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 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 Love love LOVED Following Ophelia. Brilliantly done. -- Catherine Johnson 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 The pomp. The flair. The excess. The detail. Nothing was missed and it made for such an enthralling read. -- Behind on Books Adored it. Beautifully written, evocative and gripping. (And I want more.) -- Keris Stainton Atmospheric & evocative Following Ophelia has all the right ingredients & leaves you wanting more. -- Rhian Ivory I was gripped from start to finish...I've already recommended this book to a few people with teen daughters, as it's not only a thoroughly enjoyable romp through Victorian London, but also a great book for introducing Pre-Raphaelite art. I'm delighted to have read it! -- Lucy Banks 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. -- Tea Party Princess This is Bennett's first historical fiction title and she does a wonderful job with the glamour, scandal and dresses of the period -- Fiona Noble * The Bookseller * A vivid portrait of Pre-Raphaelite glamour and the perils of beauty, desire and independence. -- Anna McKerrow