I Always Loved You

A Novel

By: Robin Oliveira

Narrated by: Mozhan Marnò

A novel of Mary Cassatt and Edgar Degas’s great romance from the New York Times bestselling author of My Name Is Mary Sutter

The young Mary Cassatt never thought moving to Paris after the Civil War to be an artist was going to be easy, but when, after a decade of work, her submission to the Paris Salon is rejected, Mary’s fierce determination wavers. Her father is begging her to return to Philadelphia to find a husband before it is too late, her sister Lydia is falling mysteriously ill, and worse, Mary is beginning to doubt herself. Then one evening a friend introduces her to Edgar Degas and her life changes forever. Years later she will learn that he had begged for the introduction, but in that moment their meeting seems a miracle. So begins the defining period of her life and the most tempestuous of relationships.

In I Always Loved You, Robin Oliveira brilliantly re-creates the irresistible world of Belle Époque Paris, writing with grace and uncommon insight into the passion and foibles of the human heart.

Phenomenal book

Fantastic book! There is great detail regarding the setting. I loved the story as well as the characters.

Beautiful & heartbreaking

I thoroughly enjoyed the performance of this well written novel. I could sense the emotions and felt I knew characters. The Impressionist painters are brought to life and only enhanced my appreciation of their work. I recommend this novel to art lovers who want to escape to the Impressionist period and imagine life during that period.

Vivid and realistic story of the times

Great narration. The story captures the complicated artists’ personalities and the challenges and triumphs of being an artist.

Read with character and compassion

I enjoyed the authentic French accents throughout the story. The skill of the narrator to provoke melancholy, joy and sadness effectively

This book is a treasure

A wonderful story of four important artists of the impressionist style . The author brings Cassatt, Degas, Manet, Morrisot to life as an art history book can not. I enjoyed their relationships, the discussions about art, the descriptions of studios and materials. I especially liked the descriptions of their painting in progress, as I recognized the exact painting they were creating; ex. Cassatt's Little Girl in a Blue Armchair.
The narrator was perfect at creating the voices. Her French accent hinted at authenticity, and was clear. I especially liked her voices for Degas & Manet.
I will listen to it again so as to revisit 'old friends'... I only wish I could listen to it again for the first time