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“The Lady with the Dark Hair” is a novel by Erin Bartels. It follows the story of Esther Markstrom and her mother, who are proud of their ancestor, Francisco Vella, a painter whose work is not appreciated enough. They run a small museum and art gallery to promote his work. However, when Esther reconnects with her former art history. professor, she starts questioning her family’s history when doubts arise about Vella’s greatest work, a portrait called
“The Lady with the Dark Hair.”
In 1879, Viviana Torrens, a Catalan orphan turned fugitive, finds refuge in the home of an aging artist in Southern France. It is there that she meets Francisco Vella, a Gibraltarian merchant who sells artists’ pigments. When her past catches up with her, she is forced to pose as Vella’s sister and join him on his travels or be deported back to Spain for trial. Along the way, she discovers that the many roles she has played to hide her identity have far-reaching implications she never anticipated. This dual-timeline story takes readers from the Midwest to the Mediterranean on a relentless search for truth, identity, and the freedom to follow one’s dreams.
Review :Â
Bartels’ writing style is captivating and immersive, enabling readers to experience the emotions of Elizabeth and other characters in the book. Each chapter is carefully crafted with attention to detail, creating a vivid and believable world that draws the reader in. The themes explored in “The Lady with the Dark Hair” are universal and relatable, making this book a must-read for anyone seeking a thought-provoking and inspiring story. Whether you are a fan of contemporary fiction or simply enjoy a good story, this novel is sure to captivate and inspire you. So, get your hands on a copy of “The Lady with the Dark Hair” and embark on a journey of self-discovery and personal growth with Elizabeth.
