xeyra's review against another edition
3.0
Apparently, this was Tracy Chevalier's first novel, quite different from most of her other ones. I have read two other novels by this author, "Girl with a Pearl Earring" and "The Lady and the Unicorn", and have enjoyed both very much. This author has a style that appeals to me, simple and straightfoward but with a beauty of its own in the way she captures the characters that compose her stories.
Although I liked "The Virgin Blue", reading it in two days, I ended up fairly confused as to what had happened and why in some particular occasions. I couldn't understand the character's motivations, perhaps because I did not fully compreend the historical background in which part of it took place and what beliefs the people held. I was lost, at times, not understanding why some people reacted or acted the way they did and though some things are explained, many other questions were left unanswered in my mind. In fact, the ending was somewhat abrupt, at least where the past is concerned, as well as some of the relationships portrayed, which I thought moved too fast.
Although I liked "The Virgin Blue", reading it in two days, I ended up fairly confused as to what had happened and why in some particular occasions. I couldn't understand the character's motivations, perhaps because I did not fully compreend the historical background in which part of it took place and what beliefs the people held. I was lost, at times, not understanding why some people reacted or acted the way they did and though some things are explained, many other questions were left unanswered in my mind. In fact, the ending was somewhat abrupt, at least where the past is concerned, as well as some of the relationships portrayed, which I thought moved too fast.
emmaaxtco's review
3.0
I liked it.
Started out really strong and couldn’t put it down. Then things settled a bit and I found Ella a little frustrating. Picked right back up though for the last 1/3 or so.
Definitely had some “first novel” weaknesses about it. Things seemed to be figured out a little too easily. Could have done without the romantic drama. But hey, it’s fiction, it was entertaining. Definitely worth the $2 it cost me from the used bookstore.
Started out really strong and couldn’t put it down. Then things settled a bit and I found Ella a little frustrating. Picked right back up though for the last 1/3 or so.
Definitely had some “first novel” weaknesses about it. Things seemed to be figured out a little too easily. Could have done without the romantic drama. But hey, it’s fiction, it was entertaining. Definitely worth the $2 it cost me from the used bookstore.
sonia921's review against another edition
1.0
One of the worst books I've read in a while. Fun idea, incredibly poorly done.
venusv's review against another edition
4.0
'Ah, the blue of the Renaissance. You know there is lapis lazuli in this blue. It was so expensive they could only use it for important things like the Virgin's robe.’
Two women:
Isabelle du Moulin, also known as La Rousse, is mistreated in every way possible due to her red hair and love for the Virgin Mary in a village of protestants. She is married to an abusive husband, and is trying her best to be a mother to her three children and to keep her secrets from the biting wolves that surround her.
Ella Turner, also known as Ella Tournier, has moved to France in modern day with her less than perfect husband who she may or may not be falling out of love with. To fill her time, she starts to do some research on her family ancestry and in turn figures out a lot about not only the past, but herself in the present.
I adored this book. It was so mundane, yet the understated magic jumped off the page with every word. I felt so cozy in the small village of Lisle-sur-Tarn when following Ella's POV, and equally uncomfortable during Isabelle's POV. Both women were so developed and human. It was very easy to relate to them. And the ending.... I wanted more! I have so many unanswered questions, and sorely wish there was a more in depth epilogue. Props to Tracy Chevalier, because this book was absolutely amazing.
Two women:
Isabelle du Moulin, also known as La Rousse, is mistreated in every way possible due to her red hair and love for the Virgin Mary in a village of protestants. She is married to an abusive husband, and is trying her best to be a mother to her three children and to keep her secrets from the biting wolves that surround her.
Ella Turner, also known as Ella Tournier, has moved to France in modern day with her less than perfect husband who she may or may not be falling out of love with. To fill her time, she starts to do some research on her family ancestry and in turn figures out a lot about not only the past, but herself in the present.
I adored this book. It was so mundane, yet the understated magic jumped off the page with every word. I felt so cozy in the small village of Lisle-sur-Tarn when following Ella's POV, and equally uncomfortable during Isabelle's POV. Both women were so developed and human. It was very easy to relate to them. And the ending.... I wanted more! I have so many unanswered questions, and sorely wish there was a more in depth epilogue. Props to Tracy Chevalier, because this book was absolutely amazing.
mryjne's review against another edition
5.0
i really liked her writing. this book was in my piles for a while i'm not sure what took me so long to read it, seeing as though i liked her other book lol i guess this one slipped through the cracks, @ anyrate i liked this story a lot. i couldnt really guess what was coming until i was there and i really liked how the pieces of the story came together. Tracy Chevalier writes slowly and deliberately, carefully, making me notice each detail and take it all in.
zencat's review against another edition
4.0
Did not like the beginning and almost stopped. Glad I kept going. Sometimes it felt like a mystery and sometimes like a ghost story. Really interesting. I liked the concept with the two women in different time periods.
jojobug's review against another edition
emotional
informative
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
wyemu's review
5.0
'The Virgin Blue' contains all the subtlety and understated passion that made 'The Girl with the Pearl Earring' so heart-wrenchingly beautiful and haunting. Part of what makes Chevalier such an amazing writer is her ability to change locations, situations and characters and yet maintains the a sense of calm with passionate and tumultuous emotions just beneath the surface. The characters are always compelling and realistic, they really draw the reader in even as they give little of themselves away.
frankiec's review
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child death, Abortion, and Miscarriage