With Violets: A Novel of the Dawn of Impressionism
by Elizabeth Robards
Published by Avon Books
Click on book
cover to order
at Amazon.com
Reviewed by Kathy Perschmann
This books is subtitled “A novel of the Dawn of Impressionism,” however it focuses more on the love of Bethe Morisot for Edouard Manet. Berthe and her sister Edma are both painters, encouraged by their parents, and are distant relations of the painter Fragonard.
The novel starts in 1868 with Berthe and a friend painting in the Louvre where they are introduced to the painter Manet, who seems taken with Berthe–and soon there is an invitation for the Morisots to dine with the Manets. Edouard and his wife and brother Eugene live with his mother. Berthe is shocked to find he is married; but the flirtation continues. She is totally enthralled by him, and he paints an enchanting portrait of her on a balcony with two other friends. He encourages her painting, but their styles are very different. Berthe is part of the early Impressionist group of painters: Degas, Pisarro, Monet.
Their love continues but absences make things difficult, including the Franco-Prussian War, 1870-1871. Edouard will not leave his wife Suzanne, and he will not join the first exhibition of the group later know as Impressionists. After the death of her father, Berthe becomes close to Eugene Manet, who also helped a lot with the historic exhibition–and they eventually marry.
Author Robards’ use of letters, her depiction of the constraints of women in 19th century France, and the confusion and uncertainty of war time Paris, are superb. I would have liked a bibliography and inclusion of their paintings, especially the ones talked about in the story.
Armchair Interviews says: Most interesting historical fiction.
Author’s Web site: http://www.ElizabethRobards.typepad.com