debbiecuddy's review against another edition
5.0
I loved this book so much that I didn't want it to end. I enjoyed reading about the artists and their work and how difficult it was to create and preserve art during the war. I loved the descriptions of Provence and could almost smell the lavender in the air. The characters were wonderful and made me want to travel there to meet them. I didn't expect to enjoy this as much as I did and would recommend this book to everyone.
leleroulant's review against another edition
5.0
I loved this book! With the enchanting descriptions of Provence and the magnificent narratives on the art pieces of Pissaro, Cezanne, Picasso and Chagall, I was enthralled right to the end.
rva_reader's review against another edition
5.0
I really enjoyed this book. It takes place in France during WWII and I loved the writing style, I loved how it was based on French artists and I love that it took place in the south of France. I have visited both Paris and the south of France to it brought back fond memories. I also liked the way the story unfolded and how it ended. It kept me in suspense and I couldn't put the book down.
sssnoo's review against another edition
3.0
Good, solid WWII historical fiction. Not a strong war, as in “in the thick of it” story as it is set in Vichy France. So there are collaborators and resistaance and people hiding and going to fight, but it is more of a story about the historical significance of the region and town that mined ochre for oil paints. Woven around that is a story about art, paintings, several noted artists of the time and what happened to them and their art during the war. Some of the romance part of the story was a little saccharine for me, but I admit to being picky on this measure. If you enjoyed Nightengales, Lilac Girls, Beneath a Scarlet Sky you will likely enjoy this book. I rank it above Nightengales and below the other two for story, but equal to the top two for learning something new about the time. There are some nice images on the auther’s website that are exceedingly helpful if you want to really enjoy this book; after all, a picture is worth a thousand words. http://www.svreeland.com/ll-gallery.html
This novel spoke to me enough that I am contemplating a vacation to the town it is set in, and the region. And I will seek out works by the artists covered in the book, especially Cezanne, Chagall and Pissarro as I visit museums in the future. I will think of this book every time I see ochre oils, especially if they are in a painting from the era when almost all ochre came from this region.
This novel spoke to me enough that I am contemplating a vacation to the town it is set in, and the region. And I will seek out works by the artists covered in the book, especially Cezanne, Chagall and Pissarro as I visit museums in the future. I will think of this book every time I see ochre oils, especially if they are in a painting from the era when almost all ochre came from this region.
debmed's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
nikemv's review against another edition
emotional
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.25
phoevincent's review against another edition
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Grief, and War
Moderate: Animal death, Sexual harassment, and Terminal illness
Minor: Injury/Injury detail
farkle's review against another edition
4.0
People find meaning in art in many ways. It's not all about study and art history, it's about personal connection, story, and simply taking a closer look. Lisette reminds one that the story they find meaning in is the one that matters.