The Tiffany Girls
At the end of the 19th century, Emilie Pascal is desperate to escape Paris because she fears the police are after her. Her father, a once-famous painter, has been discovered to be an art forger, and Emilie is guilty by association. In a daring move, she manages to board a steamer with her art portfolio and travel to New York City, where she hopes to become employed at the renowned Tiffany Glass and Decorating Company. Once in Manhattan, she makes her way to Tiffany’s and lands a position on a trial basis.
Emilie is a gifted artist. She had spent the entire transatlantic journey studying the art of glassmaking. With her eye for color and her innate sense of how light and color can bring art to life, she soon gains professional admiration from Mr. Louis Tiffany.
Everyone wants her to succeed. It isn’t until Mr. Tiffany asks her to come to Paris and help him install his major art project at the 1899 World’s Fair that Emilie’s past quickly creeps up to ruin her new success. But she has made friends with the other Tiffany girls at the boardinghouse and has caught the eye of a notable art dealer whom she respects.
The author does a fantastic job with all the historical and art details of how Tiffany’s produced the stunning glass panels and lamps they are still known for. In addition, the characters are well-drawn and believable, and the plot moves along quickly. I honestly cannot think of anything the author could have done to improve this novel. Highly recommended.
