and too brief in execution. I wanted to see more of it.
Which really sums up my reaction to this book. There's so much there that I want to see more of and there are scenes and sequences that desperately need expansion to become more than a basic recital of facts. Despite the great list of flaws I've documented, I did find the book highly enjoyable. This, I think, is down to the bare bones of the story – it has all the right ingredients to be something truly special, but it always falls short.
I wanted to love this. I could have loved this. But The Wayward Muse was just disappointing on almost all accounts.
June 8, 2024
Fue una experiencia sensorial muy interesante. Es el primer libro en el que encuentro con detalle la descripción del acto sexual y fue novedoso para mí. Inicialmente, lo leí por pasar el tiempo, pero poco a poco me fui interesando y me gusto mucho. Tal vez las partes eróticas me ruborizaron un poco, pero también fueron pasajes interesantes que me permitieron reflexionar en mi propia sexualidad y en las oportunidades escriturales frente al conocimiento sobre el cuerpo y las sensaciones. Igualmente, me llamó la atención el personaje del señor Morris, y creo que en la vida hemos encontrado señores Morris con un amor infinito, pero que han sido subvalorados, tal vez nosotros hemos sido los señores Morris en la vida de alguien más y no han valorado nuestro amor.
November 14, 2018
It is fun to read this book and imagine yourself as Jane. She entranced the Pre-Raphaelite artist, Dante Gabriel Rossetti, and became the model for many of his paintings and she also served as his muse when he wrote poetry.
The author portrays the passion between the characters in a way that feels authentic and real.
How could I resist a tale of fiction that encompasses romance and art history? The answer is that I could not.
The author portrays the passion between the characters in a way that feels authentic and real.
How could I resist a tale of fiction that encompasses romance and art history? The answer is that I could not.
June 1, 2020
Es el primer libro que me he leído de esta autora. Es entretenido, ameno y con un ritmo adecuado. Me ha hecho interesarme por los prerrafaelistas, por Gabriel Rosetti, por Jane Burden y por William Morris, el padre del oficio de los decoradores. No puedo decir que me haya suscitado sentimientos intensos pero creo que no está escrito con esa intención, por lo que he disfrutado de una lectura amable, sin sobresalto ni catarsis.
December 27, 2016
Perfect little confection for all those--like me--who are totally absorbed by the pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood, especially the triangular love relationships centered around the "stunner," Jane Morris, wife of William Morris and muse/lover to Dante Gabriel Rossetti. Mostly believable dialogue and situations created around sound biographical research.
March 7, 2018
I enjoyed this book more than I care to admit... though it be a fictional accounting of what happened with Jane and Rossetti, it felt quite probable. They couldn't seem to resist each other. The longing that Elizabeth Hickey conveyed was beautiful. I have to keep reading about these two people... their love fascinates me.
June 25, 2021
I didn't realize this was based on actual historical events and people until the afterward. Would have been more engaging had I known that going in. It's an ok read, but it took me several chapters in to feel hooked.
January 12, 2025
I agree with other reviews. The writing was abrupt and didn’t seem to flow, because of this I couldn’t seem to ever connect with the characters. I was left wanting more.
August 23, 2025
Salseo de dos grandes artistas prerrafaelitas. No tenía muchas expectativas al leerlo pero me gustó mucho.
August 29, 2018
The Wayward Muse é um livro sobre artistas e musas. Jane Burden é uma jovem pobre, com uma família que pouco se importa com os seus desejos, e é considerada, pela própria mãe, como uma das mulheres mais feias de Oxford. Um dia, numa ida ao teatro, Jane conhece Rossetti, um artista famoso de Londres. Rossetti apaixona-se pela beleza de Jane e pede-a para posar para ele. É assim que Jane Burden vê a sua vida virada do avesso. De a mulher mais feia de Oxford, torna-se a mulher mais bela de Inglaterra. Rossetti fá-la a sua musa e apresenta-a ao Movimento Pré-Rafaelista, do qual faz parte. Jane começa a passar muito tempo com Rossetti e ambos acabam por se apaixonar.
