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A review by nataliealane
Beauty in Thorns by Kate Forsyth
challenging
emotional
informative
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
BEAUTY IN THORNS is my first Kate Forsyth book, but it certainly won’t be the last!
Beauty in Thorns is a stunning historical fiction novel centering on the women too often pushed to the background, the muses and “Stunners” of the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood: Lizzy Siddal, Janey Morris, Georgiana Burne-Jones, and her daughter Margot.
All of these women are fully realized characters, complex, flawed, passionate dreamers and artists in their own rights. Drawn to the magnetic artists of the brotherhood, they experience passionate—-and often tumultuous—-romances that undoubtedly changed their lives and perspectives forever.
~
However, their lives are not just centered on love. Each has struggles, obstacles, dreams, and wills of their own. Kate Forsyth’s writing, vividly captures the allure of the artists, the passion of the romances, and the depths of the tragedy and despair so, so well. I was swept away from the very first page and enjoyed following each character. The ending was kind of weak IMO, but that’s my only complaint. If you are looking for historical fiction or historical romances to check out, give Kate Forsyth a try! She also had a lot of books inspired by fairytales.
All of these women are fully realized characters, complex, flawed, passionate dreamers and artists in their own rights. Drawn to the magnetic artists of the brotherhood, they experience passionate—-and often tumultuous—-romances that undoubtedly changed their lives and perspectives forever.
~
However, their lives are not just centered on love. Each has struggles, obstacles, dreams, and wills of their own. Kate Forsyth’s writing, vividly captures the allure of the artists, the passion of the romances, and the depths of the tragedy and despair so, so well. I was swept away from the very first page and enjoyed following each character. The ending was kind of weak IMO, but that’s my only complaint. If you are looking for historical fiction or historical romances to check out, give Kate Forsyth a try! She also had a lot of books inspired by fairytales.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Drug abuse, Eating disorder, Toxic relationship, and Vomit
Moderate: Alcoholism, Infidelity, Mental illness, Miscarriage, Sexual content, Suicide, Forced institutionalization, Grief, and Pregnancy
Minor: Cancer, Child death, Chronic illness, Death, Sexual assault, Death of parent, and Sexual harassment