Midnight Blue: A Novel

3.5 stars, rounded Following the tale of Catrin, we have a glimpse into the times: married at 17 and widowed by 25, she’s left her small village and taken a post as housekeeper with a successful merchant family, the wife spending her time in painting lessons from the master, Rembrandt. One of Catrin’s joys is the paintings and art she’s seeing for the first time, and with encouragement from her mistress’ teacher, she perhaps has a new and more creative option. But her past is never far behind, and one who knows her secret has discovered her whereabouts, forcing Catrin to flee, again, this time to Delft, a place soon to be known for its unique blue and white pottery – an attempt to rival the fine Chinese porcelains so in demand by the masses. In Delft, a new opportunity arises as her gift with a brush provide her a living, and she is soon consumed with her new life and new-found independence as a pottery painter, leaving the past and its scandals behind her. Much of the history of both import and trade, as well as insights into art, life and the history of Delft pottery are revealed, all as part of Catrin’s story. Of course, the past arrives again to threaten her new life, and decisions must be made. Overall, I enjoyed the history presented here, even as I had some issues with the language attributed to Catrin and her contemporaries. It was often far too modern, and her own behaviors were very forward for the time and her position – she was a far more ‘modern’ figure than one would or should expect, even if she was able to make a living from her own talent. While the writing, in translation, didn’t feel stilted or particularly off, the mix of Catrin’s present with the secrets and scandal of her past, and her very decidedly modern feel just didn’t blend with the historic information or feel that I wished were more prevalent as I read. But, it was interesting and engaging for the history and setting, giving a sense, if not wholly accurate, of the time and place for one woman as she lived her life. I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via Edelweiss for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.

Excelente lectura. Mantiene el interés por sus giros narrativos. Impredecible.