Reviews - The Painter's Daughters

184 reviews for:

The Painter's Daughters

Emily Howes

3.85 AVERAGE

sunbearbeam's review against another edition

4.0

emotional slow-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

alexrafinski's review against another edition

4.5

informative relaxing slow-paced

A well written and gentle read about the lives of Gainsborough's daughters. There is very little about the painter himself and not all that much happens in the book. The main chapters about the daughters are occasionally interrupted with a chapter on an initially mysterious character called Meg, but it is soon made obvious how she is connected to the Gainsboroughs. The chapters set in Bath in particular were a nice imagining of what living there a few hundred years ago might have been like.

2janie's review against another edition

4.75

adventurous emotional informative mysterious fast-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Plot

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: No

amongst_the_bookstacks's review against another edition

4.0

emotional inspiring reflective sad slow-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Complicated

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: No

"The Painter's Daughters" by Emily Howes is a captivating work of historical fiction that delves deep into the impact of mental health issues on a family, set against the backdrop of 18th-century England. The novel follows the lives of Peggy and Molly Gainsborough, sisters who share an unbreakable bond despite their differences. Howes masterfully portrays the complexity of their relationship, highlighting Peggy's unwavering commitment to protecting Molly, who struggles with mental lapses. Through richly drawn characters and evocative prose, the author explores themes of love, ambition, and betrayal, weaving a poignant narrative that resonates long after the final page.

One of the novel's strengths lies in its portrayal of the sisters' dynamic against the backdrop of their father's fame as a renowned portrait artist. As the Gainsborough family navigates the social intricacies of Bath society, Peggy becomes increasingly determined to shield Molly from judgment and ridicule. Howes masterfully captures the tension between societal expectations and familial loyalty, immersing readers in the challenges faced by women in 18th-century England. The sense of place is vividly rendered, transporting readers to the muddy fields of Ipswich and the elegant streets of Bath with equal finesse.

With lyrical prose and meticulous attention to detail, "The Painter's Daughters" is a poignant exploration of art, sisterhood, and the enduring power of love. Howes' debut novel has been praised for its exquisite portrayal of historical events and its richly drawn characters. While the pacing may not suit those seeking a fast-paced narrative, readers who appreciate immersive storytelling and nuanced character development will find much to admire in this beautifully crafted tale. Overall, "The Painter's Daughters" is a compelling read that leaves a lasting impression, showcasing Emily Howes' talent as a writer to watch in the world of historical fiction.

cindy_f's review against another edition

4.0

This captivating novel unfolds against the backdrop of 18th-century England, where renowned portrait painter Thomas Gainsborough's artistic genius is mirrored by the tender bond shared between his daughters, Molly and Peggy. As the narrative delves into the complexities of sisterly devotion, it navigates the challenges of Molly's mysterious affliction and Peggy's unwavering determination to protect her. Howes masterfully intertwines historical intrigue with themes of sisterly love, sacrifice, and resilience, as the reader is taken on a poignant journey through the intricacies of familial bonds and the power of unconditional loyalty. Moreover, the novel also weaves in a narrative involving Thomas’ wife Meg and her secret ancestry, adding mystery to the family saga.

Gainsborough was known to include his daughters in his paintings, so I was intrigued with Howe’s imagining of what life could’ve been like for his daughters. At a young age, Peggy developed strategies to help hide Molly’s strange spells of confusion, the type of behavior that could send her away to an institution. Peggy makes a promise that she would protect her and keep her secret, which followed throughout their adult years, creating a greater challenge when Peggy falls for a friend of her father. This plot created a new dynamic for the sisters, with Peggy having feelings of resentment. I really admired this story of familial loyalty and devotion. The Gainsboroughs endured a lot of drama, but I never felt overwhelmed with too many plot lines going on. One notable aspect is the somewhat limited exploration of Molly’s character, with the narrative predominantly focused on Peggy’s perspective. While this choice allows for a deeper understanding of Peggy’s emotions, it leaves Molly’s character less developed. I loved how the author merged the story of Meg into the main story line, it seemed to unfold effortlessly with a satisfying conclusion. Even though this novel didn’t leave me feeling completely mesmerized, it is well-written and high praise for the research into this famous painter.

Thanks to NetGalley and Simon and Schuster for a copy of this ARC in exchange for my review.