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Published by She Writes Press
Distributed by Simon & Schuster
Table of Contents
About The Book
In a stunning work of feminist historical fiction for readers who loved Dawn Tripp’s Georgia and Whitney Scharer’s The Age of Light, Jude Berman brings painter Angelica Kauffman to life.
Accused of dressing as a boy to study in the prestigious galleries of eighteenth-century Italy, child prodigy Angelica Kauffman has set high goals for herself. She is determined to become a history painter, a career off-limits to women. To ensure her success, she has vowed never to marry.
When a new patron invites her to London, Angelica befriends famous artists, paints portraits of Queen Charlotte and other royalty, and becomes a founding member of the Royal Academy. While still in London, an alluring but mysterious Swedish count makes her an offer that may be too tempting to resist. Then, upon returning to Italy, she meets Wolfgang von Goethe.
Time and time again, Angelica faces the insurmountable obstacles and great personal sacrifices that come with being an independent woman. The vows she makes, big and small, are repeatedly challenged. Will she break free from the traditional male/female binary and the many oppressive social dictates of her time and learn to “paint with her soul” . . . or is a vow of a different sort necessary if she is to answer the deepest call of her heart?
Accused of dressing as a boy to study in the prestigious galleries of eighteenth-century Italy, child prodigy Angelica Kauffman has set high goals for herself. She is determined to become a history painter, a career off-limits to women. To ensure her success, she has vowed never to marry.
When a new patron invites her to London, Angelica befriends famous artists, paints portraits of Queen Charlotte and other royalty, and becomes a founding member of the Royal Academy. While still in London, an alluring but mysterious Swedish count makes her an offer that may be too tempting to resist. Then, upon returning to Italy, she meets Wolfgang von Goethe.
Time and time again, Angelica faces the insurmountable obstacles and great personal sacrifices that come with being an independent woman. The vows she makes, big and small, are repeatedly challenged. Will she break free from the traditional male/female binary and the many oppressive social dictates of her time and learn to “paint with her soul” . . . or is a vow of a different sort necessary if she is to answer the deepest call of her heart?
Product Details
- Publisher: She Writes Press (October 15, 2024)
- Length: 368 pages
- ISBN13: 9781647427894
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Raves and Reviews
A Kirkus Reviews Best Indie Book of 2024
“Intense and refreshing. A compelling story about life and art with vivid characters and an engaging setting.” —Kirkus Reviews, STARRED
“Berman strikes a balance that few other writers can quite as successfully match. . . . [her] narrative style is impressively fluid, skillfully balancing suspense and drama in just the right amounts to entice the reader into this beautifully written novel. The Vow is a must-read for all readers looking for an inspiring story of succeeding against the odds.” —Readers’ Favorite, 5-star review
"Berman’s background in art comes shining through in lyrical descriptions of Angelica’s creative process and her use of color and composition. An illuminating picture of the 18th-century art world and the role of women also emerges."—Historical Novels Review
“Jude Berman has created a spirited, engaging glimpse into the life of one of the most important artists of the eighteenth century. Kauffman was a true free spirit, dedicated to her art, and that is captured beautifully in this novel.”—Susanne Dunlap, author of The Portraitist: A Novel of Adélaïde Labille-Guiard
“Written with rich historical detail that brings the characters and time period to life, Berman has crafted a novel worthy of attention and respect.” —Marina DelVecchio, author of Unsexed
“Enthralling, beautiful portrait of the talented neoclassical artist Angelica Kauffman, whose fierce passion for independence drove her love and ambition. Berman’s vivid dialogue recreates the fascinating tug between Kauffman’s sensual artistry and clever intellect. Skillfully evocative of time and place, The Vow is a must-read for art-loving historical fiction readers.” —Joan Fernandez, author of Saving Vincent: A Novel of Jo van Gogh
“The Vow poignantly explores both the rewards and challenges of being a creative woman. With its rich descriptions of eighteenth-century Europe, this novel is a well-researched, timeless look at how powerfully the soul can guide us, both in art and in love.” —Ginny Kubitz Moyer, author of The Seeing Garden
“Lovers of art and seekers of the Divine will be especially enthralled by this masterful work set in late-1700s Italy and England—a creative revelation of the painterly life of Angelica Kauffman, a historical, exceptionally accomplished artist. Relive her encounters with celebrities of the time, including Joshua Reynolds, Goethe, and royalty.” —Francine Falk-Allen, author of A Wolff in the Family
“Within the atmospheric pages of The Vow, readers are transported to the vibrant world of Renaissance Europe, where the talented Angelica emerges as a beacon of strength and determination. In this mesmerizing tale woven by Jude Berman, the intricate dance between ambition and betrayal unfolds with breathtaking elegance. With skillful prose and classical descriptions, Berman paints a vivid portrait of a woman defying the constraints of her time, making this novel an unforgettable masterpiece in its own right.” —Joanne Howard, author of Sleeping in the Sun
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