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The Wayward Muse by Elizabeth Hickey

The Wayward Muse: a Novel by Elizabeth Hickey. This is the story of Jane Burden, considered one of the plainest and ugliest girls on Holywell Street, an Oxford slum, in 19th century England. It would be a tall order for Jane to marry well with this dubious distinction, as well as coming from an extremely poor family. A fortuitous visit to the theater with her sister Bessie leads Jane to be discovered by Dante Gabriel Rossetti, a famous, and scandalous, painter, who today is known as one of the founders of the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood. Rossetti sees through her course hair and severe expression to proclaim her “the most beautiful girl in Oxford. Maybe in all of England.” She begins modeling for him and they soon being a passionate affair. When Rossetti leaves abruptly, with no plans to return, Jane is heartbroken. The thought of returning to her old life, under her mother’s tyrannical watch, is too much. She marries one of Rossetti’s friends, William Morris, who is known today as the Father of the Arts and Crafts Movement, and they have a passionless, but stable marriage. Their circle of friends encompasses many of the artists of the day, including Rossetti. The temptation proves to be too great and they begin an affair, eventually with William’s grudging acceptance. Very entertaining quick read, with an appealing blend of history, art, and romance.