From Susan Vreeland, bestselling author of such acclaimed novels as Girl in Hyacinth Blue, Luncheon of the Boating Party, and Clara and Mr. Tiffany, comes a richly imagined story of a woman’s awakening in the south of Vichy France—to the power of art, to the beauty of provincial life, and to love in the midst of war. In 1937, young Lisette Roux and her husband, André, move from Paris to a village … André, move from Paris to a village in Provence to care for André’s grandfather Pascal. Lisette regrets having to give up her dream of becoming a gallery apprentice and longs for the comforts and sophistication of Paris. But as she soon discovers, the hilltop town is rich with unexpected pleasures.
Pascal once worked in the nearby ochre mines and later became a pigment salesman and frame maker; while selling his pigments in Paris, he befriended Pissarro and Cézanne, some of whose paintings he received in trade for his frames. Pascal begins to tutor Lisette in both art and life, allowing her to see his small collection of paintings and the Provençal landscape itself in a new light. Inspired by Pascal’s advice to “Do the important things first,” Lisette begins a list of vows to herself (#4. Learn what makes a painting great). When war breaks out, André goes off to the front, but not before hiding Pascal’s paintings to keep them from the Nazis’ reach.
With German forces spreading across Europe, the sudden fall of Paris, and the rise of Vichy France, Lisette sets out to locate the paintings (#11. Find the paintings in my lifetime). Her search takes her through the stunning French countryside, where she befriends Marc and Bella Chagall, who are in hiding before their flight to America, and acquaints her with the land, her neighbors, and even herself in ways she never dreamed possible. Through joy and tragedy, occupation and liberation, small acts of kindness and great acts of courage, Lisette learns to forgive the past, to live robustly, and to love again.
Praise for Lisette’s List
“Vreeland’s love of painters and painting, her meticulous research and pitch-perfect descriptive talents . . . are abundantly evident in her new novel.”—The Washington Post
“This historical novel’s . . . great strength is its lovingly detailed setting. . . . Readers will enjoy lingering in the sun-dappled, fruit-scented Provençal landscape that Vreeland brings to life.”—The Boston Globe
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One of the most engaging books I’ve read in a long time. Great character development and very descriptive settings.
A World War II book. Different kind of perspective.
This book is full of info on several great artists and the wonderful region of Provence, France.
I truly did not want this story to end. A new favorite of mine in which I’m thrilled I came across.
A story of hope, promise and of new beginnings in the South of France. The scenery is beautifully depicted. An exquisite telling of life, art and the treachery of War. Life changes things when we least expect it….and mysteries arise.
Ms. Vreeland has created a wonderful version of Historical Fiction that’s not to be missed. Extremely well written, researched to point, and masterful.
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Very good story, charecters we’re good. I always learn a little something from her books.
I am older and I remember parts of WWII. The setting was in France when the German Army took Paris. I learned a lot about art and artists but more about how the French survived in this time of deprivation. It was wonderful. Hated for it to end.
I like all of Susan Vreeland’s books. They bring original paintings to life with her historical stories.
This is my all time favorite book. The way the writer discribes the color in this story is breath taking, it makes you want to visit there.
This was a richly entertaining story of a couple moving from Paris to Provence before WWII began. A wonderful look at works of artists of the time, the story behind each painting and how they were save from the hands of the Nazies, and ultimately saved the lives of others in their search for happiness. Heartwarming, informative and entertaining read.
This book made me more appreciative of art, nature and friends!
The way in which the author describes colors and feelings were delicious!
I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to wake up to a higher way of looking.
beautiful descriptions of that part of the world, and heart-breaking story of courage and love
A lovely blend of artists/art and WWII, with a vision of life in a small town in France. I enjoyed it quite a lot
Everyone should read this book. This is history. Tragic story of the holocaust. If people could comprehend what these people went through, we might have a better world.
It is not often that I cannot finish a book. But this one was tough. Could not hold my attention.
Easy ,enjoyable and humorous.
I found this book touching and informative. The main character’s move from a city life in Paris to rural Provance is a process that enlarges both her and her new place. She find riches and adventures she would never had that completes her life in unforeseen ways. Art history comes alive for the reader as she becomes the guardian and defender of inherited precious impressionist painting during the Nazi occupation of France. A thriller for art lovers and world war 11 history buffs alike.
If you love art , you’ll love this: Pissarro, Cezanne, and Chagall!
If anyone loves art history and paintings this is wonderful!!! Never dull and all about Paris and Provence starting right before WWII thru 1948. Savour every page as they describe paints, colors and brush strokes…..and the beauty of Provence.
This book encouraged me to look up each of the artists featured, and that led me to continue looking up other post impressionist artists, so it’s terrific from that perspective. I really loved the way her characters grew, her ability to paint a picture with words, and of course, the plot development. I will read this again, and will also read other books by Ms. Vreeland
Beautifully written.