The Virgin Blue: A Novel
by Tracy Chevalier
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Book Summary Information
Author: Tracy ChevalierEdition: Paperback
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language); English (Published)
Published: 2003-06-24
ISBN: 0452284449
Number of pages: 320
Publisher: Plume
Book Reviews of The Virgin Blue: A Novel
Book Review: "Girl with a Pearl Earring" fans will be disappointed
Summary: 3 Stars
This first novel by Tracy Chevalier was apparently published only after "Girl with a Pearl Earring" became a best seller, and one can see why. The story of Ella Turner (really "Tournier," we are told)is set in modern day France and the paralell story of Isabelle is set in the 16th century. Ella moves to France with her very likable husband Rick, and embarks on a search for her ancestors with the help of the local librarian. Ella begins to suffer nightmares that tie into the story of her ancestor Isabelle Tournier, a Catholic turned Huguenot, married to a cruel and abusive husband. As Ella becomes obsessed with the past, she pushes puzzled Rick away and delves into her dreams and uncovers the secrets of her ancestors.The book fails first and foremost due to the heroine, an extremely emotional, directionless young woman married to a nice, well-meaning guy who can't figure out what's going on. The historical background is quite interesting, but the paralells between Ella's life and that of 16th century Isabelle are fanciful and unrealistic.
I give this book a 3 because it's reasonably well-written and I found the historical setting--the French Huguenots, the violence perpetrated by the Catholics, the flight to Switzerland, the role of superstition--quite fascinating. But don't expect anything on a par with "Pearl Earring."
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