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Genevieve Planché #1
The Blue
In eighteenth century London, porcelain is the most seductive of commodities; fortunes are made and lost upon it. Kings do battle with knights and knaves for possession of the finest pieces and the secrets of their manufacture.
For Genevieve Planché, an English-born descendant of Huguenot refugees, porcelain holds far less allure; she wants to be an artist, a painter of international repute, but nobody takes the idea of a female artist seriously in London. If only she could reach Venice.
When Genevieve meets the charming Sir Gabriel Courtenay, he offers her an opportunity she can’t refuse; if she learns the secrets of porcelain, he will send her to Venice. But in particular, she must learn the secrets of the colour blue…
The ensuing events take Genevieve deep into England’s emerging industrial heartlands, where not only does she learn about porcelain, but also about the art of industrial espionage.
With the heart and spirit of her Huguenot ancestors, Genevieve faces her challenges head on, but how much is she willing to suffer in pursuit and protection of the colour blue?
For Genevieve Planché, an English-born descendant of Huguenot refugees, porcelain holds far less allure; she wants to be an artist, a painter of international repute, but nobody takes the idea of a female artist seriously in London. If only she could reach Venice.
When Genevieve meets the charming Sir Gabriel Courtenay, he offers her an opportunity she can’t refuse; if she learns the secrets of porcelain, he will send her to Venice. But in particular, she must learn the secrets of the colour blue…
The ensuing events take Genevieve deep into England’s emerging industrial heartlands, where not only does she learn about porcelain, but also about the art of industrial espionage.
With the heart and spirit of her Huguenot ancestors, Genevieve faces her challenges head on, but how much is she willing to suffer in pursuit and protection of the colour blue?
439 pages, Paperback
First published December 3, 2018
1,179 people are currently reading
9,793 people want to read
About the author
Nancy Bilyeau
18 books912 followersNancy Bilyeau loves crafting immersive historical stories, whether it's Jazz Age New York City in "The Orchid Hour," the 18th-century Gothic manors, salons, and porcelain workshops in "The Versailles Formula," or Henry VIII's tumultuous England in "The Crown."
A magazine editor who has worked on the staffs of "Rolling Stone," "Good Housekeeping," and "Entertainment Weekly," Nancy draws on her journalism experience to research her books.
For her Genevieve Planche novels--"The Blue", "The Fugitive Colours", and "The Versailles Formula"--she also draws on her heritage to create a Huguenot heroine. Nancy is a descendant of Pierre Billiou, a French Huguenot who immigrated to what was then New Amsterdam (later New York City) in 1661. Pierre's stone house still stands and is the third oldest house in New York State.
Nancy lives with her family in upstate New York and enjoys reading, gardening, cooking, and touring historic houses in the Hudson Valley.
Visit Nancy's website at www.nancybilyeau.com
A magazine editor who has worked on the staffs of "Rolling Stone," "Good Housekeeping," and "Entertainment Weekly," Nancy draws on her journalism experience to research her books.
For her Genevieve Planche novels--"The Blue", "The Fugitive Colours", and "The Versailles Formula"--she also draws on her heritage to create a Huguenot heroine. Nancy is a descendant of Pierre Billiou, a French Huguenot who immigrated to what was then New Amsterdam (later New York City) in 1661. Pierre's stone house still stands and is the third oldest house in New York State.
Nancy lives with her family in upstate New York and enjoys reading, gardening, cooking, and touring historic houses in the Hudson Valley.
Visit Nancy's website at www.nancybilyeau.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 388 reviews
December 7, 2019
The Blue by Nancy Bilyeau is a 2018 Endeavour Quill publication.
Original and interesting-
In eighteenth century London the war with France is at the forefront of everyone’s mind, but another war is brewing which is centered around the porcelain trade. The search for a particular shade of blue, which stands out brilliantly when applied to porcelain is sought after by those in high places.
Genevieve is an artist who longs to be recognized as such. Unfortunately, because she is a woman, she is not allowed that accreditation. This desire, coupled with her personal situation, which has marred her reputation, leaves Genevieve vulnerable to a proposition. If she chooses to accept the offer, and is successful in her quest, it will open the door to all her dreams. What’s the catch?
Genevieve, as loath as she is to work in the porcelain factory, as a painter, finds the prospect much more appealing, when she accepts the role of spy. If she can discover who is behind the creation of a brilliant hue of blue and report back to her benefactor, she will be able to leave England and become the artist she’s always wanted to be.
Unfortunately, her plans immediately go awry, making her job very difficult indeed, and putting her under intense scrutiny.
Yet, once she makes headway, learning more about the source behind ‘the blue’, she is faced with an unforeseen complication which involves not only her conscience, but her heart, as well.
The premise of the story is truly interesting. Finding colors which are not a part of an original palette is evidently much harder than I ever could have imagined. The intrigue is very suspenseful, with some surprise revelations along the way.
Occasionally, Genevieve said or did things I questioned, and she had a certain gullibility that the modern reader might scoff at. However, putting oneself in this era of time, and noting that our heroine had limited training as a spy, she thought quickly on her feet, and made adjustments with each new curve ball thrown her way. She was vulnerable and in constant danger of discovery. So, maybe at times, I can be too hard on the ladies in historical fiction, expecting them to think, speak, and respond the way we would today. So, upon reflection, Genevieve was probably much more daring and unconventional than most women of her time, so I relaxed my judgments and gave her the benefit of the doubt.
The romantic elements were suited to my taste, as I love to see a couple endure real adversity and still persevere, stronger than ever, and of course, I'm a sucker for a happy ending.
The only other minor grievance I had, was with the length of the book. The plot could have been tightened up with a few nips and tucks, giving the story a more consistent flow.
Other than that, this book came along at a time when I was on the lookout for anything in the historical fiction category that was NOT set in world war two, for a change. The story took me away to another time and I learned a few interesting things in the process.
If you enjoy historical fiction, and if you are like me, looking for something that hasn’t been done a million times over, I think you might find this book of interest. It’s a fascinating, suspenseful story, full of intrigue and adventure.
4 stars
Original and interesting-
In eighteenth century London the war with France is at the forefront of everyone’s mind, but another war is brewing which is centered around the porcelain trade. The search for a particular shade of blue, which stands out brilliantly when applied to porcelain is sought after by those in high places.
Genevieve is an artist who longs to be recognized as such. Unfortunately, because she is a woman, she is not allowed that accreditation. This desire, coupled with her personal situation, which has marred her reputation, leaves Genevieve vulnerable to a proposition. If she chooses to accept the offer, and is successful in her quest, it will open the door to all her dreams. What’s the catch?
Genevieve, as loath as she is to work in the porcelain factory, as a painter, finds the prospect much more appealing, when she accepts the role of spy. If she can discover who is behind the creation of a brilliant hue of blue and report back to her benefactor, she will be able to leave England and become the artist she’s always wanted to be.
Unfortunately, her plans immediately go awry, making her job very difficult indeed, and putting her under intense scrutiny.
Yet, once she makes headway, learning more about the source behind ‘the blue’, she is faced with an unforeseen complication which involves not only her conscience, but her heart, as well.
The premise of the story is truly interesting. Finding colors which are not a part of an original palette is evidently much harder than I ever could have imagined. The intrigue is very suspenseful, with some surprise revelations along the way.
Occasionally, Genevieve said or did things I questioned, and she had a certain gullibility that the modern reader might scoff at. However, putting oneself in this era of time, and noting that our heroine had limited training as a spy, she thought quickly on her feet, and made adjustments with each new curve ball thrown her way. She was vulnerable and in constant danger of discovery. So, maybe at times, I can be too hard on the ladies in historical fiction, expecting them to think, speak, and respond the way we would today. So, upon reflection, Genevieve was probably much more daring and unconventional than most women of her time, so I relaxed my judgments and gave her the benefit of the doubt.
The romantic elements were suited to my taste, as I love to see a couple endure real adversity and still persevere, stronger than ever, and of course, I'm a sucker for a happy ending.
The only other minor grievance I had, was with the length of the book. The plot could have been tightened up with a few nips and tucks, giving the story a more consistent flow.
Other than that, this book came along at a time when I was on the lookout for anything in the historical fiction category that was NOT set in world war two, for a change. The story took me away to another time and I learned a few interesting things in the process.
If you enjoy historical fiction, and if you are like me, looking for something that hasn’t been done a million times over, I think you might find this book of interest. It’s a fascinating, suspenseful story, full of intrigue and adventure.
4 stars
January 2, 2023
This “spy story is set amid the rivalry of eighteenth century porcelain factories.” Bringing the story of the Meissen porcelain - where it all started in Europe, through Derby Porcelain in England to Sevres - the French factory sponsored by Madame de Pompadour, mistress of King Louis XV. “The atmosphere of high stakes and stolen formulas depicted in The Blue is factual. (…) Discoveries in pigment of color have a long and fascinating history, and none more so than in blue. A scientist named Georg Brandt was the first person to discover a new metal after he realized that the color of a blue pigment came from cobalt.”
Set at a time when England is at war with France. In London, William Hogarth is a successful leading artist. He is a great inspiration for young Genevieve Planche, who dreams about becoming an artist herself in a time when men are only meant to be artists. But she is a groundbreaking woman and she is about to ask the great artist to sponsor her.
Meanwhile, arrangements were made for her to take a position as a decorator at the Derby Porcelain Works. But this is not enough for her spirit. She doesn’t want to be a decorator. She wants to be a painter. She wants to be like Hogarth, capturing the lives of every day people.
She doesn’t receive the apprentice she was hoping for. Instead, Sir Gabriel, avid connoisseur of porcelain, notices her incredible knowledge of colors and offers her a deal. As it turns out Derby has developed exceptional blue color. Whoever “is able to produce the most porcelain in this new revolutionary color of blue will control the market.” She receives an offer of becoming a spy. The reward is hefty, she just needs to discover the formula.
I enjoyed the history of porcelain, bringing also alchemy and science. It all started in China, then Johann Bottger, German chemist, deciphers the mystery of porcelain. With his discovery “Europe had its first original porcelain and its first true workshop, The Meissen Manufactory, which started production in 1710.” Followed by workshops in Germany, Austria, France and England – “all determined to come up with the most beautiful pieces.”
