This is an unflinching look at the life of Mrs Oscar Wilde. Constance was an incredible woman, famous in her own right for her beauty and her own foray into the literary world. She was a dedicated mother and friend, and long-suffering wife to Oscar. I was astounded by the evidence of his very poor treatment of her throughout most of their married life, particularly when she so clearly idolised her husband. Franny Moyle writes in a compelling fashion about this very special couple. I felt a sort of impoverishment when I finished this book as I had become so wrapped up in the details of the family life of such an extraordinary family.

I asked for this book for Christmas, as this year I'm studying some of the work of Oscar Wilde, and wanted to know a bit more about his personal life. After not receiving a copy, I opted to wait until it came out in paperback, and buy it for myself. I purchased it, and I swear, it was well worth the wait. Unlike a lot of biographies I've read, facts did not seem to take over this book. They were, however, there, and plentiful. And I learnt a lot. I found myself thinking about the book when I wasn't reading it, and even now, having finished it several weeks ago, it remains poignant in my mind.