Effie: The Passionate Lives of Effie Gray, John Ruskin and John Everett Millais

 

Summary (from the publisher):The Scottish beauty Effie Gray is the heroine of a great Victorian love story. Married at 19 to John Ruskin, she found herself trapped in an unconsummated union. She would fall in love with her husband’s protégé, John Everett Millais, and inspire some of his most memorable art, but controversy and tragedy continued to stalk her.

Suzanne Fagence Cooper has gained exclusive access to Effie’s family letters and diaries to show the rise and fall of the Pre-Raphaelite circle from a new perspective, through the eyes of a woman whose charm and ambition helped to shape the careers of both her husbands. Effie Gray is a compelling portrait of the extraordinary woman behind some of the greatest paintings of the Victorian era.

Review: This biography follows the life of Effie Gray and the two men she called husband. Born in 1828 in Scotland, Effie married the well known writer John Ruskin at the age of 19. Although he wrote her many loving letters during their courtship, he proved less than a loving or devoted husband. He was apparently disgusted by her body on their wedding night and refused to consummate their marriage. The couple was married for six years, during which time he continued to refuse to sleep with his wife, told her she was mad and it would be wrong for her to be a mother, and mostly left her to her own devices in society and otherwise. Eventually, the marriage was annulled, which was a great scandal at the time. Later, Effie married the well known painter John Everett Millais, who had previously been a friend of her first husband and whom Effie had fallen in love with while still married to Ruskin. Everett and Effie had eight children together and were quite well off due to the success of his portraits. 

This was an absolutely fascinating tale of a true life love triangle. During a time period which it was virtually unheard of for women to be released from their marriage vows, Effie successfully did it. Of course, this was not without the pain of having many shun her for being twice married. Cooper extensively references Effie's journals and letters and a substantial amount of detail about her perspective on the whole affair is included. I admired Effie's parents for supporting their daughter for the entirety of her life, and helping her escape from a loveless and cruel marriage. This biography was also interesting from the perspective of the behind the scenes of Victorian art. Effie and her siblings and children frequently modelled for Everett's paintings. And during both of her marriages, Effie took up a role in supporting and representing her husband and his work in society. 

While certainly not a happily ever after tale, it was gratifying to see a real life example of a woman who managed to find an out. She could've remained miserable and childless in her first marriage but she bravely seized her chance at a marriage that was more fulfilling for her. I do wish a bit more had been included about the final years of Ruskin's life after the end of their marriage. All in all, a truly fascinating Victorian biography. 

Stars: 4