Victorine Laurent was a young girl who had to take care of herself. She joined the chorus of the Paris Opera ballet. She knew deep in her mind that there was only one way to make it in the world and that she had to become the mistress of a wealthy man. After all, this is how other women survived.

Things began to really turn around for Victorine. Artist Degas introduced her to Edouard Manet. She posed for him and the painting resulted in one that shocked Paris and made Victorine a very popular lady.

The painting even captured the attention of the Duke de Lyon, an advisor to Emperor Louis-Napaleon. He asked Victorine to be his exclusive mistress. Victorine agreed to this request but she still is attracted to Manet. How does she deal with this situation?

There is also a secret in Victorine’s past that could ruin everything. What is it?

The main ingredient that makes this book very interesting is the fact that it is a historical novel that has some facts intertwined with fiction. It also brings a combination of many other facets into the story like art, business, etc. You will love the colorful characters and the role that each plays in the story. The author does an excellent job with Paris as the setting because it is the perfect place for a story about art and political intrigue. Mademoiselle Victorine is a fascinating and quick summer read and one that I recommend.

REVIEWED BY NANCY EATON