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A review by kellyvandamme
The Blue by Nancy Bilyeau
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