Mas é então que, do dia para a noite, o jovem artista desaparece de Oxford deixando Jane para trás. Sem não saber bem o que fazer, esta acaba por se aproximar de Morris, um aprendiz de Rossetti, que tinha um fraquinho pela musa do mestre, e os dois casam-se. Não gostando verdadeiramente dele como gostava de Rossetti, Jane vai aprendendo a amar o marido e a ser a esposa de um artista. Tudo parece começar a encaixar-se até que Rossetti reaparece na vida do jovem casal. Jane vê-se invadida por vários sentimentos: os sentimentos que ainda tem por Rossetti e os sentimentos que tem pelo marido. Rossetti dá-lhe a impressão de ainda a amar e querer que ela traia o marido. Jane fica sem saber o que fazer: será que conseguirá fugir à tentação?
Foi nesta parte da história que eu fiquei. Tal como eu disse anteriormente, eu não tinha expectativas mas, no mínimo, esperava que a história fosse cativante. A autora começa bem a obra, contando-nos como é o dia-a-dia de Jane, a miséria em que vive, as aspirações que tem, o tipo de família que tem, etc. E é com prazer que vemos essa vida mudar para algo mais interessante: o núcleo do Movimento Pré-Rafaelista. Do nada, Jane vê-se rodeada de artistas com características diferentes, com vidas mais emocionantes do que a sua. E, claro, o amor entra em acção e brinda-nos com a sua presença. Então porque motivo eu não achei a história cativante? Porque o livro começa de forma agitada, interessante e, no momento em que Rossetti desaparece de Oxford, a acção vai com ele e passamos a ler uma história aborrecida, parada no tempo e prolongada por capítulos e capítulos.
Dei várias oportunidades à obra, até que cansei-me por completo e fui obrigada a dizer a mim mesma "Esta história já deu o que tinha a dar!". Acabei por ficar a meio da obra e senti um grande alívio quando a coloquei na prateleira.
No entanto, há algo que achei extremamente interessante e, de certa forma, creepy. Por diversão, fiz uma pesquisa no Google com os nomes dos personagens do livro e acabei por descobrir que todas estas "personagens" existiram mesmo. A sensação que me deu, foi que a autora decidiu pegar em pessoas reais, em factos reais e criar uma história com elas. Confesso que, em certos momentos, senti que estava a ler uma biografia misturada com fantasia. Não é possível dizer onde a fantasia termina e a realidade começa!
Enfim, The Wayward Muse foi uma perda de tempo (a não ser pelo facto de ter servido para treinar o inglês) e estou contente por tê-lo arrumado.
Mas é então que, do dia para a noite, o jovem artista desaparece de Oxford deixando Jane para trás. Sem não saber bem o que fazer, esta acaba por se aproximar de Morris, um aprendiz de Rossetti, que tinha um fraquinho pela musa do mestre, e os dois casam-se. Não gostando verdadeiramente dele como gostava de Rossetti, Jane vai aprendendo a amar o marido e a ser a esposa de um artista. Tudo parece começar a encaixar-se até que Rossetti reaparece na vida do jovem casal. Jane vê-se invadida por vários sentimentos: os sentimentos que ainda tem por Rossetti e os sentimentos que tem pelo marido. Rossetti dá-lhe a impressão de ainda a amar e querer que ela traia o marido. Jane fica sem saber o que fazer: será que conseguirá fugir à tentação?
Foi nesta parte da história que eu fiquei. Tal como eu disse anteriormente, eu não tinha expectativas mas, no mínimo, esperava que a história fosse cativante. A autora começa bem a obra, contando-nos como é o dia-a-dia de Jane, a miséria em que vive, as aspirações que tem, o tipo de família que tem, etc. E é com prazer que vemos essa vida mudar para algo mais interessante: o núcleo do Movimento Pré-Rafaelista. Do nada, Jane vê-se rodeada de artistas com características diferentes, com vidas mais emocionantes do que a sua. E, claro, o amor entra em acção e brinda-nos com a sua presença. Então porque motivo eu não achei a história cativante? Porque o livro começa de forma agitada, interessante e, no momento em que Rossetti desaparece de Oxford, a acção vai com ele e passamos a ler uma história aborrecida, parada no tempo e prolongada por capítulos e capítulos.
