I Always Loved You: A Story of Mary Cassatt and Edgar Degas (Signed!) [J0274]

2014 signed HCDJ in Gift-Worthy condition. The young Mary Cassatt never thought moving to Paris after the Civil War to be an artist was going to be easy. But when, after a decade of work, her submission to the Paris Salon is rejected, Mary's determination wavers. Her father begs her to return to Philadelphia to find a husband before it's too late. Her sister is falling mysteriously ill. Worse, Mary is beginning to doubt herself. Then one evening a friend introduces her to Edgar Degas and her life changes forever. Years later she will learn that he had begged for the introduction, but in that moment their meeting seems a miracle. So begins the defining period of her life and the most tempestuous of relationships. In I Always Loved You, Robin Oliveira brilliantly re-creates the irresistible world of Belle Époque Paris, writing with grace and uncommon insight into the passion and foibles of the human heart.

From recent-ish Amazon/GoodReads reviews: " I Always Loved You offers a vivid picture of the grittier elements of Parisian life for the artists and especially women artists of the time."; "This is a marvel of a book. Historical fiction is my favorite way of getting to know artists and thereby appreciating their work. On top of the truly excellent story, the author imputes to the main characters some deep truths, realized at the end of their lives. What a lovely book."; "Loved this book! Oliveira does a great job taking you back in time and into the lives and day-to-day routine of the Impressionists. Highly recommend if you love the art world."