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sterlinge28's review against another edition
4.0
I truly thought I loved this book, but I only liked it. It is hard for me to get into a new book but Bilyeau's writing style was very fluid. The protagonist was genuine and I could relate to her. I am a great fan of books that I can also learn something from. Bilyeau does have factual research to prop up her narrative with respect to the science and history. I find this aspect most exciting as now I want to learn more about the history of porcelain, further than my college ceramics classes took me.
The book up until page about 385 was beautiful, there seemed to be a rush at the end. Though the ending was just as vivid as the first 90% of the book, the last few pages did not give an ending that held up the masterful intrigue Bilyeau had built for the previous 400 pages. But looking back, the protagonist lost her thunder. She ended up settling for something that was not her goals and she gave it up for a man. She worked so hard throughout the whole book to get where she wanted to go and she ended up giving up any possibility of it. Again, I feel like maybe the publisher needed the book so the author had to round up everything quickly. Looking back, I was left a bit unsatisfied. Hopefully we are given a second chapter of this woman's story.
I am not a strong reader by any stretch of the imagination, but I would love to read another book by her! The pros far outweigh the cons and I will keep this book to reread again!
The book up until page about 385 was beautiful, there seemed to be a rush at the end. Though the ending was just as vivid as the first 90% of the book, the last few pages did not give an ending that held up the masterful intrigue Bilyeau had built for the previous 400 pages. But looking back, the protagonist lost her thunder. She ended up settling for something that was not her goals and she gave it up for a man. She worked so hard throughout the whole book to get where she wanted to go and she ended up giving up any possibility of it. Again, I feel like maybe the publisher needed the book so the author had to round up everything quickly. Looking back, I was left a bit unsatisfied. Hopefully we are given a second chapter of this woman's story.
I am not a strong reader by any stretch of the imagination, but I would love to read another book by her! The pros far outweigh the cons and I will keep this book to reread again!
sharonb's review against another edition
2.0
2.5 stars.
There was enough in it for me to finish it but wouldn't recommend it to friends
There was enough in it for me to finish it but wouldn't recommend it to friends
unabridgedchick's review against another edition
4.0
Porcelain. Not what I thought would make for exciting reading, but in this fabulous book, it's a commodity that drives politics, espionage, and obsession.
I'm a longtime fan of Nancy Bilyeau's books: rich with drama and unforgettable characters, they are the kind of books that just sweep you up. Here, Bilyeau makes an industrial endeavor -- the 18th century passion for blue porcelain -- a captivating, dramatic story, centered on a winning heroine.
Genevieve Planché is a descendant of French Huguenot refugees. A talented artist, she hopes to be mentored by William Hogarth, but her grandfather wishes her to work as a artisan at the Derby porcelainworks. Her rebellious childhood sweetheart leads her, instead, into a mystifying, increasingly deadly world of industrial espionage -- and us readers into a fascinating world where the scientific pursuit of blue glaze motivates nations and nobles.
I loved every page of this book, and my only complaint is that I felt it wrapped up a little too quickly. Genevieve is an intriguing character, one of those fiery heroines who feel authentic rather than overly modern, and she's faced with complicated challenges. (Honestly, there was a point where I was wishing we could have a novel where she sides with our 'villain' because their chemistry was just as delicious as hers with the hero.) Bilyeau evokes Genevieve's world without infodumping and the interpersonal drama is so good and so real.
Another winning read from Bilyeau.
Initial Thoughts
Fascinating historical novel about the 18th century passion for porcelain and in particular, the cutthroat search for the perfect blue. We've a Huguenot heroine with artistic aspirations, who gets roped into investigating the rumors of a blue coming from a Derby porcelain works; a dashing, dastardly noble; a dashing, brilliant inventor; and Madame de Pompadour.
I loved how effortlessly Bilyeau plunges into the porcelain passion without infodumping; I understood the how and the why without feeling bored. Our heroine is genuinely smart and fierce and interesting; and the interpersonal stuff is really, really good.