Historical background involves not only porcelain, but also depicts the lives of the Huguenot refugees in Spitalfields. Genevieve is a fictional character, but women did held artistic positions working for Anna Maria Garthwaite, a pioneer in textile design. “The eighteenth century was also a time of crucial developments in espionage, (…) Louis XV’s Le Secret du Roi is a fact.”
Interestingly written, the story offers a rich historical background intertwined with the spying game.
P.S. If you enjoy stories bringing art and would like to read more about Anna Maria Garthwaite's work, her story is depicted in Black Berry & Wild Rose by Sonia Velton. Also, Midnight Blue by Simone van Vlugt brings the Dutch Golden Age period including the Dutch Porcelain.
Set at a time when England is at war with France. In London, William Hogarth is a successful leading artist. He is a great inspiration for young Genevieve Planche, who dreams about becoming an artist herself in a time when men are only meant to be artists. But she is a groundbreaking woman and she is about to ask the great artist to sponsor her.
Meanwhile, arrangements were made for her to take a position as a decorator at the Derby Porcelain Works. But this is not enough for her spirit. She doesn’t want to be a decorator. She wants to be a painter. She wants to be like Hogarth, capturing the lives of every day people.
She doesn’t receive the apprentice she was hoping for. Instead, Sir Gabriel, avid connoisseur of porcelain, notices her incredible knowledge of colors and offers her a deal. As it turns out Derby has developed exceptional blue color. Whoever “is able to produce the most porcelain in this new revolutionary color of blue will control the market.” She receives an offer of becoming a spy. The reward is hefty, she just needs to discover the formula.
I enjoyed the history of porcelain, bringing also alchemy and science. It all started in China, then Johann Bottger, German chemist, deciphers the mystery of porcelain. With his discovery “Europe had its first original porcelain and its first true workshop, The Meissen Manufactory, which started production in 1710.” Followed by workshops in Germany, Austria, France and England – “all determined to come up with the most beautiful pieces.”
Historical background involves not only porcelain, but also depicts the lives of the Huguenot refugees in Spitalfields. Genevieve is a fictional character, but women did held artistic positions working for Anna Maria Garthwaite, a pioneer in textile design. “The eighteenth century was also a time of crucial developments in espionage, (…) Louis XV’s Le Secret du Roi is a fact.”
Interestingly written, the story offers a rich historical background intertwined with the spying game.
P.S. If you enjoy stories bringing art and would like to read more about Anna Maria Garthwaite's work, her story is depicted in Black Berry & Wild Rose by Sonia Velton. Also, Midnight Blue by Simone van Vlugt brings the Dutch Golden Age period including the Dutch Porcelain.
January 18, 2019
This antique lover loved this book!
In the 1700s, porcelain is at the center of London in every way. It is traded like money and is possibly more valuable.
Genevieve Planche is an English born descendent of Huguenots, and she longs to be a painter. Venice is where she anticipates accomplishing her dream.
Sir Gabriel Courtney and Genevieve cross paths, and he offers her the chance to go to Venice…if she works for him on a special task: finding out the secret behind the color blue.
With this assignment, Genevieve finds out the secrets of porcelain, as well as the “craft” of industrial espionage.
This antique lover fell for the storyline all the way. Learning the process of porcelain-making was riveting, especially when learning how important blue was to the craft. Genevieve is a beautifully drawn character, and the exploration of greed on the hunt for success was carefully rendered. In addition, Bilyeau’s writing was lovingly descriptive, and I was transported to fascinating Derby Porcelain Works.
Thank you to the author for the complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
My reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com
In the 1700s, porcelain is at the center of London in every way. It is traded like money and is possibly more valuable.
Genevieve Planche is an English born descendent of Huguenots, and she longs to be a painter. Venice is where she anticipates accomplishing her dream.
Sir Gabriel Courtney and Genevieve cross paths, and he offers her the chance to go to Venice…if she works for him on a special task: finding out the secret behind the color blue.
With this assignment, Genevieve finds out the secrets of porcelain, as well as the “craft” of industrial espionage.
This antique lover fell for the storyline all the way. Learning the process of porcelain-making was riveting, especially when learning how important blue was to the craft. Genevieve is a beautifully drawn character, and the exploration of greed on the hunt for success was carefully rendered. In addition, Bilyeau’s writing was lovingly descriptive, and I was transported to fascinating Derby Porcelain Works.
Thank you to the author for the complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
My reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com
December 4, 2018
England and France were embroiled in war on many fronts in 1758. The Seven Years War was raging. French, God-fearing Huguenots continued to seek refuge in England. Political and religious unrest produced fertile ground for spying. Ask Sir Gabriel Courtenay, a most unscrupulous nobleman. Sir Gabriel made Genevieve Planche an offer she couldn't refuse.
Genevieve was a third generation descendant from a line of French Huguenot refugees. She lived with her grandfather, Pierre Billiou, in Spitalfields,London. Pierre discouraged Gen's interest in oil painting since women were barred from the Royal Academy. "No lady of a good family could take art lessons". It seemed unlikely that Gen would be apprenticed to a great artist in order to learn proper technique and composition. Approached by Sir Gabriel, she was offered a path to Venice, an "enlightened" city, where she might find a master painter to help her achieve her dream.
Pressured by her grandfather, Gen had accepted a so called "coveted" position at Derby Porcelain Works. The job entailed painting designs on porcelain vases, plates and sculptures. Gen felt she would be "...sent away to be trapped in a Derby manufactory condemned to decorate the objects of the rich and frivolous". With this position, Sir Gabriel informed Gen that she would be "ideally placed" to learn the secret formula for "...a blue the world has not seen before...a different way of seeing blue". Who is the elusive chemist who has created this "blue"? While Gen tries to locate the secret formula, her every move is being watched. Is Derby Porcelain Works secure? Could Gen be perceived as a French spy? If so, would a porcelain company in Sevres, France reap the rewards from ill-gotten gains?
What if Genevieve wants to extricate herself from the fact finding quest for the chemist and the sought after blue? Questioning the morality of this operation, the possibility of imprisonment for criminality and casting aside the possibility of true love, Gen finds herself at a crossroads. What path will she choose?
"The Blue" by Nancy Bilyeau is a riveting novel of historical fiction. Bilyeau has thoroughly researched the art of porcelain making and the importance of the color blue to artists of 18th Century England and France. The issues faced by French Huguenots living in England are discussed. The detailed character development of Genevieve Planche and the many other primary and secondary players was spot on. One's moral compass could arguably be at odds with greed or obsession while trying to achieve financial or artistic success. I found "The Blue" by Nancy Bilyeau to be an amazing historical read that was replete with crime and intrigue.
Thank you to The Pigeonhole for your serialized ARC. I thoroughly enjoyed this presentation of "The Blue". Thank you to Endeavor Quill Publishers and Nancy Bilyeau. I felt totally immersed in life at the Derby Porcelain Works through the first person narrative of Genevieve Planche!
Thank you for the opportunity to read "The Blue" in exchange for an honest review.
Genevieve was a third generation descendant from a line of French Huguenot refugees. She lived with her grandfather, Pierre Billiou, in Spitalfields,London. Pierre discouraged Gen's interest in oil painting since women were barred from the Royal Academy. "No lady of a good family could take art lessons". It seemed unlikely that Gen would be apprenticed to a great artist in order to learn proper technique and composition. Approached by Sir Gabriel, she was offered a path to Venice, an "enlightened" city, where she might find a master painter to help her achieve her dream.
Pressured by her grandfather, Gen had accepted a so called "coveted" position at Derby Porcelain Works. The job entailed painting designs on porcelain vases, plates and sculptures. Gen felt she would be "...sent away to be trapped in a Derby manufactory condemned to decorate the objects of the rich and frivolous". With this position, Sir Gabriel informed Gen that she would be "ideally placed" to learn the secret formula for "...a blue the world has not seen before...a different way of seeing blue". Who is the elusive chemist who has created this "blue"? While Gen tries to locate the secret formula, her every move is being watched. Is Derby Porcelain Works secure? Could Gen be perceived as a French spy? If so, would a porcelain company in Sevres, France reap the rewards from ill-gotten gains?
What if Genevieve wants to extricate herself from the fact finding quest for the chemist and the sought after blue? Questioning the morality of this operation, the possibility of imprisonment for criminality and casting aside the possibility of true love, Gen finds herself at a crossroads. What path will she choose?
"The Blue" by Nancy Bilyeau is a riveting novel of historical fiction. Bilyeau has thoroughly researched the art of porcelain making and the importance of the color blue to artists of 18th Century England and France. The issues faced by French Huguenots living in England are discussed. The detailed character development of Genevieve Planche and the many other primary and secondary players was spot on. One's moral compass could arguably be at odds with greed or obsession while trying to achieve financial or artistic success. I found "The Blue" by Nancy Bilyeau to be an amazing historical read that was replete with crime and intrigue.
Thank you to The Pigeonhole for your serialized ARC. I thoroughly enjoyed this presentation of "The Blue". Thank you to Endeavor Quill Publishers and Nancy Bilyeau. I felt totally immersed in life at the Derby Porcelain Works through the first person narrative of Genevieve Planche!
Thank you for the opportunity to read "The Blue" in exchange for an honest review.
November 16, 2018
Outstanding!
"In eighteenth century London, porcelain is the most seductive of commodities; fortunes are made and lost upon it. Kings do battle with knights and knaves for possession of the finest pieces and the secrets of their manufacture.
For Genevieve Planché, an English-born descendant of Huguenot refugees, porcelain holds far less allure; she wants to be an artist, a painter of international repute, but nobody takes the idea of a female artist seriously in London. If only she could reach Venice.
When Genevieve meets the charming Sir Gabriel Courtenay, he offers her an opportunity she can’t refuse; if she learns the secrets of porcelain, he will send her to Venice. But in particular, she must learn the secrets of the colour blue…
The ensuing events take Genevieve deep into England’s emerging industrial heartlands, where not only does she learn about porcelain, but also about the art of industrial espionage.
