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mrs_bonaventure's review against another edition
4.0
A great page-turner and historical drama, laced with intricate details of porcelain, art and espionage. Enjoyed it a lot.
bethsponz's review against another edition
4.0
A certain Blue is being created for porcelain. It’s creator and process is top secret.
drjoannehill's review against another edition
3.0
Really interesting and fast moving novel, I learnt a lot about ceramics, Hugenots, and 18th C London and Derby! However, the ending ... Really disappointing ending given the drama and intrigue throughout the book, it really made no sense to finish with such a damp fizzle. Worth reading yes, but imagine something a bit more interesting for the ending if you read it!
abigoose85's review against another edition
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
3.5
rosannelortz's review against another edition
5.0
Genevieve Planché wants nothing more than to be a "history-painter" like Hogarth and Reynolds, but in a century where painting the human form is an immodest occupation for women, her options are few. Her Huegenot grandfather determines to send her away from London to become a porcelain decorator in Derby, but Genevieve bridles at the exile. How could porcelain painting be fine art?
For the aristocrats of eighteenth-century Europe, porcelain is the white gold sought after by every collector. Kings would kill for its secrets, and there is a war between factories across Europe to be on the cutting edge of porcelain manufacture. Sir Gabriel Courtenay, a charming and enigmatic nobleman, approaches Genevieve and asks her to go to Derby under false pretenses. She must gain the trust of the factory and obtain the secrets of a special color formula that will catapult its owner to the top of the porcelain world. In return, he offers her a trip to Italy and the chance to fulfill her dream as a history-painter.
Enticed by Sir Gabriel's offer, Genevieve infiltrates the factory at Derby, living in the household of the factory's chief financier and creating designs to adorn the delicate dishes. But as she searches for the secret, Genevieve finds affection for her co-workers and discovers that the madness for porcelain and its ethereal beauty has seized her too. Is it possible to find happiness in Derby without accomplishing her dream? Or must she fulfill her promise to the ruthless Sir Gabriel, committing espionage to avoid suffering the consequences?
Nancy Bilyeau was already a favorite of mine with her Tudor-era Joanna Stafford trilogy, and with her foray into the Georgian Era, she does not disappoint. The passion for the precious porcelain and the lure of the luminescent new blue is so intoxicatingly described that the reader feels it as well. The narrative (relayed in first person, present tense) provides a compelling heroine who longs for a voice of her own in the world of art. Thanks to Bilyeau, she already has a voice in the world of literature, a strong and memorable one. Sir Gabriel Courtenay is a smooth and sympathetic villain, an aesthete motivated by beauty as much as by gain. His cold-blooded, seductive ways--his obsession with both porcelain and Genevieve--remind one of Dracula.
The artistry of the story rivals the artistry of the subject it describes. In the opening scenes, the damage done at the Spitalfields weaving factory foreshadows the damage Genevieve must do to the Derby porcelain factory. Hogarth's party which Genevieve invades at the beginning of the story forms a brilliant inclusio with the exclusive party she attends by invitation at the end of the novel. The cover art is exquisite, unusual, and so fitting for the story.
This book is a tour de force in historical fiction and a contender for my favorite read this year. Recommended.
Disclosure: I received a complimentary review copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
For the aristocrats of eighteenth-century Europe, porcelain is the white gold sought after by every collector. Kings would kill for its secrets, and there is a war between factories across Europe to be on the cutting edge of porcelain manufacture. Sir Gabriel Courtenay, a charming and enigmatic nobleman, approaches Genevieve and asks her to go to Derby under false pretenses. She must gain the trust of the factory and obtain the secrets of a special color formula that will catapult its owner to the top of the porcelain world. In return, he offers her a trip to Italy and the chance to fulfill her dream as a history-painter.
Enticed by Sir Gabriel's offer, Genevieve infiltrates the factory at Derby, living in the household of the factory's chief financier and creating designs to adorn the delicate dishes. But as she searches for the secret, Genevieve finds affection for her co-workers and discovers that the madness for porcelain and its ethereal beauty has seized her too. Is it possible to find happiness in Derby without accomplishing her dream? Or must she fulfill her promise to the ruthless Sir Gabriel, committing espionage to avoid suffering the consequences?