Dei várias oportunidades à obra, até que cansei-me por completo e fui obrigada a dizer a mim mesma "Esta história já deu o que tinha a dar!". Acabei por ficar a meio da obra e senti um grande alívio quando a coloquei na prateleira.
No entanto, há algo que achei extremamente interessante e, de certa forma, creepy. Por diversão, fiz uma pesquisa no Google com os nomes dos personagens do livro e acabei por descobrir que todas estas "personagens" existiram mesmo. A sensação que me deu, foi que a autora decidiu pegar em pessoas reais, em factos reais e criar uma história com elas. Confesso que, em certos momentos, senti que estava a ler uma biografia misturada com fantasia. Não é possível dizer onde a fantasia termina e a realidade começa!
Enfim, The Wayward Muse foi uma perda de tempo (a não ser pelo facto de ter servido para treinar o inglês) e estou contente por tê-lo arrumado.
December 18, 2022
me'l va recomanar me iaia i resulta que és sobre la història de siddal que ens va explicar el profe quan vam fer hamlet casualitats de la vida frfr
July 13, 2007
I've been fascinated by the Pre-Raphaelite movement ever since the Clark Art Museum in Williamstown, MA, hosted a special exhibit on Dante Gabriel Rossetti (and colleagues) in 2001 and everyone in town kept telling me, "Go see it! The paintings all look like you!" While that is arguable, the show sparked my own interest in the Pre-Raphaelites.
"The Wayward Muse" is a well-researched work of historical fiction that traces Jane Burden's rise from the slums of Oxford to her work as Rossetti's model, muse, inspiration, and passion. It gives depth to Rossetti's artist guild -- which included William Morris, the father of the Arts and Crafts Movement -- and provides background for the real figures of the time, as well as some insight to how they developed their artistic visions.
The heart of the story is the the love affair between Rossetti and Jane Burden Morris, and -- particularly interesting -- the love triangle between Rossetti, Jane Morris, and William Morris, as well as Rossetti's descent into addiction and madness.
While Elizabeth Hickey undoubtedly takes liberties in fleshing out these characters, their conversations, and their intimate thoughts, she does a fine job of making the artists (and their muses) well-rounded, believable characters with extraordinary talents and very human passions and vulnerabilities.
My main complaint: I would have been interested in more information about William Morris, who lingers on the sidelines of the romantic plot. I suppose I'll have to seek out a biography on him.
"The Wayward Muse" is a well-researched work of historical fiction that traces Jane Burden's rise from the slums of Oxford to her work as Rossetti's model, muse, inspiration, and passion. It gives depth to Rossetti's artist guild -- which included William Morris, the father of the Arts and Crafts Movement -- and provides background for the real figures of the time, as well as some insight to how they developed their artistic visions.
The heart of the story is the the love affair between Rossetti and Jane Burden Morris, and -- particularly interesting -- the love triangle between Rossetti, Jane Morris, and William Morris, as well as Rossetti's descent into addiction and madness.
While Elizabeth Hickey undoubtedly takes liberties in fleshing out these characters, their conversations, and their intimate thoughts, she does a fine job of making the artists (and their muses) well-rounded, believable characters with extraordinary talents and very human passions and vulnerabilities.
My main complaint: I would have been interested in more information about William Morris, who lingers on the sidelines of the romantic plot. I suppose I'll have to seek out a biography on him.
April 11, 2013
This was a charming book about the pre-Raphaelites, an era where both men and women were given to excess of emotion and willing to over-romanticize situations to death. Given to me as a gift (I recently published a book called "Ophelia's Wayward Muse"), I found the theme of the "wayward muse" explored in my poetry was explored in historical fiction in a very similar fashion. The obvious thought behind the "Madonna/whore" phenomenon in which women have been often typecast, even in eras that idealised women is echoed in the eternal legend of Camelot---where idealism fights against the inherent flaws in human nature that make it impossible.
Earlier in the year, another friend had sent me a book called "The Lives Of The Muses", which explored a number of interesting characters. Among others, there was a chapter on Lizzie Siddal, who only appears briefly in this novel but is still omnipresent.
I think you have to understand this a book about Rossetti and his circle of pre-Raphaelites to see that it is not simply a romance with a bunch of flawed heroes and heroines. In that era, much like the "Lost Generation" of the 20's and 30's, those were the characters that dominated the scene...and melodrama, idealism, abundance of alcohol, drugs, affairs, and even suicides were 'de rigeur'. I appreciated the opportunity to read this author, and would check out more of her works in future.
