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A review by thoughtsfromapage
The Velvet Hours by Alyson Richman
4.0
4.5 stars
While I really liked the entire book a lot, the beginning and the ending were outstanding. The start of the book perfectly set the stage for the entire story, and the ending wrapped it up beautifully. The Velvet Hours focuses on the lives of two women: Marthe de Florian, a member of the demi-monde, whose story begins in the late 1800’s and Solange, a young woman living in Paris during World War II. As the story unfolds, Solange learns she is related to Marthe and begins visiting her regularly. During these visits, Marthe relays the story of her intriguing life and the magnificent painting of Marthe that hangs in her spectacular Belle Epoque-era apartment.
Alyson Richman’s focus on detail really makes this book. Her in-depth descriptions of the fashions worn by Marthe, the collections of art accumulated by Marthe and even the apartment itself are incredible. The author clearly did her research, and her ability to so vividly depict the characters and the setting is just fabulous.
As always, one of my favorite parts about historical fiction is learning more about the time period involved and placing people and culturally significant items from an era in their context. Richman focuses a lot on fashion and haute couture from the Belle Epoque era, and I enjoyed looking up and learning about some of the famous designers from this era in Paris such as the Callot Soeurs. She also threw in a reference to H.A. and Margret Rey, the creators of Curious George, who fled Europe during Hitler’s reign. I have always loved Curious George and had no idea that the Reys had left Europe with so many others in the late 1930’s and early 1940’s. One of my other favorite parts about historical fiction is when an author includes an Author’s Notes section with information relating to the genesis of the novel and information regarding the historical aspects of the novel. Richman includes a wonderfully detailed Author’s Note regarding her inspiration for the novel (which is partially based on a true event), and the limited information she was able to find regarding the actual participants. I found that section absolutely fascinating.
I highly recommend this novel. Thanks to First to Read for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
While I really liked the entire book a lot, the beginning and the ending were outstanding. The start of the book perfectly set the stage for the entire story, and the ending wrapped it up beautifully. The Velvet Hours focuses on the lives of two women: Marthe de Florian, a member of the demi-monde, whose story begins in the late 1800’s and Solange, a young woman living in Paris during World War II. As the story unfolds, Solange learns she is related to Marthe and begins visiting her regularly. During these visits, Marthe relays the story of her intriguing life and the magnificent painting of Marthe that hangs in her spectacular Belle Epoque-era apartment.
Alyson Richman’s focus on detail really makes this book. Her in-depth descriptions of the fashions worn by Marthe, the collections of art accumulated by Marthe and even the apartment itself are incredible. The author clearly did her research, and her ability to so vividly depict the characters and the setting is just fabulous.
As always, one of my favorite parts about historical fiction is learning more about the time period involved and placing people and culturally significant items from an era in their context. Richman focuses a lot on fashion and haute couture from the Belle Epoque era, and I enjoyed looking up and learning about some of the famous designers from this era in Paris such as the Callot Soeurs. She also threw in a reference to H.A. and Margret Rey, the creators of Curious George, who fled Europe during Hitler’s reign. I have always loved Curious George and had no idea that the Reys had left Europe with so many others in the late 1930’s and early 1940’s. One of my other favorite parts about historical fiction is when an author includes an Author’s Notes section with information relating to the genesis of the novel and information regarding the historical aspects of the novel. Richman includes a wonderfully detailed Author’s Note regarding her inspiration for the novel (which is partially based on a true event), and the limited information she was able to find regarding the actual participants. I found that section absolutely fascinating.
I highly recommend this novel. Thanks to First to Read for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.