Nancy Bilyeau was already a favorite of mine with her Tudor-era Joanna Stafford trilogy, and with her foray into the Georgian Era, she does not disappoint. The passion for the precious porcelain and the lure of the luminescent new blue is so intoxicatingly described that the reader feels it as well. The narrative (relayed in first person, present tense) provides a compelling heroine who longs for a voice of her own in the world of art. Thanks to Bilyeau, she already has a voice in the world of literature, a strong and memorable one. Sir Gabriel Courtenay is a smooth and sympathetic villain, an aesthete motivated by beauty as much as by gain. His cold-blooded, seductive ways--his obsession with both porcelain and Genevieve--remind one of Dracula.
The artistry of the story rivals the artistry of the subject it describes. In the opening scenes, the damage done at the Spitalfields weaving factory foreshadows the damage Genevieve must do to the Derby porcelain factory. Hogarth's party which Genevieve invades at the beginning of the story forms a brilliant inclusio with the exclusive party she attends by invitation at the end of the novel. The cover art is exquisite, unusual, and so fitting for the story.
This book is a tour de force in historical fiction and a contender for my favorite read this year. Recommended.
Disclosure: I received a complimentary review copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
kellyvandamme's review against another edition
4.0
I wasn’t sure about this one, to be honest. When it first became available at The Pigeonhole, I thought I might give it a miss: historical novels are not always my thing and I wasn’t feeling very history-minded at the time. However, the synopsis and that gorgeous cover seduced me into joining anyway, and I’m so very glad I did: I really would have missed out.
This story is very informative, yet very entertaining. I feel like I learned so much: Huguenots, porcelain, the colour blue, ... I know describing a book as informative doesn’t make it seem very enjoyable, but it was, learning has never been more fun! Nancy has obviously done her research and writes with enviable knowledge and skill. I am by no means a history buff, but the story is written so well and has such a great flow that I just lapped it all up. It never came across as educational because I was so completely wrapped up in the events. It has mystery, it has romance, it has a little bit of many things, all blending together in a riveting tale featuring the most fabulous female main character of the year: Genevieve. I’ve read many books this year, some of them featuring female MCs, some of whom I really liked, but Gen has them all beat. She’s feisty and outspoken, she’s stubborn and fierce, she knows what she wants in a world where women are supposed to want very little. She has very modern ideas, wants to be an artist in a time when only men could be, and is willing to do anything to make her dreams come true. However, despite her ambition, she is also loyal and honest and willing to sacrifice all she has ever wanted for those she loves.
If you’re looking for an highly entertaining historical novel, look no further, this is it!
Many thanks to Nancy Bilyeau, Endeavour Quill and The Pigeonhole for the opportunity to read this wonderful novel for free
This story is very informative, yet very entertaining. I feel like I learned so much: Huguenots, porcelain, the colour blue, ... I know describing a book as informative doesn’t make it seem very enjoyable, but it was, learning has never been more fun! Nancy has obviously done her research and writes with enviable knowledge and skill. I am by no means a history buff, but the story is written so well and has such a great flow that I just lapped it all up. It never came across as educational because I was so completely wrapped up in the events. It has mystery, it has romance, it has a little bit of many things, all blending together in a riveting tale featuring the most fabulous female main character of the year: Genevieve. I’ve read many books this year, some of them featuring female MCs, some of whom I really liked, but Gen has them all beat. She’s feisty and outspoken, she’s stubborn and fierce, she knows what she wants in a world where women are supposed to want very little. She has very modern ideas, wants to be an artist in a time when only men could be, and is willing to do anything to make her dreams come true. However, despite her ambition, she is also loyal and honest and willing to sacrifice all she has ever wanted for those she loves.
If you’re looking for an highly entertaining historical novel, look no further, this is it!