Honestly, my only complaint is that the ending felt rushed and a tad too neat; I could have used another 100 pages. I also found myself wanting an Author's Note, because I'm dying to know if that big climatic scene is true. (As well as everything with .)
I'm a longtime fan of Nancy Bilyeau's books: rich with drama and unforgettable characters, they are the kind of books that just sweep you up. Here, Bilyeau makes an industrial endeavor -- the 18th century passion for blue porcelain -- a captivating, dramatic story, centered on a winning heroine.
Genevieve Planché is a descendant of French Huguenot refugees. A talented artist, she hopes to be mentored by William Hogarth, but her grandfather wishes her to work as a artisan at the Derby porcelainworks. Her rebellious childhood sweetheart leads her, instead, into a mystifying, increasingly deadly world of industrial espionage -- and us readers into a fascinating world where the scientific pursuit of blue glaze motivates nations and nobles.
I loved every page of this book, and my only complaint is that I felt it wrapped up a little too quickly. Genevieve is an intriguing character, one of those fiery heroines who feel authentic rather than overly modern, and she's faced with complicated challenges. (Honestly, there was a point where I was wishing we could have a novel where she sides with our 'villain' because their chemistry was just as delicious as hers with the hero.) Bilyeau evokes Genevieve's world without infodumping and the interpersonal drama is so good and so real.
Another winning read from Bilyeau.
Initial Thoughts
Fascinating historical novel about the 18th century passion for porcelain and in particular, the cutthroat search for the perfect blue. We've a Huguenot heroine with artistic aspirations, who gets roped into investigating the rumors of a blue coming from a Derby porcelain works; a dashing, dastardly noble; a dashing, brilliant inventor; and Madame de Pompadour.
I loved how effortlessly Bilyeau plunges into the porcelain passion without infodumping; I understood the how and the why without feeling bored. Our heroine is genuinely smart and fierce and interesting; and the interpersonal stuff is really, really good.
Spoiler
So much so, I wish we could get another novel, one in which our heroine threw in her lot with that dashing, dastardly noble.Honestly, my only complaint is that the ending felt rushed and a tad too neat; I could have used another 100 pages. I also found myself wanting an Author's Note, because I'm dying to know if that big climatic scene
Spoiler
where the King declares he's smashing all the blue porcelainSpoiler
Courtenayalic59books's review against another edition
adventurous
informative
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
lisa_bergin's review against another edition
5.0
I read this book in daily instalments via The Pigeonhole, it’s was such an enjoyable read. The descriptions really gave a sense of time and place and the characters were really interesting. Each day’s reading had me wanting more. Highly recommended if you like historical fiction. This is the second book I have read by this author and I intend to read her other books.
kikiandarrowsfishshelf's review against another edition
4.0
Disclaimer: Digital ARC via the publisher
Genevieve has a problem. It isn’t that she is French living in England when relations between the two countries are not going well. It isn’t that she is Huguenot who cannot go to France because of that whole not-a-Catholic-we-slaughter-you thing.
Her grandfather got her a job. At a porcelain factory, painting on flowers and things.
In other words, he sold out her artistic talents because you know, in the days of Hogarth, women really didn’t do things like that, as Genevieve is brutally reminded when she tried to gain the professional notice of the famous artist.
But then Genevieve is presented with an opportunity, a chance to be an artistic spy.
Of course, things are never that simple and who the true villains and heroes are is only one small mystery that Genevieve will have to solve.
The story centers around the discovery of a shade of blue, an interesting historical time that really doesn’t seem to be used very much in historical fiction. Bilyeau also manages to work in the tense political situation not only in France but also between France and England at the time. Of more interest are the roles of women. Unlike many historical fictions with an unusual woman of the times, The Blue actually has women who talk to each other and care about each other. Genevieve finds herself questioning her loyalties not because of a discovery of true love, but a discovery of friendship.
