Wonderfully readable, informative and even gossipy. Parallel Lives is a fascinating glimpse into the personal lives of our most pre-eminent literary Victorians but also gives insight as to how power can change and strain our human relationships.

Not only a beautiful book to look at ( look at that beautiful spine ) It's totally addictive! Here we have the good, the mad, the bad of 5 Victorian marriages. Full of gossip, humour & naughtiness this a pure joy to read. Especially recommended for those who like to "dip in" rather than read from page A-Z.

This is a deeply fascinating look at five prominent Victorian writers and their relationships with their partners. By taking famous figures as examples, Rose really brings the strange institution of the Victorian marriage to life. The research is rigorous but lightly worn and this proves to be a quirky, engrossing read.