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May and Amy: A True Story of Family, Forbidden Love, and the Secret Lives of May Gaskell, Her Daughter Amy, and Sir Edward Burne-Jones

josceline dimbleby

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A chance encounter at a summer party sent writer Josceline Dimbleby on a quest to uncover a mystery in her family’s past. After talking with Andrew Lloyd Webber about a beautiful, dark portrait in his art collection, she decided to find out more about the subject of the her great-aunt Amy Gaskell. Dimbleby had always known her great-aunt’s face from this haunted portrait by the well-known Pre-Raphaelite painter Sir Edward Burne-Jones, but beyond that and a family rumor that Amy had died young “of a broken heart,” Dimbleby knew little of her female forebears.

At the start of her search, Josceline came across a cache of unpublished letters from Burne-Jones to her great-grandmother May Gaskell, Amy’s mother. These letters turned out to be part of a passionate correspondence—adoring, intimate, sometimes up to five letters a day—which continued throughout the last six years of the painter’s life. As she read, more and more questions Why did Burne-Jones feel he had to protect May from an overwhelming sadness? What was the deep secret she had confided to him? And what was the tragic truth behind Amy’s wayward, wandering life, her strange marriage, and her unexplained early death?

In piecing together the eventful life of her grandmother, Dimbleby takes us through a turbulent period in history that includes the Boer War, the Great War, and the Second World War and visits the most far-flung corners of the British Empire. The Souls—William Morris, Rudyard Kipling, and William Gladstone—all play a part in this sweeping, often funny, and sometimes tragic story. Above all, it is her infectious enthusiasm for a subject so close to home that makes May and Amy such a compelling and richly entertaining read.

370 pages, Hardcover

First published March 1,2004

This edition

Format
370 pages, Hardcover
Published
January 11, 2005 by Harmony
ISBN
9780609609996
ASIN
0609609998
Language
English

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josceline dimbleby

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Community Reviews

Rating(4.2 / 5.0, 19 votes)
5 stars
8(42%)
4 stars
6(32%)
3 stars
5(26%)
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19 reviews All reviews
Profile Image for Kimberly .
vilosove
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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You have to be fascinated by the times or you will not be fascinated by this book.

This statement holds a certain truth. Our era is filled with countless unique characteristics and rapid changes. The events, technologies, and social phenomena that occur in our times shape our perspectives and interests.

If a person is not intrigued by the happenings and developments of the era, it becomes difficult for them to engage deeply with a book that reflects or explores those aspects.

For example, a book that delves into the impact of artificial intelligence on society may not capture the attention of someone who has no interest in the technological advancements of our time.

On the other hand, those who are fascinated by the times are more likely to be drawn to books that offer insights and interpretations of the world around them.

They seek to understand the forces that are shaping our society and are eager to explore different viewpoints and ideas.

In conclusion, being fascinated by the times is often a prerequisite for being fascinated by a book that is relevant to our era.
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__kirisaki
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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Loved it.

Fascinating.

This simple yet powerful statement holds a world of meaning. When we say "loved it," it implies a deep sense of affection and enjoyment. It could refer to a book that captured our imagination, a movie that touched our hearts, or an experience that left us breathless.

The word "fascinating" further emphasizes the allure and captivation of whatever it is that we loved. It suggests that there was something about it that held our attention, something that made us want to learn more, explore further, and沉浸其中.

Perhaps it was the unique characters, the intricate plot, or the beautiful scenery. Maybe it was the innovative ideas, the thrilling action, or the emotional depth. Whatever it was, it had a profound impact on us and left us with a lasting impression.

Loved it. Fascinating. These two words sum up the essence of a truly remarkable experience. They remind us of the power of art, entertainment, and life to touch our souls and make us feel alive.
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gemutlichkeit17
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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I wish I could remember why this was on my TBR. Apparently, it was added at the end of 2010. I seem to recall that one of the main characters and this book was mentioned in another book I read. However, a quick look at the books I read in 2010 doesn't shed any light on this.

Anyway, I couldn't see any point in this book for the general public. Without all the facts, nothing was really revealed that could have been shocking by the standards of the time. It seemed rather平淡 and uneventful.

The only reason this is a two-star review and not a one-star review is that I found the information about May Gaskell collecting books for service men interesting. It added a bit of a unique touch to the story. But overall, the book didn't really capture my attention or leave a lasting impression.

I'm not sure if I would recommend this book to others. It might be of some interest to those who are specifically interested in the topic of book collecting during that time period or in the life of May Gaskell. But for the average reader, it might not be worth the read.
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Lynx3
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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Strangely compelling, this work offers a unique and fascinating look into a particular period of time.

I would highly recommend it for my Anglophile friends who are eager to gain a more personal perspective on the cusp between the Victorian and Edwardian eras.

During this time, society was undergoing significant changes, and this book delves into the lives and experiences of the people who lived through it.

It provides a detailed and engaging account of the social, cultural, and political landscape of the time, as well as the personal stories and relationships of the individuals who inhabited it.

Whether you are a history buff or simply interested in learning more about this fascinating period, this book is sure to captivate and inform you.

So, if you have Anglophile friends who are looking for a new and interesting read, be sure to recommend this book to them. They are sure to thank you for it!
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KingKusanagi
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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I found the story and certain aspects of the family history quite engaging. However, my major concern lies in her excessive use of rhetorical questions, as Kathryn Hughes also pointed out. They seem overly theatrical and create the anticipation that something conclusive will be disclosed. Regrettably, this is not always the case. I'm rather conflicted. The book is interesting, yet I desired more content related to the Pre-Raphaelites.

From Kathryn Hughes' review of A Profound Secret.

http://www.theguardian.com/books/2004...

Are these persistently rhetorical questions irritating? They pale in comparison to the countless unanswered inquiries that Dimbleby presents throughout this breathless book. In fact, chapter four concludes with three consecutive ones, the last of which urgently asks, "Was it melodramatic of me to wonder if [Burne-Jones] could have had a premonition of [Amy's] fate?" At this moment, one feels compelled to leap into the text and stomp on the question marks until they are defeated, no longer able to perform their annoying trick of suggesting openness while stubbornly refusing to direct the argument in any specific direction.

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DarkRabbitReaper
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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Josceline Dimbleby has long been one of Britain's most beloved food writers. However, "A PROFOUND SECRET" marks a departure for her.

It is the captivating tale of how an old portrait served as the catalyst for her to delve deeper into her family's past, uncovering a plethora of secrets and mysteries. The portrait in question was of her great-aunt Amy Gaskell, painted by the renowned Pre-Raphaelite artist Edward Burne-Jones.

As a young girl, Josceline was led to believe that her great-aunt had passed away at a young age due to a broken heart. Determined to learn more, she embarked on a journey that led to the discovery of a box of secret love letters between the famous artist and Amy's mother, May. Shockingly, both were married to other people at the time.

Josceline also unearthed the tragic truth behind Amy's early demise. This book is not only about the revelations she made but also about the process of her search. Thus, it is both a thrilling detective story and a poignant account of a clandestine love affair.
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Fantaisie-Triste
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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The story concealed behind one of Burne-Jones' eerie portraits is, in and of itself, truly haunting. Even years after having delved into it, I find myself still referring to the people and places vividly described within the book. This particular novel belongs to that exclusive category which, upon reaching its conclusion, leaves you with a sense of mild disorientation and a profound longing for the characters and settings that have become so familiar. It is executed with great finesse. Indeed, this is "one of those books" that linger in your mind long after you have turned the final page, etching an indelible mark on your literary consciousness.

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