Earlier in the year, another friend had sent me a book called "The Lives Of The Muses", which explored a number of interesting characters. Among others, there was a chapter on Lizzie Siddal, who only appears briefly in this novel but is still omnipresent.
I think you have to understand this a book about Rossetti and his circle of pre-Raphaelites to see that it is not simply a romance with a bunch of flawed heroes and heroines. In that era, much like the "Lost Generation" of the 20's and 30's, those were the characters that dominated the scene...and melodrama, idealism, abundance of alcohol, drugs, affairs, and even suicides were 'de rigeur'. I appreciated the opportunity to read this author, and would check out more of her works in future.
March 20, 2014
I'm fascinated by the Victorian painters who were a part of the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood. Their art is exquisite! Thus, I was anxious to read this book regarding Jane Burden-Morris who was the model for many of the most stunning paintings that came from this movement.
When attending a theater production, Jane's life changed dramatically the day she met Dante Gabriel Rossetti. At the ripe age of 17, Dante plucked her like a pomegranate and took her from poverty to the rich, exciting world of the whirlwind, uncommon and unconventional life of this group of artists who had a mission to set convention upside down.
Dante seduced young Jane while he was still in a complicated relationship with his previous muse Lizzie Siddal. Breaking Jane's heart, he returned to Lizzie.
In a complicated web of intrigue, Jane developed a relationship with Dante's rich and talented friend William Morris, a co-member of the Pre-Raphaelites who was also was smitten by Jane.
Marrying Morris paved the way for a fuller and more stable life, but the cad Rossetti simply could not let her go.
While Hickey's writing is bland and not as powerful as I think it could be, I recommend this book to anyone interested in the paintings of Rossetti and the background of the Pre-Raphaelite brotherhood and their incredible art!
When attending a theater production, Jane's life changed dramatically the day she met Dante Gabriel Rossetti. At the ripe age of 17, Dante plucked her like a pomegranate and took her from poverty to the rich, exciting world of the whirlwind, uncommon and unconventional life of this group of artists who had a mission to set convention upside down.
Dante seduced young Jane while he was still in a complicated relationship with his previous muse Lizzie Siddal. Breaking Jane's heart, he returned to Lizzie.
In a complicated web of intrigue, Jane developed a relationship with Dante's rich and talented friend William Morris, a co-member of the Pre-Raphaelites who was also was smitten by Jane.
Marrying Morris paved the way for a fuller and more stable life, but the cad Rossetti simply could not let her go.
While Hickey's writing is bland and not as powerful as I think it could be, I recommend this book to anyone interested in the paintings of Rossetti and the background of the Pre-Raphaelite brotherhood and their incredible art!
February 9, 2016
The Wayward Muse tells the story of the original My Fair Lady, Jane Burden - an awkward teen living in an Oxford slum who happens to catch the eye of pre-Raphaelite painter Dante Gabriel Rossetti. Entranced with her unusual beauty, Rossetti hires Jane to model for him. As she does, she catches the eye and heart of fellow painter William Morris. When Rossetti abruptly leaves her and Morris professes his love, Jane makes a choice that changes her world.
The Wayward Muse begins as a deeply researched and richly textured love story. Jane Burden is a fascinating character, a woman who goes from a life where she's being prepped to be a scullery maid to becoming subject of some of the most famous paintings in the world and the toast of London society.
In the first half of the novel, author Elizabeth Hickey does a wonderful job capturing her life. Unfortunately, Hickey is unable to maintain the tension between Burden and Rossetti throughout the novel. Jane's life regresses into short scenes of dialogue and exposition and the richness and detail that Hickey originally captured is gone.
Nonetheless, The Wayward Muse is a novel that is sure to interest anyone who enjoys the works of Tracy Chevalier or Susan Vreeland.
The Wayward Muse begins as a deeply researched and richly textured love story. Jane Burden is a fascinating character, a woman who goes from a life where she's being prepped to be a scullery maid to becoming subject of some of the most famous paintings in the world and the toast of London society.