Don’t feel, the book is also part romance. There is love, believable love and believable lust in the volume. The love triangle, if that is what it truly is, doesn’t feel forced and Genevieve’s conflict seems like a real conflict.
Genevieve is a good character. She has the right combination of assurance and self-doubt. She is willing to stand her ground but does present as having a sense of entitlement. When she is constrained, there is a believable reason why she chafes at the bonds. Because she is so human, it is quite easy to root for her.
The book is a good, solid historical thriller with just the right seasoning of gothic.
Genevieve has a problem. It isn’t that she is French living in England when relations between the two countries are not going well. It isn’t that she is Huguenot who cannot go to France because of that whole not-a-Catholic-we-slaughter-you thing.
Her grandfather got her a job. At a porcelain factory, painting on flowers and things.
In other words, he sold out her artistic talents because you know, in the days of Hogarth, women really didn’t do things like that, as Genevieve is brutally reminded when she tried to gain the professional notice of the famous artist.
But then Genevieve is presented with an opportunity, a chance to be an artistic spy.
Of course, things are never that simple and who the true villains and heroes are is only one small mystery that Genevieve will have to solve.
The story centers around the discovery of a shade of blue, an interesting historical time that really doesn’t seem to be used very much in historical fiction. Bilyeau also manages to work in the tense political situation not only in France but also between France and England at the time. Of more interest are the roles of women. Unlike many historical fictions with an unusual woman of the times, The Blue actually has women who talk to each other and care about each other. Genevieve finds herself questioning her loyalties not because of a discovery of true love, but a discovery of friendship.
Don’t feel, the book is also part romance. There is love, believable love and believable lust in the volume. The love triangle, if that is what it truly is, doesn’t feel forced and Genevieve’s conflict seems like a real conflict.
Genevieve is a good character. She has the right combination of assurance and self-doubt. She is willing to stand her ground but does present as having a sense of entitlement. When she is constrained, there is a believable reason why she chafes at the bonds. Because she is so human, it is quite easy to root for her.
The book is a good, solid historical thriller with just the right seasoning of gothic.
booksuperpower's review against another edition
4.0
The Blue by Nancy Bilyeau is a 2018 Endeavour Quill publication.
Original and interesting-
In eighteenth century London the war with France is at the forefront of everyone’s mind, but another war is brewing which is centered around the porcelain trade. The search for a particular shade of blue, which stands out brilliantly when applied to porcelain is sought after by those in high places.
Genevieve is an artist who longs to be recognized as such. Unfortunately, because she is a woman, she is not allowed that accreditation. This desire, coupled with her personal situation, which has marred her reputation, leaves Genevieve vulnerable to a proposition. If she chooses to accept the offer, and is successful in her quest, it will open the door to all her dreams. What’s the catch?
Genevieve, as loath as she is to work in the porcelain factory, as a painter, finds the prospect much more appealing, when she accepts the role of spy. If she can discover who is behind the creation of a brilliant hue of blue and report back to her benefactor, she will be able to leave England and become the artist she’s always wanted to be.
Unfortunately, her plans immediately go awry, making her job very difficult indeed, and putting her under intense scrutiny.
Yet, once she makes headway, learning more about the source behind ‘the blue’, she is faced with an unforeseen complication which involves not only her conscience, but her heart, as well.
The premise of the story is truly interesting. Finding colors which are not a part of an original palette is evidently much harder than I ever could have imagined. The intrigue is very suspenseful, with some surprise revelations along the way.
Occasionally, Genevieve said or did things I questioned, and she had a certain gullibility that the modern reader might scoff at. However, putting oneself in this era of time, and noting that our heroine had limited training as a spy, she thought quickly on her feet, and made adjustments with each new curve ball thrown her way. She was vulnerable and in constant danger of discovery. So, maybe at times, I can be too hard on the ladies in historical fiction, expecting them to think, speak, and respond the way we would today. So, upon reflection, Genevieve was probably much more daring and unconventional than most women of her time, so I relaxed my judgments and gave her the benefit of the doubt.
