A Lover’s Pinch
A Lover’s Pinch tells the story behind the painting known as “Gabrielle d’Estrees and One of Her Sisters.” Gabrielle was one of the many mistresses of Henry IV of France. The focus of the book is not Gabrielle, however, but her successor-mistress Henriette d’Entrauges.
This book is outstanding. The author gives great details about the painting and its various versions, giving plausible descriptions of the symbolism contained in it.
The story moves quickly and the characters are well developed although very few are “sympathetic” or “likeable.” Although in creating the central plot, the author departs from known or probable historical fact, the novel remains entirely believable. It focuses on Henriette’s personal relationships with her family and friends and the development of her ambitions, rather than her role and years as mistress of the king.
e-edition reviewed
