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This past week, I've had my nose in a wonderful book. When I was asked to read, review, and giveaway a copy of Anne Girard's new novel Madame Picasso, it sounded right up my literary alley. Art, romance, and turn-of-the-century France woven into a rich historical backdrop, this story tells the tale of Pablo Picasso's greatest inspiration, muse, and love.
Even though I couldn't stop turning the pages of this book, I didn't want the story to end. Each time I picked it up, Anne Girard masterfully transported me to The City of Lights during La Belle Epoque – a Paris flourishing with Moulin Rouge performers, romantic poets, rising artists, and avant-garde thinkers. While the narration alternates between the perspective of Eva Gouel/Marcelle Humbert and Pablo Picasso, I found myself most riveted by Eva. Innocent yet daring, young but passionate, down-to-earth and still so chic, a young woman who believed in herself and love – I felt a great sense of emptiness when the book came to an end.
Above, I've created a little inspiration board as a peek into Eva's world. Her world evolves from the backstage of the Moulin Rouge mending costumes to sipping Pernod, attending Gertrude Stein's salons, and waking up to a breakfast of croissants in bed with Pablo. It's a gorgeous story, an evocative romance, and a stirring coming-of-age tale. And it's one of those books that I wish with all my heart could be turned into a film.
Just a recommendation: This book is best read in bed with brioche and a rich cup of coffee or a decadent glass of French wine. Open your windows. Wear a gauzy dress. And pretend you're indulging in a book in your Montmartre studio. ;)
I LOVED this book and would recommend it over and over again! Madame Picasso just hit stores on August 26, but I'm giving one lucky The Lovely Side reader a copy of their own along with personalized Elli cards for penning your own love notes. See how lovely the prize pack is here:
Just a recommendation: This book is best read in bed with brioche and a rich cup of coffee or a decadent glass of French wine. Open your windows. Wear a gauzy dress. And pretend you're indulging in a book in your Montmartre studio. ;)
I LOVED this book and would recommend it over and over again! Madame Picasso just hit stores on August 26, but I'm giving one lucky The Lovely Side reader a copy of their own along with personalized Elli cards for penning your own love notes. See how lovely the prize pack is here:
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In the bestselling tradition of The Paris Wife, Z, and The Aviator’s Wife, Madame Picasso illuminates the untold story of the powerful woman behind one of the most famous men in history. A veteran writer and historian, Anne Girard takes readers from the salon of Gertrude Stein to the glamorous Moulin Rouge and inside the studio and heart of history’s most influential artist. Part love story, part history, Madame Picasso is perfect for book clubs and reading groups.
SYNOPSIS
Novelist Anne Girard brings to life the mesmerizing and untold story of Eva Gouel, the unforgettable woman who stole the heart of the greatest artist of our time.
When Eva Gouel moves to Paris from the countryside, she is full of ambition and dreams of stardom. Though young and inexperienced, she manages to find work as a costumer at the famous Moulin Rouge, and it is here that she first catches the attention of Pablo Picasso, a rising star in the art world.
A brilliant but eccentric artist, Picasso sets his sights on Eva, and Eva can't help but be drawn into his web. But what starts as a torrid affair soon evolves into what will become the first great love of Picasso's life.
With sparkling insight and passion, Madame Picasso introduces us to a dazzling heroine, taking us from the salon of Gertrude Stein to the glamorous Moulin Rouge and inside the studio and heart of one of the most enigmatic and iconic artists of the twentieth century.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Anne Girard is a writer and historian with degrees in English literature and clinical psychology. She has spent extensive time in Paris and lives in California with her husband and children. Visit her website here.
Prizing & samples courtesy of Harlequin. Giveaway open to US addresses only.
5 comments:
I would love to read about Da Vinci's muse(s) or Van Gogh's (if he had any).
I picked up The Paris Wife but haven't started it yet- I'm so excited to read about Hemingway's love! I would also love to read about Monet's wife Camille who died so young (32).
Sounds really interesting! I am looking to expand my library.
I would love to read about almost any muse. It would be nice to hear stories from the muses point of view though rather than others looking on into the relationship.
what a great story!
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