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The Paintress: Interwoven stories based on the life of a forgotten Scottish artist.
Dual timeline around the life of a forgotten artist
The joys and traumas of love, ambition, and motherhood.
Anna grew up hearing stories from her grandmother of an ancestor artist's adventures in St. Petersburg. Now, in the Hermitage Museum, adult Anna stands in front of Christina Robertson’s gorgeous life-sized portraits of the Romanovs and she hopes the legend is true. Her research into the painter becomes a quest to honour her granny.
In 1823 Christina Robertson realises her artistic ambitions exhibiting portraits at the Royal Academy. Her happiness is secured in marrying her teenage sweetheart James and having a baby girl. But Christina is harbouring a secret from him.
Anna buries herself in researching Christina Robertson, a distraction from the stress of not conceiving, which is causing growing problems in her marriage.
Christina must cope with the burden of being the breadwinner through yearly pregnancies and many bereavements.
Both Anna and Christina flee to St Petersburg after marriage crises. Can they find happiness there?
‘Two intriguing stories woven together bring to life the achievements of real-life 19th century superstar artist Christina Robertson, doyenne of the Russian royal court and her many times great granddaughter, determined that her story won’t be forgotten. A thoroughly enjoyable read.’
Sara Sheridan author of The Fair Botanists and The Secrets of Blythswood Square
‘The Paintress is a wonderful interpretation of the life of a forgotten Scottish artist, Christina Robertson. It is an absolute pleasure to read. I loved it - feeling myself safe in the hands of a natural storyteller. Jane Anderson explores themes of motherhood and creativity in a most thought-provoking and arresting way and made me realise what a miracle it was when women were allowed the space and time to create art at all, and therefore what a tragedy it was if the world then forgot and neglected them. Well, fortunately, thanks to this fascinating and immersive novel Christina Robertson is forgotten no more.’
CATHERINE SIMPSON author of True Story, When I had a Little Sister & One Body
The joys and traumas of love, ambition, and motherhood.
Anna grew up hearing stories from her grandmother of an ancestor artist's adventures in St. Petersburg. Now, in the Hermitage Museum, adult Anna stands in front of Christina Robertson’s gorgeous life-sized portraits of the Romanovs and she hopes the legend is true. Her research into the painter becomes a quest to honour her granny.
In 1823 Christina Robertson realises her artistic ambitions exhibiting portraits at the Royal Academy. Her happiness is secured in marrying her teenage sweetheart James and having a baby girl. But Christina is harbouring a secret from him.
Anna buries herself in researching Christina Robertson, a distraction from the stress of not conceiving, which is causing growing problems in her marriage.
Christina must cope with the burden of being the breadwinner through yearly pregnancies and many bereavements.
Both Anna and Christina flee to St Petersburg after marriage crises. Can they find happiness there?
‘Two intriguing stories woven together bring to life the achievements of real-life 19th century superstar artist Christina Robertson, doyenne of the Russian royal court and her many times great granddaughter, determined that her story won’t be forgotten. A thoroughly enjoyable read.’
Sara Sheridan author of The Fair Botanists and The Secrets of Blythswood Square
‘The Paintress is a wonderful interpretation of the life of a forgotten Scottish artist, Christina Robertson. It is an absolute pleasure to read. I loved it - feeling myself safe in the hands of a natural storyteller. Jane Anderson explores themes of motherhood and creativity in a most thought-provoking and arresting way and made me realise what a miracle it was when women were allowed the space and time to create art at all, and therefore what a tragedy it was if the world then forgot and neglected them. Well, fortunately, thanks to this fascinating and immersive novel Christina Robertson is forgotten no more.’
CATHERINE SIMPSON author of True Story, When I had a Little Sister & One Body
366 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 15, 2024
5 people are currently reading
34 people want to read
About the author
Jane Anderson
3 books8 followersI am an Edinburgh based writer of historical fiction. I was born in Fife and originally studied English Literature at Edinburgh University. I spent most of my life living overseas in countries as far-flung as Vietnam, Azerbaijan and most recently, Egypt.
I travelled extensively, including visiting Moscow and St Petersburg. Retelling history from the point of view of women is where the fun begins.
Edinburgh is a great place to be a writer and I am very active in the local writing community. I help to run two literary organisations here: The Edinburgh Writers’ Forum and the Edinburgh Women’s Fiction Festival.
