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Diana C. (Delray Beach, FL)
Merde!
What do you get when you mix the Impressionist painters, mysterious deaths, time travel, life in fin de siècle Paris and irreverent humor? You get Christopher Moore’s new novel, Sacre Bleu. As a lover of art history and historical fiction, I enjoyed traveling back to fin de siècle Paris when Impressionist painting was in its infancy. If that wasn’t interesting enough, Moore ‘s story is interwoven with time travel and stories about the mysterious Colorman, and the Colorman’s dubious influence upon artists throughout the ages. Humorously clever, I enjoyed how the humor was intricately woven into the historical and not so historical facts of the period.
Stan W. (Columbus, OH)
A Comedy of Arts
In typical Christopher Moore fashion, the author has written yet another book that proposes a unique "take" on a particular subject matter, in this case, art history. The story centers on a mysterious letter written by Van Gogh just before his death and sent to Toulouse-Lautrec. While the book is not his best work, in my opinion, it does evoke a few laugh-out-loud moments. If you like Sacré Bleu, then I would recommend you read my personal favorites by iMoore, Fluke/i and iA Dirty Job/i.
Teresa M. (Naples, FL)
a good read
I chose this book because I love the Impressionists, find this period of time fascinating and am always interested in learning more about both. And this book does not disappoint. Although clearly the author did a great amount of research, it is a fictional and irreverent art history lesson set in fin de siecle France. I was completely entertained by the author's characters, both real and imagined, and will recommend this book to my friends who love art, Paris and good reads.
Lisa E. (Cincinnati, OH)
Typical Chris Moore, but Confusing
I love Chris Moore--A Dirty Job is one of my favorite books. This story creates a wonderful character from the painter Toulouse-Lautrec and presents a fun and engaging depiction of the French Impressionists. The central mystery of the novel, however, the source of the sacre bleu paint of the title, is confusing and not entirely compelling. Still, a fun page-turner.
Kristen K. (Atlanta, Georgia)
A Fun Engaging Novel
Sacre Bleu by Christopher Moore was very enjoyable to read. I have some familiarity with the artists who populate this fictional tale and I think he did a great job of bringing them to life as characters in this amusing mystery. The setting is Paris in the late 1800s during the heyday of the Impressionists. Readers will recognize many of the paintings and locations that figure in the story and the book has black and white illustrations to help. I found the mystery of the “Colorman” the weakest part of the book but Moore ties it all together and it did keep me entertained.
Les G. (Fort Collins, CO)
A fun comedy/mystery in 1800's Paris
Sacre Bleu by Christopher Moore is a wonderful comedy/mystery set in the artist's community of late 1800's Paris. Lucien Lessard and Henri Toulouse-Lautrec work to uncover the mysterious Colorman, a twisted little man who is inexplicably proud of a certain shade of blue he sells, and of his ability to frighten housekeepers with his penis. This is an entertaining book containing equal amounts of humor and mystery mixed together with a blend of some wonderful personalities. The dialog is often quite funny, and the mystery is blended with hints of a supernatural danger. All together this makes for a very fun tour of world of Paris' artists.
Norma R. (secaucus, NJ)
Sacre Bleu
I enjoyed this book. If you like Paris, bread and painters you will too. Most of the story takes place in the Montmartre neighborhood.The characters are Impressionist painters like Toulouse-Lautrec, Pissaro and Manet. The book centers on the need for "true blue", the special color coveted by all artists. It also focuses on the painters' "muse" or inspiration. The artists come across as real people, having fun and struggling to make a living.
Eileen F. (Drexel Hill, PA)
Crazy Art World
Sacre Bleu is typical Christopher Moore and more. It is crazy, bizarre and full of facts about art, artists and Impressionism. If you enjoyed other Moore books you will like this. I appreciated the art work in the book, as well as all the history of the time period. This was a fun read.
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