With the heart and spirit of her Huguenot ancestors, Genevieve faces her challenges head on, but how much is she willing to suffer in pursuit and protection of the colour blue?"
Nancy Bilyeau's poised and polished writing style brings the 18th century to life! Her word usage and grammar structure really bring the characters to life and let you feel as if you are there in Genevieve's head. Stunningly descriptive and gorgeously written you can not only see the China patterns but smell the paint on the porcelain!
I thoroughly enjoyed this read. I thought that the story was well written and well-thought-out. I thought that the descriptive powers used by the author were just utterly amazing. It's been a long time since I've read a book by an author who can write in this manner.
Although I didn't read the other books in the series I did not feel as though I was lost. The story just jumps right in and carries you away! Brilliant!
I would definitely recommend this book to everyone as I enjoyed it so much. I would especially recommend this to anyone who likes historical fiction and strong female characters.
"In eighteenth century London, porcelain is the most seductive of commodities; fortunes are made and lost upon it. Kings do battle with knights and knaves for possession of the finest pieces and the secrets of their manufacture.
For Genevieve Planché, an English-born descendant of Huguenot refugees, porcelain holds far less allure; she wants to be an artist, a painter of international repute, but nobody takes the idea of a female artist seriously in London. If only she could reach Venice.
When Genevieve meets the charming Sir Gabriel Courtenay, he offers her an opportunity she can’t refuse; if she learns the secrets of porcelain, he will send her to Venice. But in particular, she must learn the secrets of the colour blue…
The ensuing events take Genevieve deep into England’s emerging industrial heartlands, where not only does she learn about porcelain, but also about the art of industrial espionage.
With the heart and spirit of her Huguenot ancestors, Genevieve faces her challenges head on, but how much is she willing to suffer in pursuit and protection of the colour blue?"
Nancy Bilyeau's poised and polished writing style brings the 18th century to life! Her word usage and grammar structure really bring the characters to life and let you feel as if you are there in Genevieve's head. Stunningly descriptive and gorgeously written you can not only see the China patterns but smell the paint on the porcelain!
I thoroughly enjoyed this read. I thought that the story was well written and well-thought-out. I thought that the descriptive powers used by the author were just utterly amazing. It's been a long time since I've read a book by an author who can write in this manner.
Although I didn't read the other books in the series I did not feel as though I was lost. The story just jumps right in and carries you away! Brilliant!
I would definitely recommend this book to everyone as I enjoyed it so much. I would especially recommend this to anyone who likes historical fiction and strong female characters.
February 10, 2019
A fascinating blend of religious strife, industrial espionage, court politics, and heady romance--not to mention the mesmerizing, cutthroat maneuvering behind the 18th century porcelain trade. The heroine is delightful, and the villain fascinating. Definitely a winner!
December 5, 2018
Genevieve makes for a feisty, resourceful and independent-minded heroine. Finding her ambition to be an artist thwarted by her lack of independent means, her gender and the prejudices of the time, she unwillingly enters into a bargain that will see her come up against an equally resourceful but entirely unscrupulous adversary. Genevieve will soon discover that, when it comes to the search for the secret to creating something new and unique in the world of porcelain, there are men (and women) who will stop at nothing.
It’s not long before Genevieve is well and truly out of her depth, uncertain who she can trust and risking not just her own life but the safety of those close to her. Not only that, but she discovers her actions may jeopardise her faith, even the country of her birth. Along the way, Genevieve – and the reader – gain fascinating insights into the history of porcelain and why, for some, it has become not just a money-making opportunity but an obsession.
Genevieve’s adventures are book-ended cleverly by her attendance at two very different social gatherings, the last of which results in her rescue from the sticky situation in which she finds herself courtesy of a particularly unlikely source.
The Blue is full of twists and turns, intrigue and unexpected revelations. It’s a skilfully told story that positively races along, making for an engaging, colourful and compelling read.
It’s not long before Genevieve is well and truly out of her depth, uncertain who she can trust and risking not just her own life but the safety of those close to her. Not only that, but she discovers her actions may jeopardise her faith, even the country of her birth. Along the way, Genevieve – and the reader – gain fascinating insights into the history of porcelain and why, for some, it has become not just a money-making opportunity but an obsession.
Genevieve’s adventures are book-ended cleverly by her attendance at two very different social gatherings, the last of which results in her rescue from the sticky situation in which she finds herself courtesy of a particularly unlikely source.
The Blue is full of twists and turns, intrigue and unexpected revelations. It’s a skilfully told story that positively races along, making for an engaging, colourful and compelling read.
November 27, 2018
Ok guys, I’m not going to beat around the bush about The Blue: this is simply the best historical novel I have read this year. I had already devoured and enjoyed three books by Nancy Bilyeau, set under the Tudors. The Blue surpasses them all.
A superb combination of plot and research, rich characters, suspenseful scenes, a smart ending: The Blue reveals the perfect formula for a historical mystery focused on industrial espionage in 18th century England. Will definitely be in your list of best of the year books.
My full review is here: https://wordsandpeace.com/2018/11/27/...
A superb combination of plot and research, rich characters, suspenseful scenes, a smart ending: The Blue reveals the perfect formula for a historical mystery focused on industrial espionage in 18th century England. Will definitely be in your list of best of the year books.
My full review is here: https://wordsandpeace.com/2018/11/27/...
December 4, 2018
I have read all historical fiction written by this author. I left no notes on my previous reads, so I will try to serve myself better with reminders of what I liked about this stand alone book exploring the world of porcelain during reign of Louis XV. Our narrator is a young unmarried woman who was endowed with modern day determination and rebellion, so that always gives me pause in reading historical fiction. Nevertheless, she carried us through the changing landscape however implausible much of the campaign was.
She kicks off the book by stealing her grandfather's invitation to a society gathering where she might endear herself to a famous artist of the day but is only saved from complete humiliation by one unscrupulous man with motives of his own. Soon under his spell with promises of a future in Venice where she might be free to be an artist, she is forced into role of spy to discover formula for creating blue pigment that will adhere to porcelain.
It's the kind of thing you can't put down, because you can only anticipate the worst things that could happen to a young woman outside the protection of her Huguenot grandfather.
Yup, it's a page turner and thus quite enjoyable.
She kicks off the book by stealing her grandfather's invitation to a society gathering where she might endear herself to a famous artist of the day but is only saved from complete humiliation by one unscrupulous man with motives of his own. Soon under his spell with promises of a future in Venice where she might be free to be an artist, she is forced into role of spy to discover formula for creating blue pigment that will adhere to porcelain.
It's the kind of thing you can't put down, because you can only anticipate the worst things that could happen to a young woman outside the protection of her Huguenot grandfather.
Yup, it's a page turner and thus quite enjoyable.
November 28, 2018
Fast-paced action, passionate emotions, international intrigue and life or death stakes propel the reader through this outstanding historical thriller set in 18th century London, Derby and France.
Bilyeau depicts the world of 1758 with gorgeous detail. She immerses the reader, whether in the rough streets of London’s Spitalfields district where the refugee Huguenot silk-weavers ply their trade or in the newly opened British Museum where the aristocrats are as much on display as this “collection of . . . drawings and maps . . . and mummified creatures from around the world.” Bilyeau layers on sensory experiences to draw her reader in: “A fire crackles in the tall fireplace. Yet a damp-cloud smell of human sweat hovers over this crowd, mingling with the musk oil many men use to conceal their odor—unsuccessfully—and the tobacco smoke and the holly branches heaped around the pink punchbowl, in sole deference to Christmas a fortnight away.” This deep historical immersion arises organically from the characters and needs of the action, thus never slowing the riveting plot.
The plot revolves around dreams and obsessions—as is often the case with the most dramatic conflicts in human life.
The main character, Genevieve Planché, dreams of being a serious artist. She has talent and some experience, but as an 18th century woman, every door to the necessary training is closed to her. She doesn’t let that stop her, but perhaps she should have. She certainly does not realize how dangerous the path to that dream will become. At a certain point, a life spent painting flowers on silk and porcelain begins to look less to her like a prison sentence.
And then there are various obsessions with the color blue—which might not sound like plot-driving material to you, but you’d be wrong.
The primary obsession is with achieving a new shade of blue on porcelain, a blue “so delicate and so bold, icily perfect and excitingly sensual at the same time.” Some pursue this new shade for financial gain and dominance in the porcelain market. Some are driven by the beauty of the color itself. Others are drawn by the science involved in making the color. They desire the pre-eminence of reputation in the academies of science such an accomplishment will bring. Some see the new color as their salvation out of intolerable lives. For all of these characters, the drive toward the new color is so desperate that it turns deadly.
Bilyeau has created a potent brew of artistic, scientific and financial dreams colliding with industrial sabotage, the Seven Years War between England and France, and the fortunes of those perched precariously at the highest echelons of life in both countries.
Bilyeau depicts the world of 1758 with gorgeous detail. She immerses the reader, whether in the rough streets of London’s Spitalfields district where the refugee Huguenot silk-weavers ply their trade or in the newly opened British Museum where the aristocrats are as much on display as this “collection of . . . drawings and maps . . . and mummified creatures from around the world.” Bilyeau layers on sensory experiences to draw her reader in: “A fire crackles in the tall fireplace. Yet a damp-cloud smell of human sweat hovers over this crowd, mingling with the musk oil many men use to conceal their odor—unsuccessfully—and the tobacco smoke and the holly branches heaped around the pink punchbowl, in sole deference to Christmas a fortnight away.” This deep historical immersion arises organically from the characters and needs of the action, thus never slowing the riveting plot.
The plot revolves around dreams and obsessions—as is often the case with the most dramatic conflicts in human life.
The main character, Genevieve Planché, dreams of being a serious artist. She has talent and some experience, but as an 18th century woman, every door to the necessary training is closed to her. She doesn’t let that stop her, but perhaps she should have. She certainly does not realize how dangerous the path to that dream will become. At a certain point, a life spent painting flowers on silk and porcelain begins to look less to her like a prison sentence.
And then there are various obsessions with the color blue—which might not sound like plot-driving material to you, but you’d be wrong.
