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There are currently 44 member reviews
for The Paris Winter
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Mary Lou C. (Shenandoah Junction, WV)
Paris Winter
This is a great, well written historic fiction set in Paris during the "Beautiful Era". The story started a little slow, but it didn't take long to get into the characters and the story line.
The story takes place in the early 1900s and gives the reader insight into the difficulties of women of that era, beginning to realize their strengths and independence.
I loved the characters. I'm looking forward to reading more from this author.
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Debra V. (Kenosha, WI)
Wonderful, quick read
Most of the time I enjoy historical fiction and this book was no exception. It was an interesting time in history because women were fighting to enter formerly "male" occupations, like art & medicine. I knew very little about how women artists were treated -- and of course the answer was "not well" like most occupations at that time. The book was a stark reminder of how far we have come -- and the sacrifices that were made to get us there.
The story was also engrosing with interesting, well drawn characters and lots of art-world details. The Paris Winter finished nicely with the heroines rewarded and "some" of the villians punished -- and that's all I need to enjoy historical fiction!
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Betty B. (Irving, TX)
1909 Paris and It's Cold
This is an interesting historical novel set in 1909 Paris. Women are coming to Paris for art lessons...some rich and just filling time, and some, like our heroine, very talented and serious. Maud finds herself almost destitute in Paris, spending all she has to pay for her lessons. So begins a page-turner as Maud is drawn into a world of intrigue. I think this book will please anyone who enjoys historical fiction with interesting characters and twists and turns, but is a special treat for anyone interested in art and women painters.
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Katherine G. (Historical Fiction Notebook)
An unusual look at the darker side of Belle Epoque Paris
If Sarah Waters decided to explore the darker side of the Belle Epoque Paris art-world, she might come up with something like The Paris Winter. Through a trio of characters - a spoiled Russian princess, a prostitute/art model with a heart of gold and an aspiring female painter from England with secrets of her own - Robertson brings all the beauty and grime of Paris to life. The characters sometimes stray too close to stereotypes but the setting is the real star here. A wealth of details and a handful of double-crosses make for an exciting read.
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Lydia M. (Lakeview, OR)
Left me cold
Right off the top upon seeing the cover of the book I was disappointed. I thought it was poorly done,,seemed like an airport quick buy for the long trip.
I admit it was with that attitude that I began the book. It started slowly with no real 'grab effect'..and I put it down a number of times not pleased with the story. Historical fiction is my go-to book but I found myself not warming to this Winter tale.
I found as the novel progressed it captured my interest a bit more..but it never did grab me. The description of the story plot was more interesting.
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Kimberly H. (Stamford, CT)
Belle Epoque - Paris the early 1900's
I wanted to love this book as I love Paris and art, but having just finished Tartt's "The Goldfinch" the writing just does not compare. Both stories are totally out there with their premise, and as much as the author did well with the characters, especially Maud, I had a difficult time getting through some of this book as it was too unbelievable. I would almost classify this as a good 'summer read'. Not objectionable, but there are too many well written books out there.
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Mary Lou M. (N Royalton, OH)
Slow Go
The Paris Winter truly is a long winter, too slow & drawn out for my taste. The book would definitely appeal to art lovers & knowledge of the French language. A little disappointed, but at least finished the novel.
