The Paris Winter by Imogen Robertson


This is the type of historical fiction you will want to read in one sitting, breathlessly gasping as the plot twists and turns. This was my first taste of Imogen Robertson's writing and I will certainly be back for more. Set in the biting winter of 1909 Maud Heighton has come to Paris to the famous Lafond's Académie to improve her painting but as her fellow students especially the wealthy Russian Tanya enjoy the delights of Paris life, Maud is hungry and poor. Tanya intuits that her friend is approaching destitution and suggests a visit to Miss Harris who finds work for poor ex pats. While Maud is typically English in her reserve she accepts her friend's advice and Miss Harris arranges work for Maud as a companion and drawing teacher to young and beautiful Sylvie Morel. Maud feels such relief at her new position never having to worry about going hungry or cold again that she accepts Sylvie's strange behaviour, even her secret opium addiction. However deception is never far away and as Maud is seduced by the Morel's life of luxury she has no idea of the fate in store for her. Thrilling and exciting this is a wonderful read which the author has carefully researched. I loved it. Thanks so much to Headline Books for a review copy.

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