The primary obsession is with achieving a new shade of blue on porcelain, a blue “so delicate and so bold, icily perfect and excitingly sensual at the same time.” Some pursue this new shade for financial gain and dominance in the porcelain market. Some are driven by the beauty of the color itself. Others are drawn by the science involved in making the color. They desire the pre-eminence of reputation in the academies of science such an accomplishment will bring. Some see the new color as their salvation out of intolerable lives. For all of these characters, the drive toward the new color is so desperate that it turns deadly.
Bilyeau has created a potent brew of artistic, scientific and financial dreams colliding with industrial sabotage, the Seven Years War between England and France, and the fortunes of those perched precariously at the highest echelons of life in both countries.
February 6, 2019
Is there any reading more enjoyable than historical mystery that blends fact and fiction, and sends one straight to the internet seeking images to illuminate the already colorful prose between its pages? There is not, and THE BLUE, by Nancy Bilyeau, is just that kind of read.
Set in eighteenth century Europe, THE BLUE tells a fascinating and informative tale of hedonism, power, and how corrupt we mortals can become for our shiny objects and idols. The characters are spirited and flawed--there's not a perfectly good egg in the bunch--but that makes them all the more relatable and memorable. The protagonist Genevieve is a gem whose missteps endear her to the reader, and the antagonist is captivating and complicated. Even the cover of the book needs mentioning: it's exquisite. My preciousssss...
Nancy Bilyeau writes books the reader may buy on release without knowing a thing about but may be certain will be worth the time and investment. THE BLUE is no exception. I was in a severe reading drought but THE BLUE ended it. I give it my highest recommendation.
Set in eighteenth century Europe, THE BLUE tells a fascinating and informative tale of hedonism, power, and how corrupt we mortals can become for our shiny objects and idols. The characters are spirited and flawed--there's not a perfectly good egg in the bunch--but that makes them all the more relatable and memorable. The protagonist Genevieve is a gem whose missteps endear her to the reader, and the antagonist is captivating and complicated. Even the cover of the book needs mentioning: it's exquisite. My preciousssss...
Nancy Bilyeau writes books the reader may buy on release without knowing a thing about but may be certain will be worth the time and investment. THE BLUE is no exception. I was in a severe reading drought but THE BLUE ended it. I give it my highest recommendation.
June 2, 2020
This was a fantastic story of science, art, espionage. The unique properties of porcelain made it a very highly prized and competitive industry and industrial espionage was rife in Europe in the 18th century. Genevieve was a great character- feisty, passionate about art and determined to make her way in a man’s world. I loved this and it was on Kindle Unlimited, so even better! I’ve liked all the books I’ve read by this author and definitely plan to read the rest.
October 25, 2018
I am writing this review as a member of Rosie’s Book Review Team (authors, if you’re looking for reviews, I recommend you check her amazing site here), and I thank her and the publisher for providing me an ARC copy of this book that I freely chose to review.
As soon as I read the description of this novel I was intrigued by the topic. I’ve read about the different fancies and frenzies that have taken societies (or at least the upper parts of them) by storm over history. Suddenly, something “new” becomes popular, and, especially if it is difficult to obtain, people will go to almost any extreme to get hold of it and then use it to their advantage. People have made fortunes (and got ruined) over the years by pursuing and purchasing items as diverse as tulips, silk, spices, exotic animals, dies, precious stones, gold, and indeed, porcelain. (I know some things don’t change much, and a few items that have replaced those in modern society easily come to mind). Some of them seem almost impossible to believe when looked at from the distance of time, especially when the object of desire is something with very little (if any) practical use, and it comes at a time of crisis and historical upheaval, where more important things are at stake. The morality of such matters is one of the more serious aspects of this novel, and it is compellingly explored.
The author, who has a background in history, does a great job of marrying the historical detail of the period (making us feel as if we were in the London of the late XVIII century first, then in Derby, and later in France) with a fairly large cast of characters and their adventures, weaving a mystery (or several) into a story that reminded me of some of my favourite novels by Alexandre Dumas.
Guinevere, the protagonist, is a young woman who does not seem to fit in anywhere. She is a Huguenot, and although born in England, she is the daughter of French-refugees (and that is a particularly interesting angle of the story, especially because the author is inspired by her own heritage), and is considered a French woman by her English neighbours, a particularly difficult state of affairs at a time when England and France are at war. Her people had to escape France due to religious persecution and she feels no love for France, and yet, she is not fully accepted in England either, being in a kind-of-limbo, although she lives amongst people of her faith at the beginning of the novel. Guinevere narrates her tale in the first-person, and she is insistent in writing her own story, at a time when that was all-but-impossible for a woman. I have recently read a book which mentioned Wollstonecraft’s A Vindication of the Rights of Woman, and I could not avoid thinking about Wollstonecraft (who, like Guinevere, was born in Spitalfields and lived in the same era), and her own complex and controversial life as I read this. Guinevere is not a writer but an artist, and she feels constrained by the limitations imposed on her by the fact of being a woman. She wants to paint like Hogarth, not just produce pretty flowers to decorate silk. But that was considered impossible and improper for a woman at the time. She also wants to pursue knowledge and is attracted to revolutionary ideas and to dangerous men. She is eager to learn, intelligent, but also ruled by her desires and fears; she is stubborn and at times makes decisions that might seem selfish and unreasonable, but then, what other options did she have? Personally, I find Guinevere a fascinating character, a woman of strong convictions, but also able to look at things from a different perspective and acknowledge that she might have been wrong. She is a deep thinker but sometimes she cannot control her emotions and her impulses. She has a sense of morality but does things that could cost her not only her reputation but also her life and that of those she loves. And she ponders and hesitates, feels guilty and changes her mind, falls in love and in lust, and feels attracted and fascinated by driven and intellectually challenging men and by bad boys as well (a bit like the moth she masterfully paints, she gets too close to the flame sometimes).
Guinevere is not always sympathetic, but that is part of what makes her a strong character, and not the perfect heroine that would be unrealistic and impossible to imagine in such circumstances. There are a number of other characters, some that we learn more about than others, and I was particularly fond of Evelyn, who becomes her friend in Derby, and whose life shares some parallels with that of Guinevere, and although I liked her love interest, Thomas Sturbridge, a man who keeps us guessing and is also driven by his desire for knowledge, I was fascinated by Sir Gabriel Courtenay. He is far from the usual villain, and he has hidden motives and desires that keep protagonist and readers guessing. He entices and threatens, he offers the possibility of knowledge and protection one moment and is ruthless and violent the next. He is one of those characters that are not fully explained and one can’t help but keep thinking about and wondering what more adventures they might go on to experience once the book is over.
There are also real historical figures in the book. I have mentioned painters, and we also meet and hear about a fair number of other people, some that will be quite familiar to readers interested in that historical period. The author is well informed, her research shines through the novel, and I was particularly fascinated by the history of Derby porcelain (now Royal Crown Derby). Her descriptions of the workings of a porcelain factory of the period, the actual running of the business and the machinations behind it make for an enthralling read, even for people who might not be particularly interested in porcelain (I am). I have already mentioned the adventures, and there are plenty of those. Although I do not want to go into the plot in detail (and the description offers more than enough information about it), readers only need to know that there are mysteries (not only the famous Blue of the title), impersonations, spies, criminals, robberies, books with hidden compartments, false letters, murders, kidnappings, experiments, plenty of painting (watercolour, oils…), secret formulas, wars, surreptitious journeys, imprisonments, philosophical debates, and even a wonderful party. There is also romance and even sex, although the details are kept behind closed doors. In sum, there isn’t a dull moment.
Notwithstanding all that, the writing is smooth and flows well, and although there are occasional words or expressions of the period, these are seemingly incorporated into the text and do not cause the reader to stumble. There are moments of reflection, waiting, and contemplation, and others when the action moves fast, there is danger and the pace quickens. I think most readers will find the ending satisfying, and although I liked it (and would probably have cheered if it was a movie), it had something of the sleight of hand that did not totally convince me (or perhaps I should say of the Deus-ex-machina, that I am sure would be an expression the character in question would approve of. And no, I’m not going to reveal anything else).
This book is a treat for any lover of historical fiction, especially those who like adventures reminiscent of times past, and who enjoy a well-researched novel which offers plenty to think about and more than a parallel with current events. A great combination of history, adventure, and topics to ponder upon. Although this is the first book by Bilyeau I’ve read, I’m sure it won’t be the last one.
As soon as I read the description of this novel I was intrigued by the topic. I’ve read about the different fancies and frenzies that have taken societies (or at least the upper parts of them) by storm over history. Suddenly, something “new” becomes popular, and, especially if it is difficult to obtain, people will go to almost any extreme to get hold of it and then use it to their advantage. People have made fortunes (and got ruined) over the years by pursuing and purchasing items as diverse as tulips, silk, spices, exotic animals, dies, precious stones, gold, and indeed, porcelain. (I know some things don’t change much, and a few items that have replaced those in modern society easily come to mind). Some of them seem almost impossible to believe when looked at from the distance of time, especially when the object of desire is something with very little (if any) practical use, and it comes at a time of crisis and historical upheaval, where more important things are at stake. The morality of such matters is one of the more serious aspects of this novel, and it is compellingly explored.
The author, who has a background in history, does a great job of marrying the historical detail of the period (making us feel as if we were in the London of the late XVIII century first, then in Derby, and later in France) with a fairly large cast of characters and their adventures, weaving a mystery (or several) into a story that reminded me of some of my favourite novels by Alexandre Dumas.
