This is the story of Victorine Laurent. She is a courtesan in Paris in the 1800's (I think that time frame is right - forgive me - I'm swamped with homework and can't think straight. lol!)
Victorine is from a small town and at an early age is taken to Paris by her Aunts to join the Paris Opera ballet. This is where many young girls go in hopes of becoming the mistress of a wealthy man.
Edouard Manet notices her and wants to paint her. His paints bring a lot of controversy but also help land her a very wealthy man. He buys her houses, gowns, a trust fund, anything a women would want.
This story is about her life and the different things she deals with, dealing with rich women who know she is a courtesan, worrying about being dropped and becoming a beggar women, finding the real answers to her past, etc.
I really enjoyed this book. I compare it to In The Company of the Courtesan by Sarah Dunant. The stories are different - but in a way similar since they are both historical fiction that deal with the life of a courtesan. That being said - I think if you liked Dunant's book - you will also like this one. If you haven't read either one but like historical fiction - give this one a try. If you are looking for a lot of historical facts and info - this might not be that kind of book. But..if you do like historical fiction, check this one out because it's a good read.
new author/fiction/ 289 pgs
2 comments:
I really liked this one. It was a really good read. :)
You should post this on the Amazon page for this book. It's such a thoughtful review!
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