inspired further interest into the world of Parisian salons and the artists who favored them -- a good balance of true history, fictionalized history, and love story ( )

I enjoyed Anne Girard's writing. Her story of Picasso and his mistress Eva Gouel portrayed a very romantic image of Picasso and made me curious to read more about him and his life. The book is not as intense as The Girl with the Pearl Earring, but somewhat similar to Susan Vreeland's writing. At the end of the book, there are questions for discussion which would be good for book clubs and an interesting discussion with the author. She was challenged to find information about Eva, but had the extraordinary opportunity to talk to one of Picasso's last living friends who shared stories with her about Picasso. I believe that encounter would be great reading is she wrote about it.

I would love to discuss this book with my docent and art loving friends to hear what they think of this perspective of Picasso's life. ( )

The compelling story of the life of Eva Gouel who rises from humble origins to become the muse and one true love of the artist Pablo Picasso. She is portrayed as such a truly sweet person that, if true, I can see why Picasso was so enchanted with her. The novel is also interesting in the fine way that the author has described the setting and time period in Paris and beyond. The book reads like butter and gives much insight into the artist community in Paris during that era. A must read for lovers of romantic historical fiction. ( )

Madame Picasso by Anne Girard is a love story, a romance, and a slice of history all at the same time. It is the story of the affair between Pablo Picasso and Eva Gouel. The physical descriptions in the book are too much for my taste, but other than that, this book takes the reader on an emotional journey through this very intense relationship.

Read my complete review at: http://www.memoriesfrombooks.com/2014/09/madame-picasso.html

Reviewed based on a copy received from the publisher ( )

Pablo Picasso was one of most influential painters of his era. He is not only known for his works of art. He was a painter, sculptor and poet but was also known for the many women he has loved. He is a tortured soul who isn't able to settle down with one woman. and carries around a lot of guilt and sadness over the death of his sister Conchita. He is well known for the co founding of the Cubist movement in painting. He is one of three artists who played a big part in the developments in painting, sculpture, printmaking and ceramics.

Eva Gouel is a young woman who left home to find her dreams in Paris. With only sewing as the skill that she posses, she gets a job at the Moulin Rouge repairing costumes for performers using the name Marcelle Humbert. She finds the stage an exciting place to work and quickly befriends several people, one of which is Pablo Picasso. At the time of this story he is in a long time relationship with Fernande Olivier, an artist/model. Theirs was a tumultuous affair and Fernande hoped to become Madame Picasso, she actually called herself that even though they were never married. After Picasso falls for Eva he calls it quits with Fernande. Eva is Picasso's muse and paints many pictures with a notation on the painting of Ma Jolie, I Love Eva. This novel is mostly the story of the relationship of Eva and Picasso.

I found this novel to be very informative, my knowledge of art in general and Picasso in particular being almost nil. Reading about the Moulin Rouge, Paris and other parts of France was interesting indeed. I also learned abit about the crowd that Picasso, Fernande and Eva belonged to, although I did know about Gertrude Stein and Alice Toklas. They were both Americans who settled in Paris and were both well known in their own right as writers, activists and life partners. It was very in vogue during this particular era to be seen at one of Gertrudes parties.

This is a romantic historical novel set in the dawn of the Belle Epogue, a time of new scientific discoveries, less rigid rules and more love of life and the arts. A bittersweet tale of a powerful love that not many people get in their lifetime. I highly recommend this book. ( )