The Virgin Blue by Tracy Chevalier

Our volunteer Elaine recommends:

The Virgin Blue by Tracy Chevalier

Having read and enjoyed “The Last Runaway” by Tracy Chevalier I was eager to read more of her work.  “The Virgin Blue” flits between 16^th and 20^th Century, the main characters being Iabelle (16^th) and Ella (20^th).  Set predominantly in France, Ella is trying to be accepted by the locals.

If you like the writings of Kate Mosse this may be the book for you.

Ella is having nightmares but is reluctant to tell her husband about them and seems to be able to talk more easily to Jean-Paul, a librarian that she meets when trying to trace her family’s roots.

Isabelle known as La Rousse due to her red hair is watched by others as she is fascinated with the Virgin Mary.

Whilst this is not as good as “The Last Runaway” owing to its slow start and the characters not being as likeable (as Honor) it is still a good read.