‘Nancy Bilyeau’s passion for history infuses her books’ – Alison Weir‘Definitely a winner!’ – Kate QuinnIn eighteenth century London, porcelain is the most seductive of commodities; fortunes are made and lost upon it. Kings do battle with knights and knaves for possession of the finest pieces and the secrets of their manufacture.For Genevieve Planché, an English-born descendant of Huguenot … English-born descendant of Huguenot refugees, porcelain holds far less allure; she wants to be an artist, a painter of international repute, but nobody takes the idea of a female artist seriously in London. If only she could reach Venice.
When Genevieve meets the charming Sir Gabriel Courtenay, he offers her an opportunity she can’t refuse; if she learns the secrets of porcelain, he will send her to Venice. But in particular, she must learn the secrets of the colour blue…
The ensuing events take Genevieve deep into England’s emerging industrial heartlands, where not only does she learn about porcelain, but also about the art of industrial espionage.
With the heart and spirit of her Huguenot ancestors, Genevieve faces her challenges head on, but how much is she willing to suffer in pursuit and protection of the colour blue?
‘The Blue is a fast-paced and highly engaging historical thriller packed with period detail and peopled with characters that the reader really grows to care about.’ – NB Magazine
‘Bilyeau’s research is impeccable, taking what might have been a dreary industrial novel and making it into a living, breathing drama. Kudos and highly recommended!’ – Historical Novel Society, and Editor’s Choice
‘…transports the reader into the heart of the 18th century porcelain trade—where the price of beauty was death.’ – E.M. Powell, author of the Stanton & Barling medieval mystery series.
‘Bilyeau is an impressive talent who brings to life a heart-stopping story of adventure, art and espionage during the Seven Years War.’ – Stephanie Dray, bestselling author of My Dear Hamilton
‘Historical fans will be well satisfied.’ – Publishers Weekly
‘With rich writing, surprising twists, and a riveting sense of ‘you are there,’ The Blue is spine-tingling entertainment.’ – Gayle Lynds, New York Times bestselling author of The Assassins
Nancy Bilyeau has worked on the staffs of InStyle, DuJour, Rolling Stone, Entertainment Weekly, and Good Housekeeping. She is currently a regular contributor to Town & Country, Purist, and The Strand. Her screenplays have placed in several prominent industry competitions. Two scripts reached the semi-finalist round of the Nicholl Fellowships of the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences.
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The Blue is a novel which wears its research lightly and moves at a cracking pace. Genevieve Planche is a strong-willed and adventurous character, who refuses to settle for the dull life of a porcelain painter and instead sets her sights on becoming a true artist. Recruited as a spy within the Derby factory, she is soon in deep trouble. In the quest to uncover the secret of making the colour blue, which will revive the porcelain industry, there is double-dealing, murder, and a search for a chemical formula, and all these propel the plot forward to keep the reader hooked.
If you are looking for big, dramatic and immersive historical novel with a strong female lead – this is it! The Blue is a fascinating story, grounded in the history of the porcelain industry and wars between England and France in the mid-eighteenth century.
Genevieve is a talented artist, unable to fulfill her ambitions because she is a woman. She’s not wilting violet but when she agrees to help steal the secret to the new colour of blue to be used in a Derby porcelain factory she embarks on a journey that will bring her into great danger. The Blue is a love story, a murder story, a spy drama and a historical epic all in one. It’s told in the first person, and I felt every moment of peril and indecision with Genevieve. What a great read!
Is there any reading more enjoyable than historical mystery that blends fact and fiction, and sends one straight to the internet seeking images to illuminate the already colorful prose between its pages? There is not, and THE BLUE, by Nancy Bilyeau, is just that kind of read.
Set in eighteenth century Europe, THE BLUE tells a fascinating and informative tale of hedonism, power, and how corrupt we mortals can become for our shiny objects and idols. The characters are spirited and flawed–there’s not a perfectly good egg in the bunch–but that makes them all the more relatable and memorable. The protagonist Genevieve is a gem whose missteps endear her to the reader, and the antagonist is captivating and complicated. Even the cover of the book needs mentioning: it’s exquisite. My preciousssss…
Nancy Bilyeau writes books the reader may buy on release without knowing a thing about but may be certain will be worth the time and investment. THE BLUE is no exception. I was in a severe reading drought but THE BLUE ended it. I give it my highest recommendation.
Well my reading year just kicked off with a BANG! Nancy Bilyeau has truly written a masterpiece of a novel! It has everything I look for in a good historical fiction novel – to be education yet entertained, to be taken back in time and immersed in a new world, and I loved every minute I spent within the pages.
Genevieve is a young Hugenot woman living in England who yearns to become a painter in a time where women were not welcome.
“We are females that do not fit into the world we must live in.”
