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chelz286's review against another edition
5.0
Such an interesting story, and that this apartment was truly a piece of hidden history for decades, and only two people seemed to have know about it. Alyson once again delivered an amazing story line with what little they had to go on about the lives of those who were a part of this place and the life of Marthe.
rebecca_isreading's review against another edition
4.0
This is the type of historical fiction that I really enjoy. The setting is described beautifully (and with the intriguing history of Marthe de Florian's apartment, the setting is really essential to the book), and the author's interpretation of Marthe makes her a fascinating and incredibly likable character. This book reads quickly, and while the sections featuring Marthe's granddaughter Solange are interesting and lovely, I was always excited to get back to Marthe's story. Advance e-galley provided by Netgalley and the publisher for an honest review.
spaceforcewife21's review against another edition
2.0
2.5 stars. I found the book ok. Not a book that I would recommend to others. Solange's story was made the story a decent read. I didn't care for the grandmother's story- too superficial, harloquin romance- not my cup of tea.
firstimpressionsreviews's review against another edition
4.0
Impressions on Relationships
The Velvet Hours by Alyson Richman is first and foremost a love story. It is not the kind that proclaims “love means never having to say you’re sorry” because let’s face it, who knows what that means. This is a story that transcends time.
The relationship between Marthe and Charles was so raw that at times I felt like I was violating their privacy. Yet, I could not bear to look away in fear they may have slipped into the shadows. Solange’s relationship was equally engrossing, and with the backdrop of war added an intensity that was miles above Oliver and Jenny.
Impressions on Writing
What really caught my eye was Richman’s way with words.
Solange describes her grandmother as:
And though she used her hands to emphasize certain elements, she never raised her hands further than her waistline and her fingers never opened. She used them in a way a bird might use its feathers, to give her words flight.
I felt this was the perfect way to depict Alyson Richman’s writing. It was delicate and flowed like a bird.
Impressions on Plot
I was captivated by the plot of The Velvet Hours. It was easy to be transported to the early 1900s and avidly waited for the next installment of Marthe’s rich life.
Sadly, I was not as enamored with Solange’s story. For me, it was too Nicholas Sparks and not as ripe as her grandmother’s. As for Solange’s escape from France, I found it to be highly readable if not a little drawn out. However, overall it was a fantastic story.
Final Impressions
The Velvet Hours by Alyson Richman is a rich historical novel. It was a little slow towards the end but as a whole, it was a magnificent tale that was outstandingly told.
The Velvet Hours by Alyson Richman is first and foremost a love story. It is not the kind that proclaims “love means never having to say you’re sorry” because let’s face it, who knows what that means. This is a story that transcends time.
The relationship between Marthe and Charles was so raw that at times I felt like I was violating their privacy. Yet, I could not bear to look away in fear they may have slipped into the shadows. Solange’s relationship was equally engrossing, and with the backdrop of war added an intensity that was miles above Oliver and Jenny.
Impressions on Writing
What really caught my eye was Richman’s way with words.
Solange describes her grandmother as:
And though she used her hands to emphasize certain elements, she never raised her hands further than her waistline and her fingers never opened. She used them in a way a bird might use its feathers, to give her words flight.
I felt this was the perfect way to depict Alyson Richman’s writing. It was delicate and flowed like a bird.
Impressions on Plot
I was captivated by the plot of The Velvet Hours. It was easy to be transported to the early 1900s and avidly waited for the next installment of Marthe’s rich life.
Sadly, I was not as enamored with Solange’s story. For me, it was too Nicholas Sparks and not as ripe as her grandmother’s. As for Solange’s escape from France, I found it to be highly readable if not a little drawn out. However, overall it was a fantastic story.
Final Impressions
The Velvet Hours by Alyson Richman is a rich historical novel. It was a little slow towards the end but as a whole, it was a magnificent tale that was outstandingly told.
patriciau36's review against another edition
4.0
This was overall a lovely story, prompted by the 2008 discovery of an apartment in the 9 arrondissement in Paris that had been sealed for 70 years. Inside, were the remains of the life of Marthe De Florian. While not much is known about Madame De Florian or her granddaughter, Solange Beaugiron (who paid the maintenance on the apartment but never visited), Alyson Richman does a magnificent job of imagining their stories. I was not surprised to see the author acknowledge M.J. Rose for her friendship and inspiration. I was reminded of Rose's work, however slightly, throughout the story. Google Marthe De Florian to see images of the apartment, and savor the gorgeous painting of Madame that plays such a central role in The Velvet Hours.
pagesofmilkandhoney's review against another edition
5.0
My mom is one of the worst offenders for judging a book by its cover - but instead of thinking a book is bad because of a bad cover, if she thinks the cover is pretty she'll assume I'll like it. Even if she doesn't read the summary. It feels like everytime she sees a historical cover, she'll think I'll like it. And she buys them for me and they sit on my shelf, waiting, usually in vain, to be read.