In the first half of the novel, author Elizabeth Hickey does a wonderful job capturing her life. Unfortunately, Hickey is unable to maintain the tension between Burden and Rossetti throughout the novel. Jane's life regresses into short scenes of dialogue and exposition and the richness and detail that Hickey originally captured is gone.
Nonetheless, The Wayward Muse is a novel that is sure to interest anyone who enjoys the works of Tracy Chevalier or Susan Vreeland.
March 22, 2009
I picked up this book because it was historical fiction, and I enjoyed it. I do not have much knowledge about the 17th century art movement that occurs in the novel, so I am not sure how accurate it is. But then again when reading historical fiction, it is best not to take things as hard fact.
The detail given to the costuming, artwork and living situation is very well done. And the dynamics of the relationships are interesting. I have to say that I was never able to feel for Jane Burden as the main character because of her actions. But that is what made Jane such an interesting character for me. I was intrigued by her choices.
This was a quick read that I enjoyed and am happy to add to my book collection.
The detail given to the costuming, artwork and living situation is very well done. And the dynamics of the relationships are interesting. I have to say that I was never able to feel for Jane Burden as the main character because of her actions. But that is what made Jane such an interesting character for me. I was intrigued by her choices.
This was a quick read that I enjoyed and am happy to add to my book collection.
September 23, 2008
As I was reading this novel, I really enjoyed it. When I realized that it was based on letters and journals of real people, I liked it even more.
That almost never happens. Usually when I find out that a story is based on real events I'm annoyed. There isn't usually a reason for this reaction, but something that I can't really put my finger on. True stories don't usually do it for me.
But this, I just found myself more interested in the characters and ended up reading other things about them as well.
That almost never happens. Usually when I find out that a story is based on real events I'm annoyed. There isn't usually a reason for this reaction, but something that I can't really put my finger on. True stories don't usually do it for me.
But this, I just found myself more interested in the characters and ended up reading other things about them as well.
September 8, 2010
This is kind of a historical novel and it was fair. Was not familiar with the characters before reading the book so it probably wasn't as interesting to me as it could have been if I were more familiar with the background.
The characters were pretty well drawn and the plot was a little short to me but againt hat might have been my fault for not knowing more about the historical basis of the book.
Some undoubtedly will enjoy this short book.
J. Robert Ewbank author "John Wesley, Natural Man, and the 'Isms'"
The characters were pretty well drawn and the plot was a little short to me but againt hat might have been my fault for not knowing more about the historical basis of the book.
Some undoubtedly will enjoy this short book.
J. Robert Ewbank author "John Wesley, Natural Man, and the 'Isms'"
August 20, 2007
Weak? That's right. I think the women of Elizabeth Hickey's books are defined by the brilliant men in their lives and that annoys me. Despite that, it is really exciting that the books are about art. In this case, it's Gabriel Dante Rosetti, William Morris, and the Pre-Raphaelite brotherhood. I like art, I like reading about art, and so I'll probably read another book by Hickey (if there are anymore). That's about all I have to say about that.
December 27, 2007
Despite my enthusiasm for all things related to the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood, i gave up on this book shortly after chapter five. The characters were exceptionally flat, the plot formulaic and uninteresting. With an embarrassment of riches to choose from, I find it unforgivable that Hickey didn't include more detail of the brotherhood's morbid philosophy and eccentricity. Besides, Lizzie Siddal was the real star of that sideshow.
March 9, 2008
Interesting novel about the Pre Raphaelite painters/poets.
Most specifically Gabriel Dante Rosetti, William Morris, Jane Burden Morris & Lizzie Sidall. I have owned a large print of Persopone for years. The face & figure of Rosetti's beautiful rendering is that of Jane Morris. This is an interesting, part factual, part fictional account of her entry into the charmed & cursed circle of the Pre-Raphelite Brother/Sisterhood & life thereafter.
Most specifically Gabriel Dante Rosetti, William Morris, Jane Burden Morris & Lizzie Sidall. I have owned a large print of Persopone for years. The face & figure of Rosetti's beautiful rendering is that of Jane Morris. This is an interesting, part factual, part fictional account of her entry into the charmed & cursed circle of the Pre-Raphelite Brother/Sisterhood & life thereafter.
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