Faced with a unwanted future she takes the opportunity to cahnge her circumstances by accepting a proposition from a mysterious, yet influential man.
Genevieve is bold, clever, and passionate about what she wants and is adamant on getting it. She was quite the character! Naive at times, but a woman good at heart and ardent on pursuing her love of art.
The sights, the smells, the gritty of 18th century London is brought to glorious life under the master hand of Nancy Bilyeau.
One thing that I really loved was how it kept me guessing, unsure of how it would all pan out at the end. Which made it easy to fly through the pages!
If you’re looking for a fascinating look into the porcelain craze of the 18th century and the quest to find the color blue, I highly recommend this book. It has over 130 five star reviews on Goodreads, so I’m not the only one that found it exceptional. Do yourself a favor and pick up a copy! You can thank me later 🙂
I am writing this review as a member of Rosie’s Book Review Team, and I thank her and the publisher for providing me an ARC copy of this book that I freely chose to review.
As soon as I read the description of this novel I was intrigued by the topic. I’ve read about the different fancies and frenzies that have taken societies (or at least the upper parts of them) by storm over history. Suddenly, something “new” becomes popular, and, especially if it is difficult to obtain, people will go to almost any extreme to get hold of it and then use it to their advantage. People have made fortunes (and got ruined) over the years by pursuing and purchasing items as diverse as tulips, silk, spices, exotic animals, dies, precious stones, gold, and indeed, porcelain. (I know some things don’t change much, and a few items that have replaced those in modern society easily come to mind). Some of them seem almost impossible to believe when looked at from the distance of time, especially when the object of desire is something with very little (if any) practical use, and it comes at a time of crisis and historical upheaval, where more important things are at stake. The morality of such matters is one of the more serious aspects of this novel, and it is compellingly explored.
The author, who has a background in history, does a great job of marrying the historical detail of the period (making us feel as if we were in the London of the late XVIII century first, then in Derby, and later in France) with a fairly large cast of characters and their adventures, weaving a mystery (or several) into a story that reminded me of some of my favourite novels by Alexandre Dumas.
Guinevere, the protagonist, is a young woman who does not seem to fit in anywhere. She is a Huguenot, and although born in England, she is the daughter of French-refugees (and that is a particularly interesting angle of the story, especially because the author is inspired by her own heritage), and is considered a French woman by her English neighbours, a particularly difficult state of affairs at a time when England and France are at war. Her people had to escape France due to religious persecution and she feels no love for France, and yet, she is not fully accepted in England either, being in a kind-of-limbo, although she lives amongst people of her faith at the beginning of the novel. Guinevere narrates her tale in the first-person, and she is insistent in writing her own story, at a time when that was all-but-impossible for a woman. I have recently read a book which mentioned Wollstonecraft’s A Vindication of the Rights of Woman, and I could not avoid thinking about Wollstonecraft (who, like Guinevere, was born in Spitalfields and lived in the same era), and her own complex and controversial life as I read this. Guinevere is not a writer but an artist, and she feels constrained by the limitations imposed on her by the fact of being a woman. She wants to paint like Hogarth, not just produce pretty flowers to decorate silk. But that was considered impossible and improper for a woman at the time. She also wants to pursue knowledge and is attracted to revolutionary ideas and to dangerous men. She is eager to learn, intelligent, but also ruled by her desires and fears; she is stubborn and at times makes decisions that might seem selfish and unreasonable, but then, what other options did she have? Personally, I find Guinevere a fascinating character, a woman of strong convictions, but also able to look at things from a different perspective and acknowledge that she might have been wrong. She is a deep thinker but sometimes she cannot control her emotions and her impulses. She has a sense of morality but does things that could cost her not only her reputation but also her life and that of those she loves. And she ponders and hesitates, feels guilty and changes her mind, falls in love and in lust, and feels attracted and fascinated by driven and intellectually challenging men and by bad boys as well (a bit like the moth she masterfully paints, she gets too close to the flame sometimes).
Guinevere is not always sympathetic, but that is part of what makes her a strong character, and not the perfect heroine that would be unrealistic and impossible to imagine in such circumstances. There are a number of other characters, some that we learn more about than others, and I was particularly fond of Evelyn, who becomes her friend in Derby, and whose life shares some parallels with that of Guinevere, and although I liked her love interest, Thomas Sturbridge, a man who keeps us guessing and is also driven by his desire for knowledge, I was fascinated by Sir Gabriel Courtenay. He is far from the usual villain, and he has hidden motives and desires that keep protagonist and readers guessing. He entices and threatens, he offers the possibility of knowledge and protection one moment and is ruthless and violent the next. He is one of those characters that are not fully explained and one can’t help but keep thinking about and wondering what more adventures they might go on to experience once the book is over.
