The Blue

By: Nancy Bilyeau

Narrated by: Eleanor Hicks

In 18th 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 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 color 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 color blue?

©2018 Nancy Bilyeau (P)2019 Nancy Bilyeau

Don't waste your time!

Tough to listen to the end! The narrator's voicewas uncomfortable, and the charactors are whiney and artificial.

What an adventure!

I loved this novel! It progressed at a good speed and kept me interested as the story unfolded.
The narrator did a great job as well!

Fascinating Story

I never knew how difficult it was for artists to develop color, or jaw valuable new colors were to people of power. This story takes the reader/listener, on a journey & an adventure of rewarding discovery!

Transports you to another time & place

The author’s historical detail envelops the listener in the sights, smells, landscapes, and of course color, of 18th century England and France. I enjoyed the plot twists and learning about the Huguenots and porcelain making. The reader’s diction was very clear even at a high speed.

Exciting historical adventure

A gripping plot and memorable characters with a rich historical backdrop. Minimal language and some spice.