I was sent an advance copy of Madame Picasso by Anne Girard to review, but thoughts and opinions are my own.
Since before I can remember having a preference, I have been a fan of historical fiction. It is my favorite type of book to read. In fact, I’ve been known to get so engrossed in a historical novel that as soon as I finish the book, I devour everything else I can find on the same subject or time period.
When I picked up Madame Picasso I was instantly drawn into 1911 Paris. Madame Picasso is set in a time period-location that I have never explored, and I have been fascinated to get to know early 20th Century France.
ABOUT THE BOOK
In the bestselling tradition of The Paris Wife, Z, and The Aviator’s Wife, Madame Picasso illuminates the untold story of the powerful woman behind one of the most famous men in history. A veteran writer and historian, Anne Girard takes readers from the salon of Gertrude Stein to the glamorous Moulin Rouge and inside the studio and heart of history’s most influential artist. Part love story, part history, Madame Picasso is perfect for book clubs and reading groups.When Eva Gouel moves to Paris from the countryside, she is full of ambition and dreams of stardom. Though young and inexperienced, she manages to find work as a costumer at the famous Moulin Rouge, and it is here that she first catches the attention of Pablo Picasso, a rising star in the art world.
A brilliant but eccentric artist, Picasso sets his sights on Eva, and Eva can’t help but be drawn into his web. But what starts as a torrid affair soon evolves into what will become the first great love of Picasso’s life.
With sparkling insight and passion, Madame Picasso introduces us to a dazzling heroine, taking us from the salon of Gertrude Stein to the glamorous Moulin Rouge and inside the studio and heart of one of the most enigmatic and iconic artists of the twentieth century.
I’ve been using my hour-a-week waiting at the back of the room during karate class to read (as a busy mom, it’s hard for me to find as much time as I would like to read!) and I was instantly pulled in to the story. I love when I can find a book that delves into well-known characters or situations in history by exploring the lesser-known characters that played a part in their stories. Eva was someone that I could relate with – she is strong but not full of herself. And she had a profound impact on Pablo Picasso. It is said that their relationship was a turning point in his life.
I’m still in the middle of the book…and I can’t wait to see how it all plays out!
Read an excerpt here.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Anne Girard is a writer and historian with degrees in English literature and clinical psychology. She has spent extensive time in Paris and lives in California with her husband and children.
Connect with Anne Girard:
Visit her official website
Follow Anne on Facebook
Buy Madame Picasso on Amazon
ENTER TO WIN THE GOLDEN EXPERIENCE prize pack
From page and screen, see the Golden Age come to life! Enter for your chance to win a copy of Madame Picasso plus a film collection including Moulin Rouge, Midnight in Paris, and The Great Gatsby. Enter on the Rafflecopter form below before 10/2/2014 at midnight ET. Giveaway open to US addresses only. A winner will be chosen at random and notified via email. Good luck!
Prizing & samples courtesy of Harlequin
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I like to read the cozy mystery genre. They aren’t too gruesome and are good reads.
I love nonfiction that is written like it could be a novel. Usually things involving a crime that move quickly and are really interesting, even more so b/c they actually happened.
I like historical fiction set in early America, It makes me want to research more about colonial times in the US.
I love mysteries
I love historical fiction, especialy books set in england or france during the time of henry viii.