Book review: With Violets

I received With Violets a few days ago and sat right down to start reading. I had big hopes for this book, as I am a big fan of stories of artists, strong willed women, and couples prevailing against the odds. Unfortunately, my review can't be as favorable as I hoped.

The story follows artist Berthe Morisot over a several year period, from her meeting  Edouard Manet, her fascination with him and the obstacle of him being married.  The story is set in the 1860's, so there are certain expectations of how women should behave. Even though Berthe does get her courage up a few times to follow her heart, she recriminates herself way too much and the storyline seems to drag. I admit to impatience to get to to the next page during these times, only to be disappointed with her still recriminating herself. Still, I kept going, hoping in the end to be satisfied with the way the story would wind up. Again, I was disappointed.

I will not ruin the ending, but will admit it left me wanting. The book will hopefully suit others, but it just wasn't for me.

With Violets

Author: Elizabeth Robards