There are also real historical figures in the book. I have mentioned painters, and we also meet and hear about a fair number of other people, some that will be quite familiar to readers interested in that historical period. The author is well-informed, her research shines through the novel, and I was particularly fascinated by the history of Derby porcelain (now Royal Crown Derby). Her descriptions of the workings of a porcelain factory of the period, the actual running of the business and the machinations behind it make for an enthralling read, even for people who might not be particularly interested in porcelain (I am). I have already mentioned the adventures, and there are plenty of those. Although I do not want to go into the plot in detail (and the description offers more than enough information about it), readers only need to know that there are mysteries (not only the famous Blue of the title), impersonations, spies, criminals, robberies, books with hidden compartments, false letters, murders, kidnappings, experiments, plenty of painting (watercolour, oils…), secret formulas, wars, surreptitious journeys, imprisonments, philosophical debates, and even a wonderful party. There is also romance and even sex, although the details are kept behind closed doors. In sum, there isn’t a dull moment.
Notwithstanding all that, the writing is smooth and flows well, and although there are occasional words or expressions of the period, these are seemingly incorporated into the text and do not cause the reader to stumble. There are moments of reflection, waiting, and contemplation, and others when the action moves fast, there is danger and the pace quickens. I think most readers will find the ending satisfying, and although I liked it (and would probably have cheered if it was a movie), it had something of the sleight of hand that did not totally convince me (or perhaps I should say of the Deus ex machina, that I am sure would be an expression the character in question would approve of. And no, I’m not going to reveal anything else).
This book is a treat for any lover of historical fiction, especially those who like adventures reminiscent of times past, and who enjoy a well-researched novel which offers plenty to think about and more than a parallel with current events. A great combination of history, adventure, and topics to ponder upon. Although this is the first book by Bilyeau I’ve read, I’m sure it won’t be the last one.
Period piece; learn about porcelain “wars” within an intriguing story.
I love blue and white China and this was an interesting way to learn about its origins
Transports the reader into the heart of the 18th century porcelain trade — where the price of beauty was death.
Genevieve Planché wants nothing more than to be a “history-painter” like Hogarth and Reynolds, but in a century where painting the human form is an immodest occupation for women, her options are few. Her Huegenot grandfather determines to send her away from London to become a porcelain decorator in Derby, but Genevieve bridles at the exile. How could porcelain painting be fine art?
For the aristocrats of eighteenth-century Europe, porcelain is the white gold sought after by every collector. Kings would kill for its secrets, and there is a war between factories across Europe to be on the cutting edge of porcelain manufacture. Sir Gabriel Courtenay, a charming and enigmatic nobleman, approaches Genevieve and asks her to go to Derby under false pretenses. She must gain the trust of the factory and obtain the secrets of a special color formula that will catapult its owner to the top of the porcelain world. In return, he offers her a trip to Italy and the chance to fulfill her dream as a history-painter.
Enticed by Sir Gabriel’s offer, Genevieve infiltrates the factory at Derby, living in the household of the factory’s chief financier and creating designs to adorn the delicate dishes. But as she searches for the secret, Genevieve finds affection for her co-workers and discovers that the madness for porcelain and its ethereal beauty has seized her too. Is it possible to find happiness in Derby without accomplishing her dream? Or must she fulfill her promise to the ruthless Sir Gabriel, committing espionage to avoid suffering the consequences?
Nancy Bilyeau is already a favorite of mine with her Tudor-era Joanna Stafford trilogy (see my review of The Crown), and with her foray into the Georgian Era, she does not disappoint. The passion for the precious porcelain and the lure of the luminescent new blue is so intoxicatingly described that the reader feels it as well. The narrative (relayed in first person, present tense) provides a compelling heroine who longs for a voice of her own in the world of art. Thanks to Bilyeau, she already has a voice in the world of literature, a strong and memorable one. Sir Gabriel Courtenay is a smooth and sympathetic villain, an aesthete motivated by beauty as much as by gain. His cold-blooded, seductive ways–his obsession with both porcelain and Genevieve–remind one of Dracula.
The artistry of the story rivals the artistry of the subject it describes. In the opening scenes, the damage done at the Spitalfields weaving factory foreshadows the damage Genevieve must do to the Derby porcelain factory. Hogarth’s party which Genevieve invades at the beginning of the story forms a brilliant inclusio with the exclusive party she attends by invitation at the end of the novel. The cover art is exquisite, unusual, and so fitting for the story.
This book is a tour de force in historical fiction and a contender for my favorite read this year. Recommended.
Disclosure: I received a complimentary review copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
With rich writing, surprising twists, and a riveting sense of ‘you are there,’ The Blue is spine-tingling entertainment.
We’ve all heard of and know of the esteem to which high quality porcelain is held, but I, for one, had no idea of the rivalry involved—high stakes spying to steal formulas, the sponsorship of people like Madame de Pompadour and King Louis XV, the role of scientists in the discovery of cobalt blue, and its toxicity.
