A review by patriciau36
The Velvet Hours by Alyson Richman

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.