The Velvet Hours

By Alyson Richman

Book Overview

From the international bestselling author of The Lost Wife and The Garden of Letters , comes a story--inspired by true events--of two women pursuing freedom and independence in Paris during WWII. As Paris teeters on the edge of the German occupation, a young French woman closes the door to her late grandmother's treasure-filled apartment, unsure if she'll ever return. An elusive courtesan, Marthe de Florian cultivated a life of art and beauty, casting out all recollections of her impoverished childhood in the dark alleys of Montmartre. With Europe on the brink of war, she shares her story with her granddaughter Solange Beaugiron, using her prized possessions to reveal her innermost secrets. Most striking of all are a beautiful string of pearls and a magnificent portrait of Marthe painted by the Italian artist Giovanni Boldini. As Marthe's tale unfolds, like velvet itself, stitched with its own shadow and light, it helps to guide Solange on her own path. Inspired by the true account of an abandoned Parisian apartment, Alyson Richman brings to life Solange, the young woman forced to leave her fabled grandmother's legacy behind to save all that she loved.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0425266265
• ISBN13: 9780425266267
• Release Date: September 2016
• Publisher: Penguin Publishing Group
• Length: 384 Pages
• Weight: 0.76 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 5.2" x 7.9"

Customer Reviews

Really pleasant read, excellent characters

I'm always frustrated when reviewers give a low rating (below 4 stars) but provide no context for the rating. Such is the case with this book. At the time of my review there was just 1 other rating (2-star) and no text to explain it. Frankly, I cannot begin to explain the low rating. The story is engaging, this author's storytelling is excellent, the writing and editing is very good, and the finish is both satisfying and not overly predictable. What is not to like? Read it, you will not be disappointed.