My next novel The Orchid Hunter’s Daughter will come out towards the end of 2025.
I travelled extensively, including visiting Moscow and St Petersburg. Retelling history from the point of view of women is where the fun begins.
Edinburgh is a great place to be a writer and I am very active in the local writing community. I help to run two literary organisations here: The Edinburgh Writers’ Forum and the Edinburgh Women’s Fiction Festival.
My next novel The Orchid Hunter’s Daughter will come out towards the end of 2025.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
May 8, 2025
One of my favourite things, a novel that combines an imagined life for a lesser-known historical figure with a contemporary, linked story. In this case the historical figure is the Scottish 19th Century painter Christina Robertson whose story is 'uncovered' by a descendent in 21st Century Russia and Scotland by a relative, Anna. Anna is having problems conceiving a child, and Christina is having problems not conceiving.
I thoroughly enjoyed this. The author vividly brings to life the various locations, including the Russian court and all the glitz, glamour and intrigue that goes with it. But what I really liked is she then brought it back to life through her contemporary heroine, Anna's eyes, too. So you see St Petersburg in Christina's time and then again in 2018. I also really enjoyed that the book gives Christina a life. She was a prolific portrait painter who regularly exhibited at the Royal Academy. She painted many, mostly now lost, portraits of the Russian elite, and she supported herself, her various children and her husband on her earnings - which back then, and I suspect today too, was like trying to write to support your family! I liked the links between the two stories, though I confess I was a little less invested in Anna than Christina, but loved Anna's Edinburgh - so lovingly created.
I actually came to this book through the author, Jane Anderson, who honoured me with a copy. In one of those research coincidences that we both love, we discovered that we'd put a real woman, Lady Louisa Rolle, in both our novels. Lady Louisa is one of Christina Robertson's patrons, and she's a loving aunt who plays a key part in the second book I wrote with Sarah Ferguson, A Most Intriguing Lady.
History brought to life, a Scottish woman painter brought to life, combine to make a great story. Thank you so much to Jane for introducing me to all of this.
I thoroughly enjoyed this. The author vividly brings to life the various locations, including the Russian court and all the glitz, glamour and intrigue that goes with it. But what I really liked is she then brought it back to life through her contemporary heroine, Anna's eyes, too. So you see St Petersburg in Christina's time and then again in 2018. I also really enjoyed that the book gives Christina a life. She was a prolific portrait painter who regularly exhibited at the Royal Academy. She painted many, mostly now lost, portraits of the Russian elite, and she supported herself, her various children and her husband on her earnings - which back then, and I suspect today too, was like trying to write to support your family! I liked the links between the two stories, though I confess I was a little less invested in Anna than Christina, but loved Anna's Edinburgh - so lovingly created.
I actually came to this book through the author, Jane Anderson, who honoured me with a copy. In one of those research coincidences that we both love, we discovered that we'd put a real woman, Lady Louisa Rolle, in both our novels. Lady Louisa is one of Christina Robertson's patrons, and she's a loving aunt who plays a key part in the second book I wrote with Sarah Ferguson, A Most Intriguing Lady.
History brought to life, a Scottish woman painter brought to life, combine to make a great story. Thank you so much to Jane for introducing me to all of this.
July 25, 2024
Initially I was more invested in Christina’s story, but as I read on, it was Anna that I wanted to follow. I could have loved her like my own daughter (sorry Anna’s mum). She was such a lovely person, she didn’t deserve any of the bad stuff that came her way.
Christina Robertson was a talented artist in her day, painting miniatures of society ladies mainly (and a few men). As her fame increased, she commanded a higher fee and her subjects were further up the society tree. Eventually she went to Russia where she painted large portraits of the royal family.
All this is factually accurate, though the author has given her a more interesting private life. Her husband James, also an artist, is a useless article. He’s lazy and even gambles. They love each other, but having a baby every year takes its toll on Christina. Not only is Christina permanently pregnant, heartbroken, or taking care of her very young children, she must also be the breadwinner.
It was typical of the Victorian era that children were conceived every year (as they didn’t have contraception – ‘I’ll be careful’ James tells Christina), but of course this failed and many of the babies died. Christina lost three of hers. I did not know, (or truly understand why) they used the same names or derivatives thereof for succeeding children. It became very confusing at times. Ultimately, women were forced to withdraw their marital obligations (as they were viewed in those days), and the husbands would seek solace elsewhere.
