"Red as a Rose is She: A Novel" by Rhoda Broughton intertwines romance, drama, and societal norms in the Victorian era. Broughton, a master of fiction, intricately weaves a tale that delves into the complexities of love, betrayal, and family relationships. Set against the backdrop of Victorian society, the novel follows characters navigating the rigid social norms and expectations of the time. Amidst the drama of family secrets and societal pressures, love blooms and betrayal lurks, shaping the destinies of those involved. Through vivid character portrayals and rich descriptions of Victorian England, Broughton immerses readers in a world of intrigue and passion. As characters grapple with their desires and confront societal constraints, secrets are revealed and alliances tested. With its exploration of love, betrayal, and the intricacies of human relationships, "Red as a Rose is She" stands as a captivating portrayal of Victorian society and the timeless struggles faced by its inhabitants. Broughton's masterful storytelling captures the essence of the era, offering readers a glimpse into a world where passion and propriety collide, leaving hearts broken and lives forever changed.
Rhoda Broughton was a Welsh novelist and short-story writer. Her early works were known for their sensationalism, thus critics often overlooked her later, stronger work, despite her being dubbed the "queen of the circulating libraries." Her novel Dear Faustina (1897) is known for its homoeroticism. Her novel Lavinia (1902) portrays a supposedly "unmanly" young man who wishes he had been born a woman. Broughton was a granddaughter of the 8th baronet, hence she descended from the Broughton family. She was Sheridan le Fanu's niece, and he helped her begin her literary career. Rhoda Broughton was born on November 29, 1840, in Denbigh, North Wales, the daughter of the Rev. Delves Broughton, youngest son of the Rev. Sir Henry Delves-Broughton, 8th baronet, and Jane Bennett, daughter of George Bennett, a prominent Irish barrister. Her aunt, Susanna Bennett, married the renowned fiction writer Sheridan le Fanu. Rhoda Broughton acquired an interest in reading as a young girl, particularly poetry. She was influenced by William Shakespeare, as seen by the frequent citations and allusions in her works. Presumably, after reading Anne Isabella Thackeray Ritchie's The Story of Elizabeth, she decided to test her own talent. Broughton, in turn, introduced Mary Cholmondeley to her publishers in 1887.
