I’ve loved other books by Tracy Chevalier but this one was just ok.  Interesting story following 2 timelines - 1500s and present day, but I don’t love stories where 1 of the main characters is constantly negative. France in the 1500s is so interesting and I wonder if this would have been better if only told the story from that perspective. 

The writing in and of itself was really good. But there were parts that just didn't work. First and foremost, not translating foreign words is a HUGE pet peeve of mine so by not doing that, a star was automatically knocked off. Secondly, the last chapter switching timelines in almost every other paragraph was really off putting. Thirdly, not really saying what happened to Marie and later Isabelle. It just felt unfinished.

Also as a side note, I hate when cheating is s part of the plot. I think it cheapens the book and it really didn't need to be here as I don't think it added ANYTHING to the story.