Bilyeau has integrated this history with the war between England and France, the plight of the Huguenot refugees in London, the Derby Porcelain works and, of course, Sèvres, in existence since 1740.
The Blue is a captivating story that takes the reader on a wild ride.
http://www.darlenejonesauthor.com
Huguenot and Englishwoman Genevieve Planche’ was born in England, despite French ancestry. Her heart is in painting and her frustration is her own sex, blocking her dream of learning more in-depth skills and interpretations, reserved for men. But when a tantalizing stranger enlists her help in spying within the porcelain industry, Genevieve’s youth, compulsiveness, and naivety lands her in a heap of trouble that suffocates her, leads to romance, adventure, and ultimately tests her character and resolve.
I loved this book.
Bilyeau transports the reader into a decadent world of high stakes intelligence, warfare, intrigue, and art. When nationalism is high in both England and France, the character of Genevieve begins to witness the breakdown of authoritarianism in sole rule. Cracks begin to show, but not before she’s completely overwhelmed in intrigue herself. Strong in faith, her resolve sometimes crumbles when it comes to men. However, Genevieve is also a young woman who quickly learns to recognize true friendships and the difference between real love and mere lust.
The industry of porcelain that Bilyeau researched and explored so thoroughly and efficiently is one that frankly, I would NEVER have placed an interest in. However, through her skillful and articulate story-telling—literally taking this donkey by the nose—she succeeded in enthralling me in this tale. From the streets of London to a factory in Derby, England, and then the shores of France, I learned a great deal about the trivial things driving nobility in Europe’s so-called Enlightenment Period. Truly, I didn’t know how the plot would end until we arrived in the glittering, yet tarnished presence of Louis XV and 18th century Bourbon France in all of its bankrupt glory.
This book is a breathtaking race to the end to see if love and justice will triumph—as well as whether “the Blue” becomes reality.
Nancy Bilyeau’s The Blue combines religious persecution, romance, and suspense, while providing an eye-opening look at mid-18th century Europe’s obsession with fine porcelain, and the intrigue behind attempts to produce the much-sought-after color cobalt blue. Well researched, The Blue is a fascinating read.
Rivalry between eighteenth century porcelain factories provides the setting for this unusual and very readable spy story. The heroine, Genevieve Planche is the daughter of Huguenot refugees working in Spitalfields in London. She paints on silk, but dreams of being a serious painter, a career closed to her as she is a woman. When the opportunity of a job as a porcelain decorator at the Derby porcelain works comes up, she is persuaded to take it in the hope of advancing the career she longs for. The job leads to danger, however, when she finds herself in the power of Sir Gabriel Courtenay, a spy for France who wants to steal the secret of Derby’s new colour, the coveted blue of the title. Genevieve also finds love, in the shape of chemist, Thomas Sturbridge, who is working to develop the colour for Derby. The action moves from London to Derby and finally to Versailles with a fair sprinkling of historical characters including a vivid portrait of Madame de Pompadour. The time of the Seven Years War makes a change from the more common Tudor or medieval settings for historical thrillers and I found the history very interesting. (I understand the author is of Huguenot stock.) Apart from a few jarring Americanisms which I very much doubt the characters would have used, the writing is excellent, and the characters are well drawn. Some reviewers have commented that Genevieve is far too modern in her outlook and behaviour to be credible, but history has numerous examples of women who flouted the conventions of their times, and I didn’t have a serious problem with that. A more passive heroine would have made for a duller book. I recommend this one to anyone who wants a slightly offbeat historical thriller.
I very interesting book that was so full of history.
Wow! What a page turner! This historical fiction story by Nancy Bilyeau kept me on the edge of my seat throughout the whole book which I received via an unique online book club called The Pigeonhole which gives you the book in staves. The Blue was definitely well suited to receive in staves as each stave ended with a cliffhanger. Reading the book this way made it so that I could not wait for the next stave to be made available, and when the next stave arrived I stopped everything until I finished reading it.
Nancy’s sensational picturesque writing made me feel as if I was part of the story. Her characters where all well defined with exceptional personalities, some you love, some you hate, but none are forgettable. The blending of real and fictional characters was flawless. This was definitely the best historical thriller I read this year. I was truly mesmerized throughout and was immeasurably gratified when it ended.
I received a complimentary copy (ARC) of this book from the author/publisher via Pigeonhole. I was under no obligation to write a review, and all options expressed in this review are completely my own.
Outstanding, carefully plotted story which quickly draws in the reader and keeps you anxious to learn what happens next. It was difficult to put down, and constantly calling to me to “read more”. Loved it from start to finish.
Blue was like eating fast food — filling but not very satisfying.
Interesting historical fiction… a bit Harlequin romance-ish but well constructed and compelling. Mostly.
I learned a great deal about fine china.