WHILE Bolton waits to see how much cash it can make by flogging Millais’ painting The Somnambulist, I have been reading the debut novel with the same title written by a Victorian enthusiast, Essie Fox.
The painting, which is being auctioned in London next month and expected to realise between £70,000 and £100,000, helped to inspire the book and is copied on the first page.
I started to read the book (after I was sent a copy by publishers Orion Books) with a passing professional interest, but eventually I was hooked on this wellwritten tale taking in Victorian sleep-walking, lost love, murder and madness.
Many people thought Millais’ painting was based on Wilkie Collins’ novel, The Woman in White.
Others presumed it was Bellini’s La Sonnambula — a popular 19th century opera.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article