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There are currently 44 member reviews
for The Paris Winter
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Sue P. (Richardson, TX)
The Paris Winter - Simply Outstanding
It took me a few days to start reading this book because I had another one I had to finish and review. But when I did, I absolutely devoured it. This book has everything. It is one of the best Historical Fiction books I have ever read. At first, the pace is gentle and soothing, almost like watching a peaceful river glide by, and then before you know it, you are thrown into the rapids and swimming for your life. It is dark and dangerous; mysterious and full of knowledge; and the ART - oh, the Art and Artists depicted! The emotions and characters embodied in this novel make it unique in the genre. I urge people to mark the publication date -- November 14, 2014 -- on their calendar and then make arrangements to do nothing else until you finish reading it. I did not want this book to end.
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John W. (Saint Louis, MO)
The Darker Side of Paris
The writing was good and when I closed my eyes I could imagine that I was someone observing Maud from a distance. It starts slow, but quickly improves to a very interesting ending. I enjoyed the descriptions of works of art at the beginning of several of the chapters. After finishing reading the book this detail gives a great surprise at the end. I love Paris, but this book explores a side of Paris not portrayed in most books. It is more sinister and on the darker side of life versus the romantic and sunny side of life usually portrayed in literature or movies.
I loved the character development of the three central characters, Tanya, Yvette and Maud – especially Maud. What made the book interesting for me was the complexity of the relationships between these characters. What I didn't like was the introduction of so many characters that made it difficult for me to relate to any of them except the main ones.
I highly recommend this wonderful story of secrecy, greed, deceit and revenge to anyone that loves historical mysteries.
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Molly B. (Longmont, CO)
An imaginative story about the slippery nature of reality
This was a fun read – full of history and art and intrigue. Robertson surprised me with plot twists. She provided easily processed information about gender politics and expectations in the 1900s, as well as Parisian and art history. She created full characters, varied and understandable and real, as well as humorous national stereotypes. There is a strong theme of the perpetual question of what is real in life and in art. The author's technique of including descriptions of paintings from a particular collection to coincide with the story seemed so realistic, I went on line to see if the collection actually existed. Mirroring her story line, I found myself questioning what in her book was real and what was fictitious. This story was very neatly created and complete. I will look for more of Robertson's books, based on this delightful read.
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Linda W. (Arlington, TX)
Romantic and suspenseful
The word that kept coming to mind as I read The Paris Winter was fascinating--fascinating characters in a fascinating milieu in a fascination city. Imogen Robertson is a real pro who knows how to create lively characters and keep the plot moving along without wasted words or scenes. The place and time are Paris, December 1909--January 1910, when the Seine flooded disastrously. The title, The Paris Winter seems inadequate, though, to describe the story of several independent women artists who work together to foil someone who wants to destroy the reputation of one of them.
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Norman G. (Washougal, WA)
The Paris Winter
I thought at first that I would never get through the book as the cover made me think Chic Lit, but I was very pleasantly surprised. All characters were well-drawn, the story moved at a good pace, the historical locale proved interesting, and the ending satisfied. The only flaw for me in the book was the obsessive nature that Maud developed after her unfortunate accident. I thought for her character it was a bit too much. Otherwise, a five star beach read.
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Kathryn K. (Oceanside, CA)
C'est Magnifique!
The Paris Winter is an excellent example of what historical fiction should be like! Imogene Robertson, pulls readers into Paris, the winter of December 1909/1910. There we meet three young women from very different social groups, as their paths cross and intertwine at Art Académie LaFond. I was hooked as the pages begin turning themselves. There were several twists and turns I didn't see coming, making it a very compelling read. Even with such an engaging plot the author manages to keep the reader in Paris during the early twentieth century. The flooding of Paris, January 1910, plays an important role in this tome. It is a really great read! The Paris Winter! – check it out! Ms. Robertson, you have a new fan!
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Donna W. (Wauwatosa, WI)
The Paris Winter
The Paris Winter is a quick and fun read. It gives an interesting look at the seamy side of the early 1900's in Paris. Two art students at the Lafond Academie (one poor and one rich and a model at the Academie make up the three main characters, and they lead us through the glamorous, and into the dark and decadent side of Paris. Robbery, drugs and murder all play a part in this story, and the colorful side characters enrich the tale.
The story starts slowly, but after a complete about face halfway through, the action picks up and the pace quickens so that the reader can't wait to see what happens next. Historical fiction enthusiasts will love this book!
