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Becky M. (Crumpler, NC)
(07/09/14)
Slow Start Leads to Interesting Conclusion
I had to struggle to stay with this novel, but I was rewarded about a third of the way through. At that point the plot began to pick up, and I began to sense a direction. This turns out to be a story of misplaced affections coupled revenge hidden within the turn-of-the-century art world of Paris. I enjoyed the allusions to artists who later became widely known in the twentieth century and the darker sides of the Parisian streets and people who lived there. Woven in the story is the plight of women a century ago in a world dominated by men in Parisian society. I recommend this novel, but the reader needs to be encouraged to read beyond the slow start.
Mary Lou C. (Shenandoah Junction, WV)
(07/08/14)
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.
Norman G. (Washougal, WA)
(07/08/14)
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.
Debra V. (Kenosha, WI)
(07/07/14)
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!
Zonetta G. (Winter Springs, FL)
(07/06/14)
The Paris Winter
As a reader of historical fiction I enjoyed the depiction of the great flood of Paris and the insight given into the underground society of that great city during the early 1900s. The first half of the book seemed to be written more for the young adult reader, and I did not find the characters particularly believable. I would consider it mediocre reading.
Betty B. (Irving, TX)
(07/05/14)
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.
Kathryn K. (Oceanside, CA)
(07/02/14)
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!
Donna W. (Wauwatosa, WI)
(06/30/14)
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!