While researching Christina’s life and attempting to find a link with her own interesting family, Anna finds herself making friends in Moscow, where she lives with her husband Nick. Her interest has piqued partly due to the death of her beloved grandmother. Anna also travels to St Petersburg and back to Scotland for the funeral. Through her contacts in Russia and her mother’s neighbour in Scotland, her life changes totally. I was so pleased for her.
A beautifully written, emotional and fascinating book, it’s an insight into people’s lives in the 1800s, compared to the modern day. Thank goodness things have moved on.
Many thanks to @lovebookstours for inviting me to be part of #ThePaintress blog tour.
Christina Robertson was a talented artist in her day, painting miniatures of society ladies mainly (and a few men). As her fame increased, she commanded a higher fee and her subjects were further up the society tree. Eventually she went to Russia where she painted large portraits of the royal family.
All this is factually accurate, though the author has given her a more interesting private life. Her husband James, also an artist, is a useless article. He’s lazy and even gambles. They love each other, but having a baby every year takes its toll on Christina. Not only is Christina permanently pregnant, heartbroken, or taking care of her very young children, she must also be the breadwinner.
It was typical of the Victorian era that children were conceived every year (as they didn’t have contraception – ‘I’ll be careful’ James tells Christina), but of course this failed and many of the babies died. Christina lost three of hers. I did not know, (or truly understand why) they used the same names or derivatives thereof for succeeding children. It became very confusing at times. Ultimately, women were forced to withdraw their marital obligations (as they were viewed in those days), and the husbands would seek solace elsewhere.
While researching Christina’s life and attempting to find a link with her own interesting family, Anna finds herself making friends in Moscow, where she lives with her husband Nick. Her interest has piqued partly due to the death of her beloved grandmother. Anna also travels to St Petersburg and back to Scotland for the funeral. Through her contacts in Russia and her mother’s neighbour in Scotland, her life changes totally. I was so pleased for her.
A beautifully written, emotional and fascinating book, it’s an insight into people’s lives in the 1800s, compared to the modern day. Thank goodness things have moved on.
Many thanks to @lovebookstours for inviting me to be part of #ThePaintress blog tour.
July 25, 2024
I’m fairly new to the world of historical fiction, but the title of this book had me intrigued as I like painting and love art.
The book flips between the 1800’s and the late 2010’s which I found kept me so engaged as each chapter left me wanting to know more. This book captures so much and really paints a detailed picture of both the stories going on. It gave a real insight to typical life in those years and the struggles many would have faced, the book truly is a work of art.
I found myself going “ugh men” in my head a lot throughout the book 😂 but I feel the main characters were all well described and their actions matched their personalities.
The book flips between the 1800’s and the late 2010’s which I found kept me so engaged as each chapter left me wanting to know more. This book captures so much and really paints a detailed picture of both the stories going on. It gave a real insight to typical life in those years and the struggles many would have faced, the book truly is a work of art.
I found myself going “ugh men” in my head a lot throughout the book 😂 but I feel the main characters were all well described and their actions matched their personalities.
July 22, 2024
Journalist Anna begins a journey exploring the life of painter Christina Robertson, when she finds they may be related. Exploring Russia and Edinburgh, she hunts for the truth about the paintress whilst navigating her own life.
This book is wonderfully written, and seems to contain so much magic within the pages. The splits between the 19th and 21st centuries make it interesting and keeps the pace. Overall, it’s such a captivating story which has so many wholesome moments within, it’s absolutely worth the read!
This book is wonderfully written, and seems to contain so much magic within the pages. The splits between the 19th and 21st centuries make it interesting and keeps the pace. Overall, it’s such a captivating story which has so many wholesome moments within, it’s absolutely worth the read!
July 18, 2024
I adored The Paintress as much as, if not more than the author's debut novel, The Girl Who Fled the Picture. This time the author takes us from Kinghorn in Fife, to London, to Moscow and to St Petersburg, in both the present day and the early 19th century. It’s a dual timeline story which I always enjoy. In the present day, ex-pat Anna is fascinated by her grandmother’s claims that the family is related to Christina Robertson, a once famous though now forgotten Scottish artist who painted portraits of the Romanov family, the rulers of Russia. In the past, we follow Christina over many years as she becomes a renowned and sought after society portraitist and find out how she came to be painting for the Imperial Russian family.
