Reviews

Impressionist painter Berthe Morisot is the subject of this first novel by former journalist Robards. Using letters and four years' worth of research, Robards attempts to fill in the blanks regarding this unusual figure, who was ahead of her time. Berthe, a headstrong young woman with a talent for painting, chooses a life of art over marriage. Yet immersing herself among the rebellious young painters of her day leads to an unforeseen circumstance--entering into a stormy love affair with married contemporary Edouard Manet. Robards's effort is uneven; mature dialog between Berthe and Edouard too often gives way to jarringly tacky love scenes better suited to a serial romance. Though the historical details are brilliant, history is against this story, with interruptions of war and familial visits slowing down the narrative just as it gets engrossing. Still, this is a strong first effort, and readers can look forward to seeing how Robards's talent develops. Recommended for larger fiction collections or where historical fiction is popular.--Leigh Wright, Bridgewater, NJ Copyright 2008 Reed Business Information.

In her debut novel, Robards takes up the story of impressionist painter Berthe Morisot, who was a friend and lover of fellow artist Edouard Manet, and imagines a love affair between them against the backdrop of a disapproving time. After they first meet in the Louvre, Manet invites Morisot to his studio, where he paints the first of what would be countless portraits. Morisot basks in the great man's attention, but she must learn to tread carefully around Manet's wife. Together, the painters test the limits of propriety, engaging in a risky affair that is compromised bit by bit over time, leading to unexpected ends. Robards constructs a convincing plot for these real-life characters, her sense of emotion is keen and the setting serviceably rendered, but readers looking for insight into the art should look elsewhere. (Nov.) Copyright 2008 Reed Business Information.