Do you think the story could have been set in another city or time? How do you think changing the location or era would have changed the novel?

The city with its different areas, populations and architectures is almost a character in the story itself. Do you think the story could have been set in another city or time? How do you think changing the location or era would have changed the novel?

No the flood that happened in Paris at that time and Paris importance in the art world were important to the story. Also there was historical truth to the story because their art school was based on a real school. The story would not have been the same book with a different city or time.

I think Paris is its own important character in this book, which makes it hard for me to see it anywhere else or at any other time.

Paris was the center of the art world at the time. Paris has its own charm that adds to the story. Love Paris.

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kathygant

"The City of Lights" is the perfect setting for this historical thriller. Having been there, I could picture the small streets, the shops and of course, the river. The Paris floods had an impact on the city and naturally impacted the residents. Picturing the women in their long wool or silk dresses added to the stress of escape.
Paris was very important to the art world. The story would have been different in another city where art at that time was so important and the impact of the Paris floods.

Paris is the city of lights, intrigue, darkness, charm, romance... It beckons all types of individuals and all types of purposes play out in its setting. Time and place were perfect for this historical fiction.

The story could have been set in another city or time but it would have changed the story. I did enjoy reading some of the history of Paris in this book.

I think Paris is the most beautiful city in the world and have loved my visits there. It is a walking city and the architecture is beautiful. One of the things that engaged me while reading this book were the descriptions of Paris and it was interesting to experience it more than 100 years ago. I agree that it is like a character and the whole flavor and tone of the story would have been totally different if set in another European city. I hadn't known about the flood and that was interesting to read about.

I totally agree with the other readers that stated that Paris was the perfect setting for this story. It would have taken away much of the authentic feel if it was in another city. Paris was the art hub at the time, it definitely needed to take place in that lovely city!

As one person already commented, Paris in this time period was a character. This story could only be told in this setting. The circumstances of artists, the time period and the flood were all central to the story.

I think the setting in Paris made this story for the art, the flood, the culture that brought so many artists together. Another location wouldn't have worked really.

Agreed - Paris was vital to the story :)

I agree with everyone else that the setting should be in Paris. This was considered the city of art. Also, the time for the setting was perfect.

I think the plot could have been around another city disaster and another profession. I think it needed to be taking place in a time were women were not independent and were just moving out on their own. The evolving of the three women, finding themselves and helping each other is crucial to the story but it could have taken place under other circumstances and settings. I like the Paris setting. I especially liked the description of Maud's paintings interwoven into the story. The scenes the paintings showed brought more depth to Maud's character. When you read the description of the painting it gave insight into what Maud had been seeing and feeling.

Perhaps, but it would have changed the story. Paris as the center of art, and the timing of the flood, added much to the story. The time period is perfect as it was a time of dependence of men and position, which Maud certainly didn't have. It was also a playground for the rich, which pulls in the other characters and circumstances of the story.

I agree with Navy Mom. The story could have been set anywhere and didn't necessarily need a natural disaster like the floods for the plot to occur. But obviously Paris was the center of the art world at the time. I think Paris was a secondary character to the story - not absolutely necessary, but it added great atmosphere and emotion.