Guinevere, the protagonist, is a young woman who does not seem to fit in anywhere. She is a Huguenot, and although born in England, she is the daughter of French-refugees (and that is a particularly interesting angle of the story, especially because the author is inspired by her own heritage), and is considered a French woman by her English neighbours, a particularly difficult state of affairs at a time when England and France are at war. Her people had to escape France due to religious persecution and she feels no love for France, and yet, she is not fully accepted in England either, being in a kind-of-limbo, although she lives amongst people of her faith at the beginning of the novel. Guinevere narrates her tale in the first-person, and she is insistent in writing her own story, at a time when that was all-but-impossible for a woman. I have recently read a book which mentioned Wollstonecraft’s A Vindication of the Rights of Woman, and I could not avoid thinking about Wollstonecraft (who, like Guinevere, was born in Spitalfields and lived in the same era), and her own complex and controversial life as I read this. Guinevere is not a writer but an artist, and she feels constrained by the limitations imposed on her by the fact of being a woman. She wants to paint like Hogarth, not just produce pretty flowers to decorate silk. But that was considered impossible and improper for a woman at the time. She also wants to pursue knowledge and is attracted to revolutionary ideas and to dangerous men. She is eager to learn, intelligent, but also ruled by her desires and fears; she is stubborn and at times makes decisions that might seem selfish and unreasonable, but then, what other options did she have? Personally, I find Guinevere a fascinating character, a woman of strong convictions, but also able to look at things from a different perspective and acknowledge that she might have been wrong. She is a deep thinker but sometimes she cannot control her emotions and her impulses. She has a sense of morality but does things that could cost her not only her reputation but also her life and that of those she loves. And she ponders and hesitates, feels guilty and changes her mind, falls in love and in lust, and feels attracted and fascinated by driven and intellectually challenging men and by bad boys as well (a bit like the moth she masterfully paints, she gets too close to the flame sometimes).
Guinevere is not always sympathetic, but that is part of what makes her a strong character, and not the perfect heroine that would be unrealistic and impossible to imagine in such circumstances. There are a number of other characters, some that we learn more about than others, and I was particularly fond of Evelyn, who becomes her friend in Derby, and whose life shares some parallels with that of Guinevere, and although I liked her love interest, Thomas Sturbridge, a man who keeps us guessing and is also driven by his desire for knowledge, I was fascinated by Sir Gabriel Courtenay. He is far from the usual villain, and he has hidden motives and desires that keep protagonist and readers guessing. He entices and threatens, he offers the possibility of knowledge and protection one moment and is ruthless and violent the next. He is one of those characters that are not fully explained and one can’t help but keep thinking about and wondering what more adventures they might go on to experience once the book is over.
There are also real historical figures in the book. I have mentioned painters, and we also meet and hear about a fair number of other people, some that will be quite familiar to readers interested in that historical period. The author is well informed, her research shines through the novel, and I was particularly fascinated by the history of Derby porcelain (now Royal Crown Derby). Her descriptions of the workings of a porcelain factory of the period, the actual running of the business and the machinations behind it make for an enthralling read, even for people who might not be particularly interested in porcelain (I am). I have already mentioned the adventures, and there are plenty of those. Although I do not want to go into the plot in detail (and the description offers more than enough information about it), readers only need to know that there are mysteries (not only the famous Blue of the title), impersonations, spies, criminals, robberies, books with hidden compartments, false letters, murders, kidnappings, experiments, plenty of painting (watercolour, oils…), secret formulas, wars, surreptitious journeys, imprisonments, philosophical debates, and even a wonderful party. There is also romance and even sex, although the details are kept behind closed doors. In sum, there isn’t a dull moment.
Notwithstanding all that, the writing is smooth and flows well, and although there are occasional words or expressions of the period, these are seemingly incorporated into the text and do not cause the reader to stumble. There are moments of reflection, waiting, and contemplation, and others when the action moves fast, there is danger and the pace quickens. I think most readers will find the ending satisfying, and although I liked it (and would probably have cheered if it was a movie), it had something of the sleight of hand that did not totally convince me (or perhaps I should say of the Deus-ex-machina, that I am sure would be an expression the character in question would approve of. And no, I’m not going to reveal anything else).
This book is a treat for any lover of historical fiction, especially those who like adventures reminiscent of times past, and who enjoy a well-researched novel which offers plenty to think about and more than a parallel with current events. A great combination of history, adventure, and topics to ponder upon. Although this is the first book by Bilyeau I’ve read, I’m sure it won’t be the last one.
November 23, 2018
Disclaimer: Digital ARC via the publisher
Genevieve has a problem. It isn’t that she is French living in England when relations between the two countries are not going well. It isn’t that she is Huguenot who cannot go to France because of that whole not-a-Catholic-we-slaughter-you thing.
Her grandfather got her a job. At a porcelain factory, painting on flowers and things.
In other words, he sold out her artistic talents because you know, in the days of Hogarth, women really didn’t do things like that, as Genevieve is brutally reminded when she tried to gain the professional notice of the famous artist.
But then Genevieve is presented with an opportunity, a chance to be an artistic spy.
Of course, things are never that simple and who the true villains and heroes are is only one small mystery that Genevieve will have to solve.
The story centers around the discovery of a shade of blue, an interesting historical time that really doesn’t seem to be used very much in historical fiction. Bilyeau also manages to work in the tense political situation not only in France but also between France and England at the time. Of more interest are the roles of women. Unlike many historical fictions with an unusual woman of the times, The Blue actually has women who talk to each other and care about each other. Genevieve finds herself questioning her loyalties not because of a discovery of true love, but a discovery of friendship.
Don’t feel, the book is also part romance. There is love, believable love and believable lust in the volume. The love triangle, if that is what it truly is, doesn’t feel forced and Genevieve’s conflict seems like a real conflict.
Genevieve is a good character. She has the right combination of assurance and self-doubt. She is willing to stand her ground but does present as having a sense of entitlement. When she is constrained, there is a believable reason why she chafes at the bonds. Because she is so human, it is quite easy to root for her.
The book is a good, solid historical thriller with just the right seasoning of gothic.
Genevieve has a problem. It isn’t that she is French living in England when relations between the two countries are not going well. It isn’t that she is Huguenot who cannot go to France because of that whole not-a-Catholic-we-slaughter-you thing.
Her grandfather got her a job. At a porcelain factory, painting on flowers and things.
In other words, he sold out her artistic talents because you know, in the days of Hogarth, women really didn’t do things like that, as Genevieve is brutally reminded when she tried to gain the professional notice of the famous artist.
But then Genevieve is presented with an opportunity, a chance to be an artistic spy.
Of course, things are never that simple and who the true villains and heroes are is only one small mystery that Genevieve will have to solve.
The story centers around the discovery of a shade of blue, an interesting historical time that really doesn’t seem to be used very much in historical fiction. Bilyeau also manages to work in the tense political situation not only in France but also between France and England at the time. Of more interest are the roles of women. Unlike many historical fictions with an unusual woman of the times, The Blue actually has women who talk to each other and care about each other. Genevieve finds herself questioning her loyalties not because of a discovery of true love, but a discovery of friendship.
Don’t feel, the book is also part romance. There is love, believable love and believable lust in the volume. The love triangle, if that is what it truly is, doesn’t feel forced and Genevieve’s conflict seems like a real conflict.
Genevieve is a good character. She has the right combination of assurance and self-doubt. She is willing to stand her ground but does present as having a sense of entitlement. When she is constrained, there is a believable reason why she chafes at the bonds. Because she is so human, it is quite easy to root for her.
The book is a good, solid historical thriller with just the right seasoning of gothic.
Read
November 28, 2018If you're reading these reviews and star ratings prior to the publication date of December 3, please be aware that while a limited number of copies have been distributed to bloggers, circulation of the book prior to publication was extremely limited (no ARCs, no NetGalley, etc.) Nonetheless, some people who weren't on the blogger list have decided to hop on here and give the book a one-star rating. Please, if you're trying to decide whether or not to read the book, bear that fact in mind when evaluating those one-star reviews, which appear to come from people who haven't even seen a copy of it, much less read it. I'll wait to review until I've read it, and I'd like to hope that other Goodreads members would have the courtesy to do the same and not play games with the rating system in this way.
April 25, 2019
4.5/5★
At that moment I do not feel that I've agreed to a spying-for-money scheme but something finer something extraordinary. The quest for blue. And something more. This is our shared obsession now.
—The Blue by Nancy Bilyeau
I bought The Blue back in February because I saw fellow bloggers recommend the book and it wasn't until April when I randomly decided to start it because I was away at the time and only had my Kindle to read on but I'm so glad I picked it because I enjoyed reading it so much. And even more, I was actually really impressed by the story as well because it took some turns that I definitely didn't see coming. It's always a good thing to be pleasantly surprised by a book when you least expect it.
I'm a big history fan but I don't exactly read a lot of books that are set in the eighteenth century. I've read some but I wouldn't say they're the majority of the historical fiction I read. I'm more drawn to ancient history usually but I just couldn't get enough of the setting in this book. It was set both in England and France while both countries were at war with each other during the Seven Years War. I found this to be highly fascinating.
The main character, Genevieve Planché, was born in England but she's descendent of of Huguenot refugees and hates France and its king. This was another thing I found interesting to read about because prior to this book I wasn't familiar with the Huguenots at all. So The Blue was not only entertaining to read about but educational as well. Although not the most likable of characters in general, in my personal opinion, I did like reading about Genevieve. I loved her spirit and her passion for art and wanting to persue it even though nobody would take her seriously as a female artist in England in this time.
This is where Sir Gabriel Courtenay comes in the story when he offers Genevieve the opportunity to spy for him and in return he'll send her to Venice where female artists are more accepted than in London. In the eighteenth century porcelaine was one of the most sought after commodities, so a lot of people wanted to learn its secret and in the case of Sir Gabriel he needed Genevieve to learn the secret of a new and special color of blue, which could change the game entirely.
I never knew the color blue had such a complex and mysterious history. It fascinated me so much. I also really enjoyed reading about the industrial espionage where Genevieve got herself tangled up in. This made for an intense and thrilling read where I almost couldn't tear myself away from my Kindle. I'll definitely have to check out the author's other books because I definitely want to read more of her writing.
The Blue by Nancy Bilyeau was a very captivating read. It had espionage, romance, the writing was remarkable and everything I learnt and read in the book about the porcelain trade was so very fascinating to me. I know that at the end of the year this book will absolutely appear in my top ten of favorite books of the year. Go buy this book now. Seriously!
At that moment I do not feel that I've agreed to a spying-for-money scheme but something finer something extraordinary. The quest for blue. And something more. This is our shared obsession now.