Many thanks to Nancy Bilyeau, Endeavour Quill and The Pigeonhole for the opportunity to read this wonderful novel for free
100pagesaday's review against another edition
5.0
Genevieve Planché is a French refugee in England. Her family are Huguenots, unwanted by the French King Louis XV. Genevieve's grandfather is an artist and she strives to be an artist as well, however the closest she can come in France is painting flowers on silk dresses. Opportunity arises after a chance meeting with the mesmerizing Sir Gabriel Courtenay. Courtenay promises Geneiveve a placement as an artist in Venice if she will use her talents in order to spy for him at the porcelain factory. Courtenay is specifically interested in a new color blue that a hidden chemist is working on perfecting at the factory. Genevieve takes the risk, but soon learns the cost as she meets the infamous chemist and learns who she is truly spying for.
An exciting historical spy thriller that combines art, science and romance for a captivating adventure into the color blue. Genevieve's spirit immediately captured me as she was willing to fight for a position among the male artists. Through rich and detailed historical writing I was able to learn about the Huguenots plight in France and their successes in England as well as the growth of the porcelain industry through King Louis XV mistress, Madame Pompadour. The fight for the development of colors was riveting to me. There were many reasons why Courtenay seemed to want the specific blue, but I could never imagine the danger that a color would bring as Genevieve's life was turned upside down. The spy elements and romance between Genevieve and Thomas kept me intrigued, but it was truly the color blue that drove the story.
This book was received for free in return for an honest review.
An exciting historical spy thriller that combines art, science and romance for a captivating adventure into the color blue. Genevieve's spirit immediately captured me as she was willing to fight for a position among the male artists. Through rich and detailed historical writing I was able to learn about the Huguenots plight in France and their successes in England as well as the growth of the porcelain industry through King Louis XV mistress, Madame Pompadour. The fight for the development of colors was riveting to me. There were many reasons why Courtenay seemed to want the specific blue, but I could never imagine the danger that a color would bring as Genevieve's life was turned upside down. The spy elements and romance between Genevieve and Thomas kept me intrigued, but it was truly the color blue that drove the story.
This book was received for free in return for an honest review.
ksprokes's review against another edition
adventurous
informative
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
literarylawgirl's review against another edition
5.0
What lengths would you pursue to possess the most coveted color in the world, Blue?
I saw the cover and title of this book in my Goodreads feed and immediately was drawn in. This story is based upon the actual history of two competing porcelain manufacturing companies that still exist today Royal Crown Derby in England and Sevres in France taking place at a time when porcelain is the most valued commodity. While the history of porcelain, the people involved in this trade, and the chemical challenge of producing the perfect new blue color is the basis for the story, the author keeps you engaged and on edge with elements of industrial espionage, secret government spy rings, the inequities in societal structures, and religious persecution, particularly that committed by the French towards the Huguenots. And what I loved most is that the main character, Genevieve, is a highly intelligent woman intent on challenging convention and traditional gender roles. This is certainly one of the best historical fiction novels that I’ve read this year.
“We see blue everywhere in the natural world, in the sky and the sea and lakes, even the little bubbling streams, but what do we really see? It’s ephemeral. A reflection of something else. The seeming abundance is a trick. It doesn’t exist in a tangible form that we can adapt, make into pigment for you and all your fellow artists to use over the centuries.”
I saw the cover and title of this book in my Goodreads feed and immediately was drawn in. This story is based upon the actual history of two competing porcelain manufacturing companies that still exist today Royal Crown Derby in England and Sevres in France taking place at a time when porcelain is the most valued commodity. While the history of porcelain, the people involved in this trade, and the chemical challenge of producing the perfect new blue color is the basis for the story, the author keeps you engaged and on edge with elements of industrial espionage, secret government spy rings, the inequities in societal structures, and religious persecution, particularly that committed by the French towards the Huguenots. And what I loved most is that the main character, Genevieve, is a highly intelligent woman intent on challenging convention and traditional gender roles. This is certainly one of the best historical fiction novels that I’ve read this year.
“We see blue everywhere in the natural world, in the sky and the sea and lakes, even the little bubbling streams, but what do we really see? It’s ephemeral. A reflection of something else. The seeming abundance is a trick. It doesn’t exist in a tangible form that we can adapt, make into pigment for you and all your fellow artists to use over the centuries.”