I was captivated right from the start with the evocative descriptions of St Petersburg’s Hermitage Museum, several impressive buildings which used to be home to Russian emperors. You really must look up some images and see for yourself just how well the author has described it. I have been to Moscow but not St Petersburg and although I’d be unlikely to go in the current political climate, it is somewhere I would like to visit and stand in the place I have read about, looking at the impressive life-sized portraits.
This book has been impeccably researched and it shows. Everything we read about Christina Robertson’s life, whether in the salons of London or the palaces of Russia, bursts vibrantly from the page. The author whisked me back in time and made me feel as though I was right there watching Christina bring her subjects to life on the canvas, while also coping with a feckless husband, multiple pregnancies and tragic losses. As the chief breadwinner of the family, there must have been a lot of pressure on her, much as there is on working mothers today.
The desire to become a mother weighs heavily on Anna, the protagonist of the modern day strand of the book. Her problems with fertility are completely the opposite of Christina’s, putting pressure on her marriage for different reasons. These women have rather a lot in common, more than I was anticipating when I began the book. With the story told in more or less alternate chapters, I was always eager to find out what would be happening to each of the women. I thought Jane Anderson was incredibly clever in the way she connected both parts of her narrative. Sometimes an object would be important, such as the beautiful writing slope we see on the front cover. Sometimes a piece of Anna’s genealogical research would illuminate part of Christina’s story or sometimes what we read from Christina’s point of view helps us understand what Anna cannot yet see.
The Paintress is another wonderful book from a very talented storyteller. I was immersed in the pages and gripped by the story of both these women. Christina Robertson may have been forgotten but through this book this remarkable woman will receive some well deserved attention again. I thoroughly enjoyed reading about both Christina and Anna and highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys historical fiction and books featuring strong and resourceful women.
I was captivated right from the start with the evocative descriptions of St Petersburg’s Hermitage Museum, several impressive buildings which used to be home to Russian emperors. You really must look up some images and see for yourself just how well the author has described it. I have been to Moscow but not St Petersburg and although I’d be unlikely to go in the current political climate, it is somewhere I would like to visit and stand in the place I have read about, looking at the impressive life-sized portraits.
This book has been impeccably researched and it shows. Everything we read about Christina Robertson’s life, whether in the salons of London or the palaces of Russia, bursts vibrantly from the page. The author whisked me back in time and made me feel as though I was right there watching Christina bring her subjects to life on the canvas, while also coping with a feckless husband, multiple pregnancies and tragic losses. As the chief breadwinner of the family, there must have been a lot of pressure on her, much as there is on working mothers today.
The desire to become a mother weighs heavily on Anna, the protagonist of the modern day strand of the book. Her problems with fertility are completely the opposite of Christina’s, putting pressure on her marriage for different reasons. These women have rather a lot in common, more than I was anticipating when I began the book. With the story told in more or less alternate chapters, I was always eager to find out what would be happening to each of the women. I thought Jane Anderson was incredibly clever in the way she connected both parts of her narrative. Sometimes an object would be important, such as the beautiful writing slope we see on the front cover. Sometimes a piece of Anna’s genealogical research would illuminate part of Christina’s story or sometimes what we read from Christina’s point of view helps us understand what Anna cannot yet see.
The Paintress is another wonderful book from a very talented storyteller. I was immersed in the pages and gripped by the story of both these women. Christina Robertson may have been forgotten but through this book this remarkable woman will receive some well deserved attention again. I thoroughly enjoyed reading about both Christina and Anna and highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys historical fiction and books featuring strong and resourceful women.
July 23, 2024
Fascinating. Loosely based on the life of little known Scottish artist Christina Robertson, and I can see that a lot of research must have gone into this. I had a bit of a google after reading the book and what an interesting woman she was. The story is set in dual timeline, the 19th century telling Christina’s story and the present starting 2017 telling Anna’s story as she tries to find out if rumours of a family connection to Christina are true. I’ve been to St Petersburg and visited most of the places mentioned so it was so easy to see what the characters were seeing, completely immersive.
Briefly, Anna’s grandmother always said she was related to Christina Robertson and as Anna researches her family tree she learns more about Christina and her life. In the past Christina married young and her husband was a bit of a wastrel so it was Christina’s portrait painting that provided the family’s only income. In the present Anna lives in Moscow, where her husband is working, and she longs for a child but every month her hopes are dashed and then she see’s Nick with another woman.
