What do readers think of The Paris Winter by Imogen Robertson? Write your own review.

The Paris Winter by Imogen Robertson is an engaging, well written novel. It gives you a window into the art world as it existed for women painters during the age of Impressionism as you follow the lives of three unlikely friends. Well developed characters help pull you in to this fascinating story about struggle, friendship and revenge.

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.

The Paris Winter is a historical novel of human obsession in which the reader will experience the the early 20th century population's opium problem, the catastrophic Great Floods of 1910 and most prominently, the Paris art world. The prologue and many chapters conclude with the description of a painting dating from 1910 - a clever way to impart an art lesson providing authenticity to this tale.

The novel begins at a Parisian art school in 1908 with characters that may seem stereotypical (the starving art student), but emerge as fully formed characters the reader will grow fond of. Deep friendships result from these associations.

The novel's crisis presents as a major betrayal, one that compels its betrayed to risk everything to pursue revenge. The obsession is such that dangerous plans (for everyone) must be enacted so the betrayed may personally witness each bit of revenge carried out.

While the first part of the novel is slightly formulaic, and the reader may wonder why these characters continue to risk their own lives to enact another's revengeful plan, the reader does become immersed.

Art history and strong women make this a good historical novel. The friendship these women form and what they do to help each other survive and be happy is a bond that when the book is finished you know survives. Fast read. I did enjoy this book and would recommend it to my bookclub.

Set in the winter of 1909-1910, The Paris Winter is a page turning historical fiction focusing on the lives of a group of women artists. It has mysteries and plot twists along the way. The characters are well drawn, the living conditions of Paris are showcased and the twists and turns keep the reader engaged. Fun, fast read!

I make no bones about being a big fan of historical fiction, I'm a big fan. If you're not, if you've never tried it, The Paris Winter is a great place to start.

Imogen Robertson paints a beautiful picture of the Belle Epoque. Her characters are fascinating and richly drawn out. The story grabbed me from the start and kept me involved until the last word.

The story has it all, friendship, art, history, and a interesting mystery thrown in to boot. I doubt you'll be disappointed if you decide to make The Paris Winter your first or fiftieth adventure into Historic Fiction.

Author, Imogen Robertson, skillfully tells the story of a young English woman who travels to Paris, with very little money, to study art in an era when women artists were often viewed as less than respectable! The difficulties encountered by the determined art student, Maud Heighton, are painted vividly in words, and, in an unique and effective way, the author opens chapters with descriptions of museum paintings which set up the scenes visually.

While Paris is renowned as the City of Lights -- and love -- The Paris Winter takes the reader to its underbelly, literally! The horrific Paris floodwaters of 1910 rise up from beneath the city in terrifying ways at a time when dangerous weather warnings for citizens were virtually
non-existent. Word of mouth and rumors prevailed, adding to the panic in the streets.

Mysteries are solved and the denouement of the murderous and wealthy "gentleman" (no spoiler here) and his evil cohort are skillfully told. A page turner for sure!

The Paris Winter took me in instantly. The characters were described and painted with words in ways that made them come alive. The story is unpredictable and engrossing from start to finish. I think I enjoyed seeing the female friendships develop throughout the novel and was inspired by what women bear and what women achieve. The descriptions of Paris made me feel that I knew it well and allowed me to picture many of the scenes in my mind. I truly felt that the words painted those scenes and made the book come alive for me.
I would definitely recommend The Paris Winter and appreciated the chance to be one of the first to read it. Definitely one of my favorite books. Thank you.