—The Blue by Nancy Bilyeau
I bought The Blue back in February because I saw fellow bloggers recommend the book and it wasn't until April when I randomly decided to start it because I was away at the time and only had my Kindle to read on but I'm so glad I picked it because I enjoyed reading it so much. And even more, I was actually really impressed by the story as well because it took some turns that I definitely didn't see coming. It's always a good thing to be pleasantly surprised by a book when you least expect it.
I'm a big history fan but I don't exactly read a lot of books that are set in the eighteenth century. I've read some but I wouldn't say they're the majority of the historical fiction I read. I'm more drawn to ancient history usually but I just couldn't get enough of the setting in this book. It was set both in England and France while both countries were at war with each other during the Seven Years War. I found this to be highly fascinating.
The main character, Genevieve Planché, was born in England but she's descendent of of Huguenot refugees and hates France and its king. This was another thing I found interesting to read about because prior to this book I wasn't familiar with the Huguenots at all. So The Blue was not only entertaining to read about but educational as well. Although not the most likable of characters in general, in my personal opinion, I did like reading about Genevieve. I loved her spirit and her passion for art and wanting to persue it even though nobody would take her seriously as a female artist in England in this time.
This is where Sir Gabriel Courtenay comes in the story when he offers Genevieve the opportunity to spy for him and in return he'll send her to Venice where female artists are more accepted than in London. In the eighteenth century porcelaine was one of the most sought after commodities, so a lot of people wanted to learn its secret and in the case of Sir Gabriel he needed Genevieve to learn the secret of a new and special color of blue, which could change the game entirely.
I never knew the color blue had such a complex and mysterious history. It fascinated me so much. I also really enjoyed reading about the industrial espionage where Genevieve got herself tangled up in. This made for an intense and thrilling read where I almost couldn't tear myself away from my Kindle. I'll definitely have to check out the author's other books because I definitely want to read more of her writing.
The Blue by Nancy Bilyeau was a very captivating read. It had espionage, romance, the writing was remarkable and everything I learnt and read in the book about the porcelain trade was so very fascinating to me. I know that at the end of the year this book will absolutely appear in my top ten of favorite books of the year. Go buy this book now. Seriously!
January 14, 2019
3.5 Stars. I very much enjoyed Nancy Bilyeau's Joanna Stafford trilogy, so I was excited to see she had a new book. In The Blue, she jumps forward two hundred years, leaving the Tudor era behind for the decadent Georgians, the scandalous court of Louis XV, and the porcelain rage that was sweeping Europe.
Genevieve Planche is a young Huguenot woman living in London with her grandfather, her family having fled religious persecution in France. A talented artist, Genevieve longs to do more than paint flowers on fabric for society ladies' dresses. She wants to capture the world around her on canvas, but to do so she needs a teacher. Unfortunately, no teacher in London will take on a woman as a student. Though she is offered a job as a decorator at her cousin's porcelain factory in Derby, Genevieve believes her creativity and spirit will be crushed in such a meaningless job, and she is about to take drastic action to avoid that fate when a mysterious benefactor makes her an offer: take the job in Derby, find the chemist rumored to be working on the most beautiful shade of blue the world has ever seen, steal his formula, and she will be fully funded to Venice, where women are accepted as artists.
But Derby turns out to be nothing like Genevieve was expecting. Her new employers are suspicious of her from the start, and her eyes are opened to the cutthroat competitiveness of the porcelain industry and the lengths her employers are willing to go to to win the race. But she does make some friends and, to her surprise, she does find some creative satisfaction. Genevieve turns out to be a rather poor spy, and she constantly wages an internal battle over the morality of her actions, especially once she finds her elusive quarry. But her benefactor will suffer no excuses and makes clear that there will be dire consequences should Genevieve fail to carry out her mission. What follows is a tense game of cat-and-mouse as Genevieve tries to stay a step ahead of the dangerous men who will stop at nothing to get what they want while she tries to extricate herself from her precarious position and save the people she loves.
While I liked the story and the characters, I didn't love the book as much as I'd hoped to. The beginning chapters hooked me and the final chapters were intense and exciting as the story reached its conclusion, but the middle of the book dragged. While I found the porcelain war fascinating, at times there was too much description and I started skimming scenes revolving around discussions of technique and color. And yet it seemed odd that in a story that moved along so slowly, Genevieve and her gentleman fell in love at first sight, and that development was the point upon which the rest of the story pivoted. I would have liked to see more of a buildup to love alongside the buildup of the story.
Still, I can recommend The Blue as a unique offering in historical fiction, peopled with real figures from the pioneering porcelain works in England and France, set against the backdrop of the Seven Years War and religious persecution, and featuring a heroine readers can easily identify with and root for.
Genevieve Planche is a young Huguenot woman living in London with her grandfather, her family having fled religious persecution in France. A talented artist, Genevieve longs to do more than paint flowers on fabric for society ladies' dresses. She wants to capture the world around her on canvas, but to do so she needs a teacher. Unfortunately, no teacher in London will take on a woman as a student. Though she is offered a job as a decorator at her cousin's porcelain factory in Derby, Genevieve believes her creativity and spirit will be crushed in such a meaningless job, and she is about to take drastic action to avoid that fate when a mysterious benefactor makes her an offer: take the job in Derby, find the chemist rumored to be working on the most beautiful shade of blue the world has ever seen, steal his formula, and she will be fully funded to Venice, where women are accepted as artists.
But Derby turns out to be nothing like Genevieve was expecting. Her new employers are suspicious of her from the start, and her eyes are opened to the cutthroat competitiveness of the porcelain industry and the lengths her employers are willing to go to to win the race. But she does make some friends and, to her surprise, she does find some creative satisfaction. Genevieve turns out to be a rather poor spy, and she constantly wages an internal battle over the morality of her actions, especially once she finds her elusive quarry. But her benefactor will suffer no excuses and makes clear that there will be dire consequences should Genevieve fail to carry out her mission. What follows is a tense game of cat-and-mouse as Genevieve tries to stay a step ahead of the dangerous men who will stop at nothing to get what they want while she tries to extricate herself from her precarious position and save the people she loves.
While I liked the story and the characters, I didn't love the book as much as I'd hoped to. The beginning chapters hooked me and the final chapters were intense and exciting as the story reached its conclusion, but the middle of the book dragged. While I found the porcelain war fascinating, at times there was too much description and I started skimming scenes revolving around discussions of technique and color. And yet it seemed odd that in a story that moved along so slowly, Genevieve and her gentleman fell in love at first sight, and that development was the point upon which the rest of the story pivoted. I would have liked to see more of a buildup to love alongside the buildup of the story.
Still, I can recommend The Blue as a unique offering in historical fiction, peopled with real figures from the pioneering porcelain works in England and France, set against the backdrop of the Seven Years War and religious persecution, and featuring a heroine readers can easily identify with and root for.
December 6, 2018
Since reading the Joanna Stafford trilogy (The Crown, The Chalice and The Tapestry) a few years ago, I’ve been waiting and hoping for a new book from Nancy Bilyeau and here it is at last: The Blue. Bilyeau wrote so convincingly about Tudor England in the Joanna Stafford books that I was surprised to find she was switching to an entirely different period for this latest novel – the Seven Years War of 1756 to 1763, a war which involved most of Europe, with Britain and France on opposite sides. Set against this backdrop, The Blue is an exciting, thrilling tale of espionage, art, religious persecution – and the race to create a new and beautiful shade of blue.
Our heroine, Genevieve Planché, is a young Huguenot woman whose family fled France when it became impossible for them to openly practise their religion. Despite her French ancestry, Genevieve has grown up in London among the silk weavers of Spitalfields and considers herself to be English, viewing the French king as someone to be feared. As a talented artist, she longs to have the chance to study painting and develop her skills, but as a woman she discovers that most of the opportunities open to men are closed to her. Her grandfather has made plans for her to go to a porcelain manufactory in Derby where she can paint pretty designs on plates and vases, but that’s not what Genevieve wants out of life. Then, just as she’s losing hope, she meets Sir Gabriel Courtenay at a party and receives a very tempting offer…
Sir Gabriel urges her to take up the position she has been offered at the Derby Porcelain Works and track down their chemist who is working on the development of a new colour blue. If Genevieve can steal the formula for blue and pass it to Sir Gabriel, he will help her travel to Venice where, he tells her, she will be taken seriously as a female artist. Genevieve is quick to agree, but once she is in Derby and the true scale of her mission becomes apparent, she begins to have doubts. Why is Sir Gabriel so desperate for the blue? What is the colour’s significance? And what will happen if she is caught?
The Blue is a fascinating novel – I learned so much about the production and decoration of porcelain, the meanings of different colours, and the ways in which art and science can combine to create things of beauty – but it is also a gripping and suspenseful historical thriller. One of the things I enjoyed most about the story was that it was so difficult to decide who could and could not be trusted. From the young woman Genevieve shares a room with at the Porcelain Works to Sir Gabriel himself, she has no idea who is on her side and who is likely to betray her. Although she sometimes makes silly mistakes, that is to be expected when she is faced with trying to navigate her way through so many dangerous situations!
This is the first book I have read via The Pigeonhole, a website/app which makes books available in daily instalments (referred to as ‘staves’). Each stave ended on a cliffhanger which left me desperate to get back to the story the following morning and reading it over a period of ten days was a wonderful experience. The book is written in present tense, something I usually find off-putting, but it seemed to work much better in the serialised format because it helped me to feel closer to Genevieve, almost as if I was sharing in her adventures as they happened.
I would love to read a sequel to The Blue, but if that doesn’t happen then I will look forward to whatever Nancy Bilyeau chooses to write about next.
Our heroine, Genevieve Planché, is a young Huguenot woman whose family fled France when it became impossible for them to openly practise their religion. Despite her French ancestry, Genevieve has grown up in London among the silk weavers of Spitalfields and considers herself to be English, viewing the French king as someone to be feared. As a talented artist, she longs to have the chance to study painting and develop her skills, but as a woman she discovers that most of the opportunities open to men are closed to her. Her grandfather has made plans for her to go to a porcelain manufactory in Derby where she can paint pretty designs on plates and vases, but that’s not what Genevieve wants out of life. Then, just as she’s losing hope, she meets Sir Gabriel Courtenay at a party and receives a very tempting offer…
Sir Gabriel urges her to take up the position she has been offered at the Derby Porcelain Works and track down their chemist who is working on the development of a new colour blue. If Genevieve can steal the formula for blue and pass it to Sir Gabriel, he will help her travel to Venice where, he tells her, she will be taken seriously as a female artist. Genevieve is quick to agree, but once she is in Derby and the true scale of her mission becomes apparent, she begins to have doubts. Why is Sir Gabriel so desperate for the blue? What is the colour’s significance? And what will happen if she is caught?