The Hermitage was my idea of heaven and I wonder if I saw any of Christina’s paintings. It’s such a shame that she isn’t better known, I loved the paintings I found online. The treatment of women in the 1800’s wasn’t good and it was amazing that Christina was able to pursue her career. I often find a dual timeline story has one story that I’m more attracted to than the other, but this time both were just as good as each other. I’m fascinated by the Romanov dynasty, love art, adored St Petersburg so this was just about perfection for me. A fabulous historical novel with themes of marriage, motherhood, families alongside a captivating life story. I loved it.
Briefly, Anna’s grandmother always said she was related to Christina Robertson and as Anna researches her family tree she learns more about Christina and her life. In the past Christina married young and her husband was a bit of a wastrel so it was Christina’s portrait painting that provided the family’s only income. In the present Anna lives in Moscow, where her husband is working, and she longs for a child but every month her hopes are dashed and then she see’s Nick with another woman.
The Hermitage was my idea of heaven and I wonder if I saw any of Christina’s paintings. It’s such a shame that she isn’t better known, I loved the paintings I found online. The treatment of women in the 1800’s wasn’t good and it was amazing that Christina was able to pursue her career. I often find a dual timeline story has one story that I’m more attracted to than the other, but this time both were just as good as each other. I’m fascinated by the Romanov dynasty, love art, adored St Petersburg so this was just about perfection for me. A fabulous historical novel with themes of marriage, motherhood, families alongside a captivating life story. I loved it.
August 6, 2024
" [...] Loving him used to give me so much joy, but I’ve come to dread it now.’ [...]
This book starts with a tragedy with the death of someone really close to Anna, the main character. The book go between 2017 and 1823. I really like the flowers on the cover, and it was fun doing the puzzle purse. I feel so bad and sad for Anna with the fertility issues, and she was stressed out by her husband. Whilst in 1823 people had many children, however not all of them survived due to the poor lack of medicine and knowledge. Christina through her paintings makes money to help her husband with his addiction also through those paintings she gets to meet celebrities from the time like Dukes and Duchess. I also really like how the book travels from Russia and the UK. I'm glad Anna had Pavel, because her husband was no good. Both of the women experienced infidelity unfortunately however, both of them didn't let that stop their dreams, Anna started to plan for a baby and Christina continued with her art work. Over all I like the way the book is written, and I like the message I get from this book which is that no one can stop you. I'm glad Anna found happiness with Pavel. I agree with the author, 'everyone needs a friend like Sarah'.
This book starts with a tragedy with the death of someone really close to Anna, the main character. The book go between 2017 and 1823. I really like the flowers on the cover, and it was fun doing the puzzle purse. I feel so bad and sad for Anna with the fertility issues, and she was stressed out by her husband. Whilst in 1823 people had many children, however not all of them survived due to the poor lack of medicine and knowledge. Christina through her paintings makes money to help her husband with his addiction also through those paintings she gets to meet celebrities from the time like Dukes and Duchess. I also really like how the book travels from Russia and the UK. I'm glad Anna had Pavel, because her husband was no good. Both of the women experienced infidelity unfortunately however, both of them didn't let that stop their dreams, Anna started to plan for a baby and Christina continued with her art work. Over all I like the way the book is written, and I like the message I get from this book which is that no one can stop you. I'm glad Anna found happiness with Pavel. I agree with the author, 'everyone needs a friend like Sarah'.
July 29, 2024
Set between the 19th and 21st century this book parallels the lives of Christina Robertson, wife, mother, acclaimed artist and bread winner with Anna Robertson Grieve nearly 200 years later who has a possible link to Christina. Anna seeks to find the answers to Christina’s life and in the process some answers for her own. The book has strong themes of love, loss, ambition and motherhood highs and lows, set within Scotland, London and Russia (Moscow and St Petersburg). I loved the character of Sarah - loyal, trustworthy and a steadfast companion for Christina. I found it easy to get into the rhythm of one chapter for each woman and time period, then the other, allowing the book to flow well across the centuries gap. With excellent descriptions of the opulence of the Winter Palace and Russian royalty, whilst a work of fiction, clearly a great deal of research and historical reading has gone into this book by the author Jane Anderson. She captures and highlights beautifully how difficult it was for Christina to fulfil her both her maternal and creative needs. Readers of historical fiction, you will love this book, as did I!
