Berthe Morisot was an important French painter of the Impressionism School, although it’s far more likely that readers will be familiar with her counterparts’ names (Degas, Monet, Renoir, Pissarro) than Morisot’s. In that way, “With Violets,” a fictionalized account of the real life love affair between Morisot and painter Edouard Manet, may bring new fans to her work, and more attention to a woman painter whose life and work have remained out of the spotlight for too long.The story opens when Edouard Manet and Berthe Morisot meet while she is painting at the Louvre (copying the works of Old Masters, a common practice for studying the techniques of great painters). Each is smitten, but there is a problem. Monsieur Manet is already married. Nonetheless, the attraction between the two is sealed, and the book follows as both struggle against the passion they feel toward each other.Along with way, readers are introduced to the life of Paris in the 1860s: social gatherings, artistic developments, and even political strife are all encapsulated within the love story between Manet and Morisot. Author Elizabeth Robards perfectly recreates the Parisian setting of this time period and helps her readers understand the birth of the Impressionism movement in painting, while never straying from the love story and the social constraints felt by Berthe Morisot, the daughter of a prominent family, whose interest in life (painting) makes her an outcast of sorts.Even Morisot’s closest relationship (with her sister Edma) will be tested by her choices in romance and art. Intertwined in the storytelling are descriptions of the settings and occasions for Morisot’s most famous paintings, and readers will find themselves running to the bookshelf to seek out old art books with reproductions of Morisot’s work. Here is her sister posing along a sea wall in a harbor town, there a field in the country. If nothing else, “With Violets” is the perfect excuse for readers to reacquaint themselves with the work of the Impressionists. Author Elizabeth Robards, for example, perfectly integrates into the love story a scene from perhaps the most famous art exhibition ever held (where Claude Monet so scandalously displayed his “Impression Sunrise” painting that gave name to their art movement), one in which Morisot‘s work was shown.“With Violets” is a book to be enjoyed on many levels. It’s a brilliant debut novel about a real relationship in a very interesting time in history. Even if the reader knows little about art, the story is compelling. When adding the richness of Impressionism to the mix, the story presented becomes a masterpiece of its own.
My Take:There are certain people whom one loves immediately and forever. – Unknown“We are born to find love. Yet finding love is possibly the most difficult challenge a woman faces.”This is an achingly exquisite heartbreaking story of impossible love in a dawning age of art and war. It is beautifully written, fluid and elegant, and deeply sad. I identify with Berthe, craving that which will not be hers, despite the passion between them. The tone and period of the novel are solid and hypnotic. I
Do You like book With Violets (2008)?
I have to admit the only reason i picked this up was because i was in between library books and really didn't feel like a)going out to get more and b) I really didn't feel like making it rain /spend any money on new books. But, this book was pretty pleasant. The cover is not-my-style... at all. The story really kept me interested though.What's this about? short and sweet. This is about the artist Manet's muse and their ongoing "relationship". Berthe was raised to be a lady of society, she was to find a nice lad and marry, but her parents also encouraged her to think and paint. Painting is what lead her to Manet. He was enthralled with her. He had to paint her. This was a scandalous act at the time, but she chose to.... because she was drawn to him. THe only HUGE downside has to be he is a married man. He has a "son". They continue a friendship that blossoms into more passionate affairs, but one thing stays certain... he will not leave his wife.When Berthe finally gets the reaction she wants, she respectably decides it's not what she wanted at all. Is she doomed to love this man forever? Is she never going to marry? Can she continue her painting and not be thrown into a negative light?3.5 stars. Pretty good for a "Avon", $3.00 bargain book ;)
—Kristy
I saw this title in Italian at one of the bookstores in Rob's hometown. I read the synopsis and knew I had to read it. My Italian is not good enugh to read it in that language (it would take me a lot longer than I was willing to devote to the book). I wanted to read it "now", s i downloaded it to my e-book reader. I finished it this morning and am sorry there is no more. This is a fabulous read, especially for anyone who likes reading about the lives of artists. Elizabeth Robard's interpretation is superb. I really enjoyed reading this book. It is the story of Berthe Morisot, one of the foremost Impressionist painters of the era who had an on-going relationship with the painter Eduard Manet. We are swept into the era of Prussian domiantion of France and witness the blossoming of the new impressionist movement. Fabulous read!!
—Bonny
