What do readers think of The Paris Winter by Imogen Robertson? Write your own review.

I love historical fiction and really looked forward to reading this book and was initially a bit disappointed that the initial chapters of The Paris Winter felt ponderous without much promise. However, I slogged on and ultimately found this delightfully crafted mystery set during La Belle Époque Paris a real page-turner.

While the character at the center of the story, Maud Heighton, a nearly starving artist from Darlington in England in Paris to study art, seems almost cardboard, the supporting cast is wonderful – a privileged Russian beauty, a model raised on the streets of Montmartre, a near-do-well con-man, an ethereal opium addict, a brass American born countess, and the city of Paris itself during the winter of 1909 – 1910 when the banks of the Seine flooded the city.

Ms. Robertson's prose flows beautifully as if from an antique fountain pen on fine paper from Crane's. She captures the feeling of early 20th Century Paris before the Great War & finely illustrates the dichotomy of the poor and struggling versus the flamboyance and extravagance of the rich. It is clear that Ms. Robertson thoroughly researched the time and place and I yearned for more. While part of the plot seemed a bit overly concocted, it was a good read. And really, what more can we desire?

After reading The Paris Winter I am eager to explore some of Ms. Robertson's other writings.

This is a great, well written historic fiction set in Paris during the "Beautiful Era". The story started a little slow, but it didn't take long to get into the characters and the story line.

The story takes place in the early 1900s and gives the reader insight into the difficulties of women of that era, beginning to realize their strengths and independence.

I loved the characters. I'm looking forward to reading more from this author.

Most of the time I enjoy historical fiction and this book was no exception. It was an interesting time in history because women were fighting to enter formerly "male" occupations, like art & medicine. I knew very little about how women artists were treated -- and of course the answer was "not well" like most occupations at that time. The book was a stark reminder of how far we have come -- and the sacrifices that were made to get us there.

The story was also engrosing with interesting, well drawn characters and lots of art-world details. The Paris Winter finished nicely with the heroines rewarded and "some" of the villians punished -- and that's all I need to enjoy historical fiction!

This is an interesting historical novel set in 1909 Paris. Women are coming to Paris for art lessons...some rich and just filling time, and some, like our heroine, very talented and serious. Maud finds herself almost destitute in Paris, spending all she has to pay for her lessons. So begins a page-turner as Maud is drawn into a world of intrigue. I think this book will please anyone who enjoys historical fiction with interesting characters and twists and turns, but is a special treat for anyone interested in art and women painters.

If Sarah Waters decided to explore the darker side of the Belle Epoque Paris art-world, she might come up with something like The Paris Winter. Through a trio of characters - a spoiled Russian princess, a prostitute/art model with a heart of gold and an aspiring female painter from England with secrets of her own - Robertson brings all the beauty and grime of Paris to life. The characters sometimes stray too close to stereotypes but the setting is the real star here. A wealth of details and a handful of double-crosses make for an exciting read.

I found this book difficult to get into and even well into the book I found I really wasn't caring much about the main character, Maud. The story takes place in the art world of 1909 and the Paris life. I will admit the book did pick up after the first 50-75 pages...but unfortunately just not the kind of book I would recommend.

Right off the top upon seeing the cover of the book I was disappointed. I thought it was poorly done,,seemed like an airport quick buy for the long trip.
I admit it was with that attitude that I began the book. It started slowly with no real 'grab effect'..and I put it down a number of times not pleased with the story. Historical fiction is my go-to book but I found myself not warming to this Winter tale.
I found as the novel progressed it captured my interest a bit more..but it never did grab me. The description of the story plot was more interesting.

I wanted to love this book as I love Paris and art, but having just finished Tartt's "The Goldfinch" the writing just does not compare. Both stories are totally out there with their premise, and as much as the author did well with the characters, especially Maud, I had a difficult time getting through some of this book as it was too unbelievable. I would almost classify this as a good 'summer read'. Not objectionable, but there are too many well written books out there.