Reviews - The Painter's Daughters

183 reviews for:

The Painter's Daughters

Emily Howes

3.86 AVERAGE

alliegray's review against another edition

3.5

emotional reflective slow-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Plot

Strong character development: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: No

Flaws of characters a main focus: No

lola99999's review against another edition

4.0

This is a great read if you are a historical fiction fan. The author does a great job spinning the story with enough detail that you can picture it. A story of difficult lives and ultimately how they persevere.

I received this book through a Goodreads giveaway.

emmavardy2's review against another edition

4.0

challenging emotional informative medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Complicated

Diverse cast of characters: Complicated

Flaws of characters a main focus: No

lulu_reads_books's review against another edition

In her captivating novel "The Painter's Daughters," Emily Howes skillfully unveils the immersive narratives surrounding Molly and Peggy, the daughters of 18th-century British master painter Thomas Gainsborough.

Set against the backdrop of 18th-century England, the story unfolds in two parallel narratives, particularly focusing on Molly and Peggy. From their wild upbringing in Suffolk to their exposure to Bath's refined society, Howes intricately portrays their journey amidst societal expectations and familial dynamics. Molly, the eldest daughter, enjoys an unrestrained childhood in Suffolk, despite her mother’s efforts to rein her in. However, troubling signs of odd behavior and confusion persist, worsening after the family relocates to fashionable Bath. Molly's unsettling behavior becomes a central concern for her younger sister Peggy, who fears separation and the societal stigma associated with Molly's condition. She devises coping mechanisms to keep them together, even as Molly’s condition threatens institutionalization.

Alongside this, we follow the intriguing backstory of Meg, a woman with her own tale of love, secrecy, and ambition. An Englishwoman with a history of familial violence and loss, Meg's secret relationship with Frederick of Hanover (then Prince of Wales) leads her to make bold choices to secure their future.

Throughout the book, Howes skillfully explores themes of love, duty, and secrecy, weaving fact and imagination, while navigating themes of love, duty, and resentment, highlighting the intricate balance between genetic predispositions and hidden truths. Her meticulous research, detailed in the author's note, distinguishes fact from imaginative interpretation, providing a rich tapestry of historical context. Overall, "The Painter's Daughters" is a thoughtful view of the real lives behind Gainsborough’s exquisite portraits.