What a dreadful read!

It was extremely slow and incredibly boring.

This lady typically writes cookery books and columns, and perhaps she really should just stick with that area.

It was truly one of the worst books I've read this year.

I found myself constantly struggling to stay interested and engaged.

The story seemed to plod along at a snail's pace, lacking any real excitement or momentum.

I had high hopes for this book, but unfortunately, it failed to deliver on every front.

I would not recommend this book to anyone looking for an entertaining or engaging read.

It was a real disappointment and a waste of my time.

I will definitely think twice before picking up another book by this author in the future.

I read the book titled "A profound secret: May Gaskell, her daughter Amy, and Edward Burne-Jones". Interestingly, I also noticed that it was published under another title, "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".

However, I'm not entirely convinced that the latter title is a great choice. To me, it gives the impression that the book is going to be much more focused on gossip and scandal than it actually is. In reality, this book tells a different story. It is about a Victorian woman named May, her family which includes her daughter Amy, and her friendship with Edward Burne-Jones.

Moreover, it is a personal story of the author's search for her relatives and their tales. It is a book that delves more into the mysteries and enigmas rather than providing straightforward answers. It offers a unique perspective on the lives of these individuals and the relationships that shaped them.

Overall, while the title might give a certain impression, the book itself is a fascinating exploration of a bygone era and the people who lived in it.

The book, to be honest, does drag a little bit at times. However, it is truly fascinating to delve into and read about the lives of the women during this particular period in history.

As you turn the pages, you are transported back in time and get a glimpse into the daily struggles, joys, and challenges that these women faced. Their stories are a testament to their strength and resilience in the face of adversity.

Although the pacing may not be perfect, the content more than makes up for it. It offers valuable insights into a world that is often overlooked or forgotten. Reading about the women's experiences during this historical period helps us to better understand the past and how it has shaped the present.

In conclusion, despite its minor flaws, this book is well worth reading for anyone interested in history and the lives of women.

From around page 80 until Edward Burne-Jones' death, this book truly deserves 5 stars.

The description of his correspondence with May Gaskell and her family is simply captivating. The excerpts of the actual letters are so engaging that they nearly make me feel giddy. He was not only an outstanding painter but also seemed to be quite lyrical with his pen.

However, a significant portion of this book reads like a family history that, unfortunately, would only be of interest to the relatives of the author.

Nevertheless, I give it four stars because, as I mentioned earlier, the segments that involve Burne-Jones are truly breathtaking. They offer a unique and fascinating insight into his life and work.

Overall, this book has its strengths and weaknesses, but the parts related to Burne-Jones make it well worth reading.

Edward Burne-Jones is truly just one among numerous characters in this story.

This narrative could effortlessly have been crafted into a novel. At times, I nearly forgot that it wasn't.

The very fact that it is based on truth renders it far more captivating. I derived a great deal of enjoyment from it.

Of course, it's not for everyone. This has to be the kind of thing that one has an affinity for.

It's a story that weaves together the lives and experiences of various individuals, with Edward Burne-Jones playing an important but not solitary role.

The authenticity of the tale gives it an added layer of depth and allure.

Those who appreciate such true-to-life accounts, filled with rich characters and engaging情节, are likely to find this story highly enjoyable.

However, for those who prefer more fictional or fantastical fare, it may not hold the same appeal.

Nevertheless, for me, it was a fascinating read that kept me engaged from start to finish.

I enjoyed reading this piece, but I have a sense that the author's family will derive the greatest satisfaction from it. It wasn't an overly exciting read for me.

However, I do think it offers a good perspective on the era in which it is set. It provides some interesting insights into the time and the circumstances.

Nevertheless, I couldn't help but feel that we never truly reached the core of Amy. We didn't really get a deep understanding of what she was truly about. There were aspects of her character and her story that seemed to remain hidden or unexplored.

Perhaps with a bit more in-depth exploration, we could have gained a more comprehensive and satisfying picture of Amy and her life. Overall, while it had its merits, there was still room for improvement in terms of fully uncovering the essence of the main character.

If you have a deep fascination with England during the 1890s, particularly its artistic realm, then this piece is tailor-made for you.

May Gaskell, who was part of the aristocratic group known as the "Souls", had such a profound impact on the Pre-Raphaelite artist Edward Burne-Jones that he was inspired to write to her five times a day.

Many of his most captivating writings originated from these letters to May, which were initially intended to be destroyed. Thankfully, they were not.

May's daughter Amy, painted by Burne-Jones in a sombre and dark style, presents an air of mystery.

This mystery is partially illuminated by the author Dimbleby, who is Amy's great aunt.

The book also features many famous figures of that era, such as Henry James, adding to its allure and historical significance.

It offers a unique glimpse into the artistic and social milieu of England in the 1890s, making it a must-read for those interested in this fascinating period.