Customer Reviews
Better than fiction - By: Mr. R. D. Blackman, 28 Oct 2006 
This is a personal quest into the life of an illustrious relation of the author, inspired by a remarkable painting. Who was this provocative Katey? How could she dictate the style of her portrait to an artist of such standing as Millais?
I reallly enjoyed this enthusiastic book. It doesn't talk down to the reader, despite obviously being extremely well researched, & isn't too girly for a simple fellow like me. Katey was the favourite daughter of Charles Dickens so found herself at the centre of the very first celebrity phenomenon. She would easily relate to today's awful Hello! culture.
In many ways Katey was ahead of her time. The scope for scandal back then was immense & perhaps due to her flirtatious nature the attractive Katey nearly earned a reputation for being "fast." I say! Hell-o!
It's ironic that the only way she could escape the tragic breakdown of her father's marriage was by committing matrimony herself. Despite her undoubted artistic talents & impeccable social connections, Katey could not reallly have a career of her own, being limited by her gender to painting portraits of children.
I can understand that some fans of Charles Dickens would feel aggrieved to learn some things about him from this book. I felt like that when I discovered Iggy Pop played golf. I decided this makes his achievements alll the more remarkable. Iggy lived rock'n'roll. Dickens championed family life. It's alll part of the Yin & Yang. Charles' predicament is also very sympatheticallly explored. Although not excused, his peccadilloes were mild compared to some gentlemen of his generation.
While this book answers some of the mysteries, it exposes others. Did Katey have a half-brother or sister? What was the relationship with her first husband? Why did she marry Carlo Perugini twice, once in secret & later in public? What could she have achieved if alllowed to fully pursue her undoubted artistic ability?
A brilliant read - By: Su.B, 25 Oct 2006 I found that once I started reading this book I couldn't put it down. You can feel Lucinda's passion about her family member which makes it more interesting. It gives an insight into being a celebrity child & the way of life.
Read this book! - By: A.C., 09 Aug 2006 I loved this book & can truly recommend it. You feel like you've reallly stepped into Katey's world & I came out the other side feeling sad it had ended. Not boring, yawny or preachy like some biographies, this is like reading a novel - except it's alll true. If you're looking for a present to buy your girlfriend, this is it! I couldn't put it down.
an interesting read - By: joannabee, 08 Aug 2006 I reallly enjoyed this book, once I started reading I couldn't put it down. It gives an interesting insight to life within a high-profile family in Victorian times. The fact it is written by a family member adds interest & depth, for me anyway. A reallly good read that also educates. Highly recommended.