The romantic elements were suited to my taste, as I love to see a couple endure real adversity and still persevere, stronger than ever, and of course, I'm a sucker for a happy ending.
The only other minor grievance I had, was with the length of the book. The plot could have been tightened up with a few nips and tucks, giving the story a more consistent flow.
Other than that, this book came along at a time when I was on the lookout for anything in the historical fiction category that was NOT set in world war two, for a change. The story took me away to another time and I learned a few interesting things in the process.
If you enjoy historical fiction, and if you are like me, looking for something that hasn’t been done a million times over, I think you might find this book of interest. It’s a fascinating, suspenseful story, full of intrigue and adventure.
4 stars
Original and interesting-
In eighteenth century London the war with France is at the forefront of everyone’s mind, but another war is brewing which is centered around the porcelain trade. The search for a particular shade of blue, which stands out brilliantly when applied to porcelain is sought after by those in high places.
Genevieve is an artist who longs to be recognized as such. Unfortunately, because she is a woman, she is not allowed that accreditation. This desire, coupled with her personal situation, which has marred her reputation, leaves Genevieve vulnerable to a proposition. If she chooses to accept the offer, and is successful in her quest, it will open the door to all her dreams. What’s the catch?
Genevieve, as loath as she is to work in the porcelain factory, as a painter, finds the prospect much more appealing, when she accepts the role of spy. If she can discover who is behind the creation of a brilliant hue of blue and report back to her benefactor, she will be able to leave England and become the artist she’s always wanted to be.
Unfortunately, her plans immediately go awry, making her job very difficult indeed, and putting her under intense scrutiny.
Yet, once she makes headway, learning more about the source behind ‘the blue’, she is faced with an unforeseen complication which involves not only her conscience, but her heart, as well.
The premise of the story is truly interesting. Finding colors which are not a part of an original palette is evidently much harder than I ever could have imagined. The intrigue is very suspenseful, with some surprise revelations along the way.
Occasionally, Genevieve said or did things I questioned, and she had a certain gullibility that the modern reader might scoff at. However, putting oneself in this era of time, and noting that our heroine had limited training as a spy, she thought quickly on her feet, and made adjustments with each new curve ball thrown her way. She was vulnerable and in constant danger of discovery. So, maybe at times, I can be too hard on the ladies in historical fiction, expecting them to think, speak, and respond the way we would today. So, upon reflection, Genevieve was probably much more daring and unconventional than most women of her time, so I relaxed my judgments and gave her the benefit of the doubt.
The romantic elements were suited to my taste, as I love to see a couple endure real adversity and still persevere, stronger than ever, and of course, I'm a sucker for a happy ending.
The only other minor grievance I had, was with the length of the book. The plot could have been tightened up with a few nips and tucks, giving the story a more consistent flow.
Other than that, this book came along at a time when I was on the lookout for anything in the historical fiction category that was NOT set in world war two, for a change. The story took me away to another time and I learned a few interesting things in the process.
If you enjoy historical fiction, and if you are like me, looking for something that hasn’t been done a million times over, I think you might find this book of interest. It’s a fascinating, suspenseful story, full of intrigue and adventure.
4 stars
bookswithamb's review against another edition
5.0
The Blue is a vast and intricate historical fiction novel set in the 18th century that centres around a woman named Genevieve who dreams of becoming an artist and thinks the only way to make that a reality is to start work in a porcelain factory and steal the secret formula for a new shade of blue.
This was a story extremely rich in historical accuracy and you can tell how much research has gone into it. The history of porcelain is something I knew nothing about before, but turned out to be an extremely interesting topic. It was also interesting to learn about the Huguenots that were forced to flea France to avoid persecution due to their religion, and how even in their country of refuge, people still had misconceptions about their loyalty to the French crown.
