Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

I enjoyed reading this and found it very informative. Anyone who has an interest in the history of actresses and theater will no doubt enjoy this one.

NetGalley, Bethany Swafford

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

From poverty-stricken beginnings to superstar status, Sarah Siddons became Britain’s greatest tragic actress. Her rise was not easy, but she overcame a disastrous London debut and relentless touring to electrify audiences with her performances. Adored by the public and royalty alike, she mastered her image and redefined the world of theater. This book is fascinating, engaging, and well-researched.

NetGalley, Andrea Romance

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

I had never heard of Sarah Siddons before so I was excited to read about her. Jo Willett does a fantastic job in bringing her to life in this book and it had that research element that I wanted.

NetGalley, Kathryn McLeer

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Sarah Siddons The First Celebrity Actress by Jo Willett is a stunning account of a woman who defied conventions and succeeded against the odds in an era where women were secondary and to be seen, not heard, having a career and independence unheard of.

As a part of a travelling troupe of actors, Sarah Siddons lived in poverty and destitution, only just surving. She left the troupe at 20, and over 10 years of hard work and toil, with her children in tow, she climbed the ranks to become the most famous actress despite the vicious rumours and slander trying to tarnish her reputation. Siddons married young and despite the image on the surface, behind closed doors, the marriage itself was very different.

Well written, intriguing and immersive, a very interesting account of a powerful soul.

NetGalley, Ink Reads

I have often seen the stunning Gainsborough portrait of Sarah in London’s National Gallery so this was a must-read. Detailed and thoroughly researched, this book provides a comprehensive account of the great actress’s life and it also gives us a good picture of her personality. She was truly an amazing woman! The daughter of itinerant players, who yet focused on respectability and success, Sarah had to really struggle to rise to the top. She married young, became the primary breadwinner in the marriage, and had many children. Presenting herself as virtuous and respectable, she ensured that actresses were not just seen as mistresses or prostitutes. She also became the first celebrity actress.

She suffered from ill-health, money troubles and various scandals but she managed to act until she was quite old, unusual even today for women. She was also greatly loved by her public. 5,000 people attended her funeral!

NetGalley, Lisa Sanderson

I've often wondered about the captivating woman painted several times by Thomas Gainsborough and others. Now my curiosity is satisfied by this biography of Sarah Siddons, the first "celebrity actress". She grew up as a member of a family troupe of travelling actors, always poor and often hungry, resorting to foraging for turnips to eat. But before she was 30 she had become a superstar, her fees greater than any actor - male or female - had previously achieved.

The book is full of period detail and I really enjoyed Sarah's story.

NetGalley, Gail Hanlon