3 Review(s)

Pemberton traces the early lives of the Terry sisters, each of whom pursued acting at a young age. Ellen, the most famous, became one of England's leading actresses, celebrated for her Shakespearean roles alongside Sir Henry Irving. The book explores her magnetic presence on stage, her collaborations with Irving at the Lyceum Theatre, and her ability to bring deep emotional resonance to her performances, which captivated audiences and critics alike. Pemberton also provides insights into Ellen’s personal life, including her relationships and the challenges she faced balancing fame and family.In addition to Ellen, Pemberton highlights the careers of her sisters, Kate and Marion, who also enjoyed success on stage, though perhaps not with the same acclaim as Ellen. Through detailed anecdotes and personal reflections, Ellen Terry and Her Sisters paints a portrait of a talented family whose dedication to the arts left an enduring legacy in theater history. Pemberton’s work serves as both a tribute to the Terry sisters and an exploration of the vibrant world of 19th-century British theater.