The Blue is a fascinating novel – I learned so much about the production and decoration of porcelain, the meanings of different colours, and the ways in which art and science can combine to create things of beauty – but it is also a gripping and suspenseful historical thriller. One of the things I enjoyed most about the story was that it was so difficult to decide who could and could not be trusted. From the young woman Genevieve shares a room with at the Porcelain Works to Sir Gabriel himself, she has no idea who is on her side and who is likely to betray her. Although she sometimes makes silly mistakes, that is to be expected when she is faced with trying to navigate her way through so many dangerous situations!
This is the first book I have read via The Pigeonhole, a website/app which makes books available in daily instalments (referred to as ‘staves’). Each stave ended on a cliffhanger which left me desperate to get back to the story the following morning and reading it over a period of ten days was a wonderful experience. The book is written in present tense, something I usually find off-putting, but it seemed to work much better in the serialised format because it helped me to feel closer to Genevieve, almost as if I was sharing in her adventures as they happened.
I would love to read a sequel to The Blue, but if that doesn’t happen then I will look forward to whatever Nancy Bilyeau chooses to write about next.
May 27, 2019
“Ambrose Stanton has reached the far shore of Character, and the land is called Pomposity.”
― Nancy Bilyeau, The Blue
This book too has reached the far shore of character, and the land is called: Incredulity.
Anachronistic, nonsensical and full of insta-love. While I enjoyed all the information sprinkled throughout this novel about colors and porcelain, that's about all I liked. The plot is bizarre verging on comedic stupidity. I can't make head or tails of ANY of the characters (with the sole exception of Evelyn, you go girl) or their motivations. The lead characters got smitten with each other far too easily, to the point of obsession, for reasons completely beyond the comprehension of this reader. The main leads are gullible to the core and the entirety of the plot hinges on the reader believing in their lovey-dovey lightning-fast developed feelings for each other, which is where the story really fell apart for me. This novel exceeds all hitherto known levels of being a love-struck fool. The conflict in the book requires some serious suspension of disbelief, and the conflict's resolution even more so. The resolution happened off-page in its entirety, without the reader getting any kind of small window into it, ergo it appears to be cartoonishly simple, making foreign countries' rulers of the time appear fickle AF (who knows, maybe they were, maybe that's the point, I dunno *facepalm*). The 2 stars are for the colors and porcelain backdrop of the story, which is genuinely interesting and portrayed vividly.
June 29, 2020
This is ultimately a tale of spies amidst the rivalry between France and England in the 1700s. The story and many of the characters are based in fact.
The story is unique and unpredictable which I always appreciate. I like reading stories where I really don't know what's going to happen or who is going to come out on top!
The story moves at a good pace and held my interest. I learned about a new aspect of history I had no idea existed - the war over porcelain! There is also a good ending!
The story is unique and unpredictable which I always appreciate. I like reading stories where I really don't know what's going to happen or who is going to come out on top!
The story moves at a good pace and held my interest. I learned about a new aspect of history I had no idea existed - the war over porcelain! There is also a good ending!
April 16, 2019
This was a good, quick, historically interesting read.
Characters were ok - Genevieve felt too feisty, and seemed to be more a girl of now than the time period to which she was born. I liked the weaving in of true historical figures and their issues. The author did a good job of creating a sense of those times and settings.
The end and wrapup felt very abrupt to me.
I most enjoyed the topic - colors and their development within the new industries of that time. Here I sit wearing a floaty blue top, with a 4 ft blue glass floor vase in my office, and chairs are covered in gorgeous blue upholstery fabrics. . . .you just never know what it took to get these colors available in our hands. . . .we take so much for granted. Stories like this one reminds us of the blood, sweat and tears that have gone into producing the most ordinary elements of our lives.
Characters were ok - Genevieve felt too feisty, and seemed to be more a girl of now than the time period to which she was born. I liked the weaving in of true historical figures and their issues. The author did a good job of creating a sense of those times and settings.
The end and wrapup felt very abrupt to me.
I most enjoyed the topic - colors and their development within the new industries of that time. Here I sit wearing a floaty blue top, with a 4 ft blue glass floor vase in my office, and chairs are covered in gorgeous blue upholstery fabrics. . . .you just never know what it took to get these colors available in our hands. . . .we take so much for granted. Stories like this one reminds us of the blood, sweat and tears that have gone into producing the most ordinary elements of our lives.
December 21, 2018
A suspenseful story about espionage in the 18th century porcelain industry. Genevieve is a realistically drawn and highly intriguing heroine. She’s strong and deeply independent and willing to risk anything for her dream of being an artist. Even if it means spying for a rival porcelain house in a race to discover a new shade of blue. Rich historical detail, great characterization and a nail-biting plot. Loved it!
April 12, 2019
Well my reading year just kicked off with a BANG! Nancy Bilyeau has truly written a masterpiece of a novel! It has everything I look for in a good historical fiction novel - to be education yet entertained, to be taken back in time and immersed in a new world, and I loved every minute I spent within the pages.
Genevieve is a young Hugenot woman living in England who yearns to become a painter in a time where women were not welcome.
"We are females that do not fit into the world we must live in."
Faced with a unwanted future she takes the opportunity to cahnge her circumstances by accepting a proposition from a mysterious, yet influential man.
Genevieve is bold, clever, and passionate about what she wants and is adamant on getting it. She was quite the character! Naive at times, but a woman good at heart and ardent on pursuing her love of art.
The sights, the smells, the gritty of 18th century London is brought to glorious life under the master hand of Nancy Bilyeau.
One thing that I really loved was how it kept me guessing, unsure of how it would all pan out at the end. Which made it easy to fly through the pages!
If you're looking for a fascinating look into the porcelain craze of the 18th century and the quest to find the color blue, I highly recommend this book. It has over 130 five star reviews on Goodreads, so I'm not the only one that found it exceptional. Do yourself a favor and pick up a copy! You can thank me later :)
Genevieve is a young Hugenot woman living in England who yearns to become a painter in a time where women were not welcome.
"We are females that do not fit into the world we must live in."
Faced with a unwanted future she takes the opportunity to cahnge her circumstances by accepting a proposition from a mysterious, yet influential man.
Genevieve is bold, clever, and passionate about what she wants and is adamant on getting it. She was quite the character! Naive at times, but a woman good at heart and ardent on pursuing her love of art.
The sights, the smells, the gritty of 18th century London is brought to glorious life under the master hand of Nancy Bilyeau.
One thing that I really loved was how it kept me guessing, unsure of how it would all pan out at the end. Which made it easy to fly through the pages!
If you're looking for a fascinating look into the porcelain craze of the 18th century and the quest to find the color blue, I highly recommend this book. It has over 130 five star reviews on Goodreads, so I'm not the only one that found it exceptional. Do yourself a favor and pick up a copy! You can thank me later :)
July 6, 2019
This novel is a wonderful modern example of historical fiction written in the style of Daphne du Maurier and Mary Stewart, complete with a brave and reckless heroine, romance and both English and French settings. The "Blue" is a color used to paint on porcelain, tricky to formulate and much sought after in 18th century Europe, where porcelain is all the rage and making fortunes for it producers.
Genevieve Planche, our heroine, is an English-born descendant of Huguenot refugees from France. All Protestant sects in France were hounded, persecuted, imprisoned and even burned at the stake in the 16th and 17th centuries. Those who emigrated found acceptance in England as well as in other European countries and the United States. In fact Nancy Bilyeau is a Huguenot descendant.
Genevieve at 24 years of age is not interested in porcelain. Her dream is to be a famous painter in the "historical" style (Rembrandt, da Vinci, Michelangelo), a profession open only to men. She cannot even find a teacher willing to take her on. Instead, she finds the deceptively charming and seemingly wealthy Sir Gabriel Courtenay, who strikes a deal with her. If she will go as a spy to the famous English Derby Porcelain Works and steal the formula for cobalt blue paint, he will finance her art studies in Venice.
So eager is she to get to her goal, she goes with only minor trepidation off to Derby, posing as a painter of flowers on porcelain plates, cups and bowls. She impresses the owner and manages to get access to the young scientist who is working on the cobalt blue formula. She also falls in love with him and he with her. From that moment on she suffers conflicted emotions and puts both herself and her scientific lover in great danger.
Before long, they find themselves captives of King Louis XV, whose investment in the French porcelain factory, Sevres, makes him avid to get that formula for the Blue.
I loved the novel for the story itself, for the history, and the great characters. My two fellow members of the Tiny Book Club, whom I had convinced to read it, were less enraptured. They found the writing style and plot somewhat improbable and Genevieve too ditsy or something. They were however, quite excited to learn about porcelain. I, of course, encouraged them to read du Maurier and Stewart for other excellent examples of the genre on which I thought Nancy Bilyeau based her approach.
The Tinies held our meeting at The Getty Museum of Los Angeles, first touring their exhibit of French and Chinese porcelain. I was amazed to see that the Chinese, who invented porcelain in the 7th century, had an even more vivid blue than the French. The afternoon came to be one of our most wondrous meetings.
Genevieve Planche, our heroine, is an English-born descendant of Huguenot refugees from France. All Protestant sects in France were hounded, persecuted, imprisoned and even burned at the stake in the 16th and 17th centuries. Those who emigrated found acceptance in England as well as in other European countries and the United States. In fact Nancy Bilyeau is a Huguenot descendant.