This time, for once, she was spot on. I really, really enjoyed this. For me, a lot of books about WWII feel the same. For me to like one, it has to have some sort of difference to it, rather than just about surviving the war. It has two perspectives and two storylines, which isn't uncommon either, especially for historical novels. The difference here is that instead of a past/present parallel, we get a past/past parallel. The Velvet Hours is based upon the real discovery of an apartment that had been sealed for decades, almost perfectly preserved. It is beautifully written and it reads like a romantic moment between the reader and the city of Paris and the idea of love and a life well-lived. Everything from the story behind the pearl necklace to Solange's mother's books felt genuine and real. The two storylines fit together perfectly, as if they happened along parallel lines in separate universes. I wouldn't be able to choose between the two. I love books that don't reveal the whole plot in the summary, so that when you get near the end, you are taken on a journey that is unexpected and if you're lucky, worth the ride and surprise. That's how this one ends, and I couldn't be more pleased. Even writing this review, two and a half months after finishing it, this book still brings a smile to my face. I wish I could read it for the first time all over again.
This time, for once, she was spot on. I really, really enjoyed this. For me, a lot of books about WWII feel the same. For me to like one, it has to have some sort of difference to it, rather than just about surviving the war. It has two perspectives and two storylines, which isn't uncommon either, especially for historical novels. The difference here is that instead of a past/present parallel, we get a past/past parallel. The Velvet Hours is based upon the real discovery of an apartment that had been sealed for decades, almost perfectly preserved. It is beautifully written and it reads like a romantic moment between the reader and the city of Paris and the idea of love and a life well-lived. Everything from the story behind the pearl necklace to Solange's mother's books felt genuine and real. The two storylines fit together perfectly, as if they happened along parallel lines in separate universes. I wouldn't be able to choose between the two. I love books that don't reveal the whole plot in the summary, so that when you get near the end, you are taken on a journey that is unexpected and if you're lucky, worth the ride and surprise. That's how this one ends, and I couldn't be more pleased. Even writing this review, two and a half months after finishing it, this book still brings a smile to my face. I wish I could read it for the first time all over again.
nixwolfwood's review against another edition
4.0
This was a book club choice, so I probably would never have noticed it on my own. It’s not something that’s in my general interest, although I’ve been trying to become more open minded with the books that I read.
I found this story to be fascinating. I love how the author took a real life event and, after a couple years of research on the subject, wrote a believable story about it. This is a real life fanfiction, and that is glorious.
Although I didn’t expect to much care for this story, I am pleased to say I was a fool. I really enjoyed it. I really need to give historical fiction more of a shot.
This book tells the story of two women, Solange and her grandmother, Marthe. Two incredibly different people that are connected only by blood. But both of their stories were equally compelling.
The author painted a wonderful picture of Paris from two different generations, and that was fabulous. My favorite part of reading this is how I was introduced to the life of a demimondaine with Marthe. Because of that I have become more open minded about that time and type of relationships. And it is fascinating.
With Solange, it’s the beginning of German occupation in France during WWII. And her mother was Jewish, so she’s having to navigate that as well as her affections for a Jewish man. All while trying to stay safe and find a better life for herself. And there are all sorts of feels in her parts. And some are kind of cliche, but that’s okay. Because they fit perfectly and was absolutely necessary.
⅘ Platypires
ahill33's review against another edition
4.0
I really enjoyed this novel. It centers on the new relationship between a girl, Solange and her grandmother, Marthe. This story oscillates between two time periods. Throughout the novel, we learn about the splendors of Marthe's life. However, as the story goes on, we also see the hardships she faced. Solange has a similar storyline where she has many hardships that she has to overcome. I think what I like most about the novel is that it shows even during hard times, there can be happiness, and our happiness can be preserved in our loved ones.
ljbentley27's review against another edition
4.0
Ever since I heard the story of the preserved apartment found in Paris I have been fascinated. How did this apartment go unnoticed for so long? What happened to the woman who lived there? There are so many unanswered questions that of course it makes for the perfect basis of a story. I have, before reading The Velvet Hours, read two books based on the same premise and both were very well written and enjoyable but none were as engaging as the story that Alyson Richman told.
In her story we delve more into the life of the courtesan Marthe de Florain who lived in the apartment and her story is created using a mixture of fact and fiction. We see the story from the perspective of Marthe and Solange (her granddaughter) amongst the backdrop of occupied France. It truly is captivating.
If you are a fan of historical fiction that has an intriguing true story at its heard then The Velvet Hours is the book for you.
The Velvet Hours by Alyson Richman is available now.
In her story we delve more into the life of the courtesan Marthe de Florain who lived in the apartment and her story is created using a mixture of fact and fiction. We see the story from the perspective of Marthe and Solange (her granddaughter) amongst the backdrop of occupied France. It truly is captivating.
If you are a fan of historical fiction that has an intriguing true story at its heard then The Velvet Hours is the book for you.
The Velvet Hours by Alyson Richman is available now.
piepieb's review against another edition
3.0
A very beautiful book of two unforgettable heroines and their respective timelines: Marthe and her granddaughter Solange. This novel goes back and forth between these dual stories, but the alternate points of view were not confusing at all. I really found it interesting how Marthe and Solange were real people, but not much is known about them. Additionally, I loved the inspiration behind this book: a mysterious, abandoned, time capsule-like apartment in Paris.
I'm glad I read this one... a novel of family, passion, bravery, and sacrifice. Highly recommended.
I'm glad I read this one... a novel of family, passion, bravery, and sacrifice. Highly recommended.