The whole book was action packed and full of twists and turns and I couldn’t read quick enough, desperate to find out what happened next. The plot was very clever and felt like one giant knot, but I never once found it difficult to keep up with. I particularly enjoyed the way Nancy writes morally grey characters, as I couldn’t tell who I was supposed to like and my opinions changed by the page. This is a brilliant book and I will definitely be picking up Nancy’s other novels.
Thank you to Lume Books for providing me with a copy for review.
This was a story extremely rich in historical accuracy and you can tell how much research has gone into it. The history of porcelain is something I knew nothing about before, but turned out to be an extremely interesting topic. It was also interesting to learn about the Huguenots that were forced to flea France to avoid persecution due to their religion, and how even in their country of refuge, people still had misconceptions about their loyalty to the French crown.
The whole book was action packed and full of twists and turns and I couldn’t read quick enough, desperate to find out what happened next. The plot was very clever and felt like one giant knot, but I never once found it difficult to keep up with. I particularly enjoyed the way Nancy writes morally grey characters, as I couldn’t tell who I was supposed to like and my opinions changed by the page. This is a brilliant book and I will definitely be picking up Nancy’s other novels.
Thank you to Lume Books for providing me with a copy for review.
amalia1985's review against another edition
3.0
‘’London is alive. And so am I.’’
18th century, England. Genevieve comes from a Huguenot family that found shelter in England, persecuted in their own country due to their religious beliefs. In a time when the war with France is raging, Genevieve has to fight her own battle to acquire the right to be acknowledged for her talent to create beauty. Apart from the military conflict, there is an ongoing race for the finest porcelain and the creation of the most unique and powerful of colors. The colour blue, the symbol of divine perfection, authority, eternal beauty. The colour of the sky, the color of the Virgin Mary. Genevieve finds herself in a web of secrets and espionage, in an era when being a woman was already dangerous by itself.
The background of this novel by Nancy Bilyeau is very interesting and the era is beautifully depicted. The reader definitely acquires a vivid image of the circumstances that used to influence one of the most turbulent eras in European History and the first steps of an elaborate version of espionage and warfare, the social background is also successfully depicted with references to the position of women in the British and French society, especially the young and less privileged ones who had to use their minds and courage to escape a low position on the social ladder. There are many interesting facts on the subject of porcelain and its significance in Britain, France, and Germany as well as the importance of blue in the field of Art and its impact on sovereignty. I appreciated the references to Newton's theories on colours and the influence of Jean-Jacques Rousseau's works in the era.
All’s well and good, then? Not exactly. Yes, the painted canvas of the story is elaborate and faithful to the era, the pace is satisfying and the premise interesting and engaging. The problem is, in my opinion, that we’ve seen everything before. Those of us who consider Historical Fiction as their favourite genre (and by Historical Fiction, I don’t mean romances but actual Literature...) have witnessed the involvement of an underprivileged young woman with a talent in Art or Culture in general in a game of politics and power. So basically, this is one of those stories that becomes a little more appealing by the theme of how Art can be used to a country’s purposes and benefit. Nothing more, nothing less.
The writing is very good in the descriptive passages and the sequence of events is clearly drawn out, rich and detailed without being repetitive. However, everything is predictable. Too predictable, in fact. Again, if you have read a significant number of quality books falling into this genre, you’ll probably be able to guess the continuation of the story, even its conclusion. However, my major complaint is the dialogue. I don’t know how to describe it with accuracy but it is a weird mix of period language and contemporary phrases that felt wooden, strange and unnatural. Especially the interaction between Genevieve and her romantic interest were cringeworthy. Despite my well-known aversion to anything remotely related to romance, I could have stomached this relationship if it weren’t for the millions of ‘’I love you’’ every other page. It was this element of romance that made the heroine of the story behave like a naive schoolgirl and diminished my interest in the conclusion of the novel. In addition, the characters failed to impress me. In my opinion, Genevieve is the well-known figure of the feisty young woman who interacts with monarchs and peasants alike, always being wrong, always admired for her fearlessness but the dialogue was not adequately written to justify this. To tell you the truth, I've seen much more interesting, spirited heroines over the years. This one is not a character I will remember after a while.