Genevieve at 24 years of age is not interested in porcelain. Her dream is to be a famous painter in the "historical" style (Rembrandt, da Vinci, Michelangelo), a profession open only to men. She cannot even find a teacher willing to take her on. Instead, she finds the deceptively charming and seemingly wealthy Sir Gabriel Courtenay, who strikes a deal with her. If she will go as a spy to the famous English Derby Porcelain Works and steal the formula for cobalt blue paint, he will finance her art studies in Venice.
So eager is she to get to her goal, she goes with only minor trepidation off to Derby, posing as a painter of flowers on porcelain plates, cups and bowls. She impresses the owner and manages to get access to the young scientist who is working on the cobalt blue formula. She also falls in love with him and he with her. From that moment on she suffers conflicted emotions and puts both herself and her scientific lover in great danger.
Before long, they find themselves captives of King Louis XV, whose investment in the French porcelain factory, Sevres, makes him avid to get that formula for the Blue.
I loved the novel for the story itself, for the history, and the great characters. My two fellow members of the Tiny Book Club, whom I had convinced to read it, were less enraptured. They found the writing style and plot somewhat improbable and Genevieve too ditsy or something. They were however, quite excited to learn about porcelain. I, of course, encouraged them to read du Maurier and Stewart for other excellent examples of the genre on which I thought Nancy Bilyeau based her approach.
The Tinies held our meeting at The Getty Museum of Los Angeles, first touring their exhibit of French and Chinese porcelain. I was amazed to see that the Chinese, who invented porcelain in the 7th century, had an even more vivid blue than the French. The afternoon came to be one of our most wondrous meetings.
February 17, 2019
Nancy Bilyeau’s captivating novel “The Blue” is a seduction in prose and knowledge, drawing the reader deeply into a world of intrigue, mystery and the pursuit of an elusive prize that has no boundaries in risk or trickery. From the moment we join Genevieve at an 18th century party reminiscent of Hogarth’s prints, already vilified as a woman in a man’s world, we feel her resentment at her place in society. When she’s shown to be a foolish woman, conned into love by a charming trickster, we share her humiliation and forgive her flaws. And when we realize Genevieve’s artistic talent and the limits environment places on her ambition, we rejoice in her rebellion. Each decision made, each character (with their own fascinating foibles and imperfections) draw us deeper into the novel’s heart, until we are irreversibly immersed in the action and completely vested in the (very satisfactory) outcome. That is the joy of this novel for me –a perfect blend of historical fiction beautifully written, meticulously researched, and a plot- and character-driven story that is fired to perfection.
The Blue is a unique piece of art itself, with clear and immersive prose, a fascinating premise and a compelling plot. I lost a weekend reading this novel, and I would completely give it up again for the rich experience and joy of reading. Highly recommend.
The Blue is a unique piece of art itself, with clear and immersive prose, a fascinating premise and a compelling plot. I lost a weekend reading this novel, and I would completely give it up again for the rich experience and joy of reading. Highly recommend.
November 30, 2018
Under Bilyeau’s skillful hand, I was swept into the 18th century and the fascinating world of porcelain. In fact, I found myself digging around online in a mini research quest of my own to look into different kinds of porcelain, its history, and the scandals surrounding it--a sign of a good book. What's more, the obsessive pursuit of beauty, secrets and invisible ink, and a heroine not afraid of tossing off the conventions of her very strict Huguenot upbringing to follow her dreams, all make for a compelling read.
March 22, 2019
10. [The Blue] by [[Nancy Bilyeau]]
Genevieve Planché is a young Huguenot employed to paint flowers on silk intended for ladies dresses, but she longs to become a real artist, painting in oil under the guidance of a great master. Alas, the cards are doubly stacked against her as a woman of French heritage (England is at war with France). She longs to paint the lives of the common people. After a disappointing meeting with William Hogarth, Genevieve is almost resigned to take the position her grandfather has secured for her as a porcelain painter in Derby and be miserable for the rest of her life. A mysterious nobleman appears, offering her the opportunity she dreams of in Venice, where women artists are fully accepted--if she will agree to go to Derby as his spy. What he wants is the secret formula for a new shade of blue.
What follows is more of a mystery than I expected, and the story is full of adventures, twists, and strange characters. Thankfully, the romance element is rather downplayed (although it does get a bit heavier towards the end). Who knew that the international porcelain market in the 18th century was as crazy and full of intrigue as the Tulip Wars of the previous century? Or that Madame de Pompadour was one of the chief investors? Bilyeau gives her readers a full and captivating picture of life in London, Derby, and Versailles through the eyes of her Huguenot heroine. This novel should appeal to lovers of mystery as well as of historical fiction.
January 2, 2019
So Satisfying!
When I read about this books background I was a bit ambivalent...but once I began reading I became enthralled! At it’s heart this book is a romance; one between two people and another about a countries romance with porcelain and the color blue.
I learned so much from reading this book...and my continual fact checking confirmed that the excellent plot was based largely on facts. I have read other books by this author...and have enjoyed them all, but I think that with this book she has truly “upped her game”. This was a satisfying, thoroughly enjoyable read...looking forward to her next book...
When I read about this books background I was a bit ambivalent...but once I began reading I became enthralled! At it’s heart this book is a romance; one between two people and another about a countries romance with porcelain and the color blue.
I learned so much from reading this book...and my continual fact checking confirmed that the excellent plot was based largely on facts. I have read other books by this author...and have enjoyed them all, but I think that with this book she has truly “upped her game”. This was a satisfying, thoroughly enjoyable read...looking forward to her next book...
November 30, 2018
As with any book by Nancy, I always learn something. I never knew that the color blue had such a significant place in history. Genevieve Planché is an English born woman but is actually a Huguenot and absolutely hates the French and all they stand for, including the King. She aspires to be an artist, but of course, women in 1758 London are not taken seriously so she paints porcelain. She lives with her grandfather on Spitalfields, a questionable area to live in.
She meets Sir Gabriel Courtenay who wants her to spy for him regarding the color blue, he wants the formula for the color. She is tasked with going to Derby and is expected to infiltrate the lab where the color is formulated. The main obsession of Sir Gabriel is with getting the information on a new shade of blue on porcelain that is a perfect shade.
She wants to be able to go to Venice as Sir Gabriel has promised to fulfill a lifelong dream of being able to study so she agrees. Things don't go as planned though and she finds herself in France, the very place she hates. She is concerned though that the task she has to undertake could cause problems for her grandfather. Spying is not something she has wanted to do but in order for her to fulfill her dreams, she must do this.
Like I said before, Nancy's novels always seem to teach and thrill at the same time. An exciting story that is character driven, and has a female protagonist that is strong and goes after what she wants and does not let society tell her what she can and can't do. The addition of a love story keeps the story fluid and easy to read. When I look at some of the porcelain figures I have, I just never realized nor cared how they were made or about the colors that they are painted with. Well, I will now..lol.
I always look forward to a new book by Nancy and this one did not disappoint! Go get your copy when it is released, you won't be disappointed!
She meets Sir Gabriel Courtenay who wants her to spy for him regarding the color blue, he wants the formula for the color. She is tasked with going to Derby and is expected to infiltrate the lab where the color is formulated. The main obsession of Sir Gabriel is with getting the information on a new shade of blue on porcelain that is a perfect shade.
She wants to be able to go to Venice as Sir Gabriel has promised to fulfill a lifelong dream of being able to study so she agrees. Things don't go as planned though and she finds herself in France, the very place she hates. She is concerned though that the task she has to undertake could cause problems for her grandfather. Spying is not something she has wanted to do but in order for her to fulfill her dreams, she must do this.
Like I said before, Nancy's novels always seem to teach and thrill at the same time. An exciting story that is character driven, and has a female protagonist that is strong and goes after what she wants and does not let society tell her what she can and can't do. The addition of a love story keeps the story fluid and easy to read. When I look at some of the porcelain figures I have, I just never realized nor cared how they were made or about the colors that they are painted with. Well, I will now..lol.
I always look forward to a new book by Nancy and this one did not disappoint! Go get your copy when it is released, you won't be disappointed!
December 3, 2018
The best way to describe this book in a word is “colourful”. Set in the 18th century in both England (for the main part) and France, it is the tale of a feisty, smart, talented young woman Genevieve Planché, a French Huguenot living in England. Her quick wit and unusual outlook on most things immediately endear her to the reader. Being a talented artist, her dream is to draw under the pupillage of a master artist but in England, this is unthinkable for a woman. At the time, the most valued currency is porcelain with espionage of the finest formulas in colour and composition rife. Enter the charming Sir Gabriel Courtenay. He lures her with an offer to go to Venice to further her learning of art provided she learns the secret of the colour blue in the porcelain factory of Derby.
What follows is a detailed account of the porcelain industry intermingled with a bunch of characters, some highly likeable and some sadly on the other end of the scale.
The descriptions alone penned by Bilyeau make this a worthy read. The weather, drawings, costumes, scenery and characters are brought to life in a rich tapestry of words that transport the reader in the blink of an eye to the scene described. The story is exceptionally well written and if more historical fiction was presented like this, the genre I have no doubt would prove more popular.
The story centres on the discovery of a shade of blue, at a time when relations are strained between England and France. On another level, it outlines the accepted and expected behaviour of women.
My soul criticism came right at the ending when I felt the story concluded abruptly. This may be the way to induce a sequel on the part of the author, but I had wanted to know what became of characters that were introduced earlier, to whom no further reference was made. Regardless, I cannot in good conscience give this book anything less than 5 stars. Bravo!
What follows is a detailed account of the porcelain industry intermingled with a bunch of characters, some highly likeable and some sadly on the other end of the scale.
The descriptions alone penned by Bilyeau make this a worthy read. The weather, drawings, costumes, scenery and characters are brought to life in a rich tapestry of words that transport the reader in the blink of an eye to the scene described. The story is exceptionally well written and if more historical fiction was presented like this, the genre I have no doubt would prove more popular.
The story centres on the discovery of a shade of blue, at a time when relations are strained between England and France. On another level, it outlines the accepted and expected behaviour of women.
My soul criticism came right at the ending when I felt the story concluded abruptly. This may be the way to induce a sequel on the part of the author, but I had wanted to know what became of characters that were introduced earlier, to whom no further reference was made. Regardless, I cannot in good conscience give this book anything less than 5 stars. Bravo!
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