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As the Belle Epoque dawns, Paris attracts artists from everywhere. One is Jeanette Palmer, daughter of a prominent Ohio family, who has left Vassar College under a cloud of scandal.
Amid the city’s great bohemian neighborhoods and teaching studios, Jeanette befriends other female artists, as well as an American Civil War veteran named Edward Murer. She begins to achieve a level of artistic success. And her happiness increases as she and Edward grow more intimate with each other.
But Edward is plagued by his demons and addicted to laudanum—and as the world opens its arms to Jeanette, and the society around her is transformed by cultural and scientific innovations, she must resolve a conflict utterly new to so many women: the choice between ambition and love.
Jeannette Palmer is studying art at Vassar College. She’s a bright, promising student who suddenly because of a ill-planned adventure to help a friend elope is expelled from Vassar. This is 1877, the dawn of the Belle Epoque, a daring, freeing time but not so free yet that such a scandal does not bring ruin to Jeannette and her family’s reputation. To say they are appalled would be the understatement of all time. What are they to do and where shall she be accepted now. It is her spinster cousin, Effie, who suggests that Jeannette should study art in Paris, France, a plan that will transform both of their lives in the most pleasurable way possible!
This is a marvelous journey for both of these cousins and the reader alike. Paris where the finest new artists earn their acceptance through the famous Salon judgments on a year-to-year basis. Jeannette will later meet many of the most famous artists at the time or at least be exposed to their innovative and provocative paintings and sculptures. For acceptable form is the norm and deviation from same could win one fame or ruin within days if not weeks and months. Yet as Jeannette begins her drawing classes and later progresses to painting in oils, we share her learning of how to create line, form, movement, light, shadow and so much more. At a certain point, the reader almost holds one’s breath as Jeannette strives to find what will be her unique artistic mark, the expression of the moods, tones, and hidden words spoken in now empty, silent rooms. Rather than being tedious, the author conveys the mystery and magic of it all.
Edward Murer is the other main character, a survivor of the Civil War who was wounded and kept as a prisoner of war. His addiction to laudanum for physical and emotional pain is an issue that appears and disappears in unexpected cycles. As a war veteran, he is painfully sensitive to the essence of men and women, seeing beyond the facades and yearning to remain aloof from all that is false and devious. No, he doesn’t immediately fall head over heels with Jeannette but instead very, very slowly develops an interest with her and her artistic friends and social acquaintances.
There is where we meet many characters who overcome formidable challenges on every possible sphere – and those who don’t – Paris is really no different than anywhere else! It is, however, the artistic and cultural center of a very specific historical time known as the Belle Epoque and Katherine Keenum renders a depiction of that time with panache that is delectable to experience! A superb work of historical fiction that should be a best seller and would make a grand movie or Broadway show!
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted March 7, 2013
this book just gets better and better. the characters get deeper and more interesting as the story progresses. i have marginal interest in art history but this book sent me to the internet to learn a bit more. i liked the low key nature of Edward and Jeanette's romance and the slow but steady pace of their deepening relationship. edward's civil war experiences were riveting as was his courageous struggle with addiction.
the side characters made the story rich. the details about art, Paris and rules of late 19th century societal rules created a truly engaging story.
i thought this was a great book. my only caveat was that some side characters had interesting story lines left a bit at loose ends.what the heck happened with Dr. Winkie? poor emily and her overbearing brother...
anyway - terrific and smart read.
WHERE THE LIGHT FALLS by Katherine Keenum is an interesting historical romance set in Ohio and Paris in 1870's. Follow Jeanette Palmer,a young artist who is forced to leave a prestigious school due to scandal. And Edward Murer,a American Civil War veteran with demons. Follow them as they navigate the artist world for women, demons,scandal,ambition,some will follow their dreams while others fight their demons. Jeanette has always dreamt of being an artist and goes to Paris to follow her dreams. Edward and Jeanette fight their attraction,he is much older than Jeanette, as her dreams begin to come true,she learns Edward is addicted to Laudanum,and fighting his own battles. "Where The Light Falls" is a complex,compelling story of love,sacrifice and the struggle women had and still have between a career and love. A wonderful debut for this author. She has captured the time,essence,and life with her engaging characters and intriguing plot.A must for anyone who enjoys women's struggles,women artists,history,conflict and love. Received for an honest review from the publisher.
RATING: 4
HEAT RATING: SWEET
REVIEWED BY: AprilR, My Book Addiction and More/My Book Addiction Reviews
Anonymous
Posted March 15, 2013
No text was provided for this review.
Overview
As the Belle Epoque dawns, Paris attracts artists from everywhere. One is Jeanette Palmer, daughter of a prominent Ohio family, who has left Vassar College under a cloud of scandal.
Amid the city’s great bohemian neighborhoods and teaching studios, Jeanette befriends other female artists, as well as an American Civil War veteran named Edward Murer. She begins to achieve a level of artistic success. And her happiness increases as she and Edward ...