OVERVIEW
This is a debut novel and an excellent first book by Emily Howes!
The subject matter of this novel is really dense, difficult, and horrible. This is the story of Thomas Gainsborough's two daughters and their lives. It was so sad and heart-rending to read about their lives.
I knew who Thomas Gainsborough was as I have viewed his amazing painting "Blue Boy" since I was little at the Huntington Library in San Marino, California. Of course, I never thought about the back story of "Blue Boy" or the painter, Thomas Gainsborough. This historical novel fills in most of the gaps in my knowledge.
This novel is difficult to get into immediately, but it really gets going about halfway through. It is definitely thought-provoking!
OVERALL REVIEW: 4.5 stars
Writing: 4.0 stars
Emily's writing is a bit dense and took me some time to totally get into it, but it is totally appropriate for the time period. I read much slower than normal to fully understand and digest it all. Since this is her debut novel and it was so good, I see nothing but a great writing future for Emily.
Character development: 5.0 stars
This book had two main characters, Molly and Peg Gainsborough. At the core of the novel is their bond, dependence, and undying sisterly love. They go through so much together, but all that matters is that they are sisters who love each other through good and bad times.
The secondary characters are Thomas and Margaret Gainsborough - the painter and his wife. They try to keep their lives together, but it is challenging and difficult at times.
The tertiary character is a secondary timeline that cements it all together beautifully.
Storyline: 5.0 stars
The story is primarily told in one timeline in the mid-1700s and a secondary one in the 1730s. Both are very character-driven and highly engaging.
The secondary story explains so much about the primary story. It is fascinating how the author weaves these two stories beautifully.
The main locations were Ipswich, Bath, and London, England.
Memorable/Informative: 5.0 stars
It was overwhelming to learn so much about the 18th century that I never even considered. The subjugation of women, the poor staying poor forever, and the rich getting richer and richer. The sad thing is that this is still is how things are happening now in the 21st century.
Book cover: 5.0 stars
Very beautiful.
Book title: 4.5 stars
Lovely.
HIGHLY recommend
BOOK INFORMATION
NetGalley ARC Kindle book
The Painter's Daughters by Emily Howes
320 pages
Simon & Schuster
Release date of 02/27/2024
INFORMATIONAL LINKS
Happy reading,
Dorothea 💜
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