I liked this. It took me longer than I thought so I wouldn't describe it as a can't-put-it-down. ( )

I'm glad I listened to the audiobook instead of reading the book. Otherwise, I probably wouldn't have finished it. I would have quit reading after fifty pages. While the story was good, the first half of the book was like watching a turtle. For that reason, I had difficulty paying attention to the story, and I probably missed a few details as it unfolded.

Once things picked up a bit, I enjoyed it, but because the first half was so dull, I wasn't very invested in the main character, Maud. If there were any book to compare this one to, it would be Villette by Charlotte Brontë, at least in style. However, Villette was better, and I cared more about Lucy than I did Maud, despite Maud's involvement in a more interesting plot (at least in the second half).

If the plot hadn't taken so long to build, I would probably give The Paris Winter four stars. However, because the first half was on the edge of completely boring, I can only give it three. If you loved Villette, or you enjoy a modern take on the classic Gothic novel, I would recommend borrowing this one instead of buying. If you insist on purchasing a copy, you might want to go with the audiobook, but regardless of the edition, just know that the story plods along for well over a hundred pages before it gets anywhere interesting. ( )

Greed, deception, betrayal, revenge - these were the things Maude learned the most about when she came to Paris in 1910 to study art. After a bit of a slow start, I loved everything about this story. The characters are rich and multi-faceted, the plot is intriguing and original. Even the chapter titles describing anonymous works of art from the DeSevrais collection tie into the story at the end. Highly recommend. ( )

I randomly selected this from one of my book cases, and I'm glad I did! An amalgamation of three various structures of people living in Paris during the turning of the 20th century, added glamor, necessity, and poverty to this very interesting book.

It is 1910, and Maud Heighton leaves small town England and studies art and hopes to make a living from selling her works. She studies at an academy for women who pursue their artistic skills. All too soon, she realizes that it costs way more money to live in Paris than she can possible afford. Quickly slipping into poverty, she is rescued by a co-student who happens to be very rich and lives with her two very wealthy Aunts. Tanya Koltsova hails from Russia and has never felt the sting of poverty.

She proves to be a good friend who shows the Paris limelight as together they visit various salons where art and money are plentiful. Through her friend, she is directed toward Madame de Civray who is known to help those in need. Finding placement with a "gentleman" Christian Morel, and his sister Sylvie, she is hired to assist Sylvie how to speak English.

Now well paid, well fed and able to visit museums and not worry about where to sleep, she knows she can become complacent, but all-too soon learns that the Morel's are not what they appear to be.

Framed for stealing a very expensive tiara from Madame de Civray, Christian Morel also tries to drown her by pushing her off a bridge into bitter cold water. She survives and is helped by Tanya, and Yvettte, a very down-to-earth woman who models at the art school where Maud attends.

While the book started out rather slowly, I'm glad I continued to read this very good historical novel where art, fashion, wealth and poverty collide.

I rate this book four stars. The writing is wonderful, the setting is lavishly portrayed, and the underbelly of Paris in the year 1910 can be very hedonistic, selfish and greedy, and those who want to stay above the trap of poverty will do anything to succeed. Maud is a realistic heroine who learns her lessons well. ( )

Set in Paris during the early 20th century, this novel is about art and intrigue. The central character is Maud Heighton, an Englishwoman studying painting at Lafond's Academie. To save herself from starvation during the harsh winter, Maud becomes a paid companion to a wealthy Frenchman's sister. However, the man and his sister are not who they appear to be. Diamonds, high society, hidden identities, and opium abuse intertwine as Maud and her friends fight for justice and for their right to choose how to live their own lives.

Anna C. / Marathon County Public Library
Find this book in our library catalog.

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