In my opinion, this is a moderately satisfying Historical Fiction novel. Its greatest advantage the depiction of the era, its greatest weaknesses the dialogue and the development of the characters. It is average. I don't regret reading it and I recommend it but I found nothing new or memorable and 3 stars is the most I can give.
Many thanks to PigeonholeHQ and Nancy Bilyeau for the serialized ARC.
My reviews can also be found on https://theopinionatedreaderblog.wordpress.com
18th century, England. Genevieve comes from a Huguenot family that found shelter in England, persecuted in their own country due to their religious beliefs. In a time when the war with France is raging, Genevieve has to fight her own battle to acquire the right to be acknowledged for her talent to create beauty. Apart from the military conflict, there is an ongoing race for the finest porcelain and the creation of the most unique and powerful of colors. The colour blue, the symbol of divine perfection, authority, eternal beauty. The colour of the sky, the color of the Virgin Mary. Genevieve finds herself in a web of secrets and espionage, in an era when being a woman was already dangerous by itself.
The background of this novel by Nancy Bilyeau is very interesting and the era is beautifully depicted. The reader definitely acquires a vivid image of the circumstances that used to influence one of the most turbulent eras in European History and the first steps of an elaborate version of espionage and warfare, the social background is also successfully depicted with references to the position of women in the British and French society, especially the young and less privileged ones who had to use their minds and courage to escape a low position on the social ladder. There are many interesting facts on the subject of porcelain and its significance in Britain, France, and Germany as well as the importance of blue in the field of Art and its impact on sovereignty. I appreciated the references to Newton's theories on colours and the influence of Jean-Jacques Rousseau's works in the era.
All’s well and good, then? Not exactly. Yes, the painted canvas of the story is elaborate and faithful to the era, the pace is satisfying and the premise interesting and engaging. The problem is, in my opinion, that we’ve seen everything before. Those of us who consider Historical Fiction as their favourite genre (and by Historical Fiction, I don’t mean romances but actual Literature...) have witnessed the involvement of an underprivileged young woman with a talent in Art or Culture in general in a game of politics and power. So basically, this is one of those stories that becomes a little more appealing by the theme of how Art can be used to a country’s purposes and benefit. Nothing more, nothing less.
The writing is very good in the descriptive passages and the sequence of events is clearly drawn out, rich and detailed without being repetitive. However, everything is predictable. Too predictable, in fact. Again, if you have read a significant number of quality books falling into this genre, you’ll probably be able to guess the continuation of the story, even its conclusion. However, my major complaint is the dialogue. I don’t know how to describe it with accuracy but it is a weird mix of period language and contemporary phrases that felt wooden, strange and unnatural. Especially the interaction between Genevieve and her romantic interest were cringeworthy. Despite my well-known aversion to anything remotely related to romance, I could have stomached this relationship if it weren’t for the millions of ‘’I love you’’ every other page. It was this element of romance that made the heroine of the story behave like a naive schoolgirl and diminished my interest in the conclusion of the novel. In addition, the characters failed to impress me. In my opinion, Genevieve is the well-known figure of the feisty young woman who interacts with monarchs and peasants alike, always being wrong, always admired for her fearlessness but the dialogue was not adequately written to justify this. To tell you the truth, I've seen much more interesting, spirited heroines over the years. This one is not a character I will remember after a while.
In my opinion, this is a moderately satisfying Historical Fiction novel. Its greatest advantage the depiction of the era, its greatest weaknesses the dialogue and the development of the characters. It is average. I don't regret reading it and I recommend it but I found nothing new or memorable and 3 stars is the most I can give.
Many thanks to PigeonholeHQ and Nancy Bilyeau for the serialized ARC.
My reviews can also be found on https://theopinionatedreaderblog.wordpress.com
librarianelizabeth's review against another edition
adventurous
informative
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5