July 27, 2024
Thank you to the author and Love Books Tours for gifting me this eARC!
First, I just want to say that I'm a sucker for dual-timeline historical fiction, and while some of them can be lacking in one of the plots, I am happy to report that was not the case with The Paintress. Both Christina and Anna's individual stories drew me in and kept me hooked throughout the book, and I absolutely loved the way they tied together. It felt much more personal to have the connection be familial, as opposed to someone just researching a historical figure. I will admit, I'm not very knowledgeable about art in general, so if there were any inaccuracies I did not notice, but with the obvious care that the author put into this novel I highly doubt it. I did enjoy Christina's story a bit more than Anna's, but that's typical for me when reading a dual-timeline novel. The side characters were fleshed out beautifully, and I, for one, was not expecting the plot twist in Anna's story.
I absolutely loved this book, and will be recommending it to as many people as I can.
First, I just want to say that I'm a sucker for dual-timeline historical fiction, and while some of them can be lacking in one of the plots, I am happy to report that was not the case with The Paintress. Both Christina and Anna's individual stories drew me in and kept me hooked throughout the book, and I absolutely loved the way they tied together. It felt much more personal to have the connection be familial, as opposed to someone just researching a historical figure. I will admit, I'm not very knowledgeable about art in general, so if there were any inaccuracies I did not notice, but with the obvious care that the author put into this novel I highly doubt it. I did enjoy Christina's story a bit more than Anna's, but that's typical for me when reading a dual-timeline novel. The side characters were fleshed out beautifully, and I, for one, was not expecting the plot twist in Anna's story.
I absolutely loved this book, and will be recommending it to as many people as I can.
August 2, 2024
This was a beautifully written and immersive historical fiction book that I adored.The story is told in dual timelines and there are parallels in the lives of the two FMC, current day Anna and 19th century Scottish painter Christina Robertson. A major parallel is the lack of reliability of the men in their lives. I appreciated the family trees that were included as they provided a visual of the connections between Christina and Anna. As with all of the well written historical fiction books it made me curious about the subject and I found myself researching Christina and her paintings.
I highly recommend adding this book to your to be read list if you like learning more about artists and the art world or enjoy reading about strong women figuring out how to survive and thrive in a man’s world, or reading historical fiction.
Thanks to the author and Love Book Tours for providing a copy for my honest review.
I highly recommend adding this book to your to be read list if you like learning more about artists and the art world or enjoy reading about strong women figuring out how to survive and thrive in a man’s world, or reading historical fiction.
Thanks to the author and Love Book Tours for providing a copy for my honest review.
August 4, 2024
Jane has woven this beautiful novel in an original and thoughtful way by combining the stories of two very different women in different eras who, nevertheless, have a great deal in common and are both inspiring in the ways they overcome difficulties to find their way in the world. I loved reading about St Petersburg and the Hermitage museum, too. I've been fascinated by the idea of the English colony that developed there through trade since I discovered a connection to it in my own family tree, and this book brought it to life very convincingly. Jane's writing is vivid and sensitive, and she navigates the fine line between historical fact and creative imagination with confidence, drawing you in until you become so invested in her characters that you really miss them when you've finished the book!
July 26, 2024
You all know how I love a good historical fiction or a book that is immersed in art, and this book is filled with both. I love that we have two strong FMCs who are working their way through their fears and dreams all through the legend of the mysterious Romanovs! (Have I mentioned I love a good Anastasia retelling as well?!? And I love that this features a Scotish artist).
Both of the main characters have a lot of ups and downs and pull you through the pages making you hope and dream with them. So many questions and secrets that they uncover and try to figure out their lives. Chefs kiss! Put this one on your tbr!
#lbtcrew #ad
Both of the main characters have a lot of ups and downs and pull you through the pages making you hope and dream with them. So many questions and secrets that they uncover and try to figure out their lives. Chefs kiss! Put this one on your tbr!
#lbtcrew #ad
February 7, 2025
The Paintress by Jane Anderson is a beautifully woven dual-timeline novel that revives the life of the forgotten Scottish artist Christina Robertson. Blending history, art, and personal struggles, the story follows Anna, a modern woman researching her ancestor’s artistic legacy while facing her own marital challenges. In parallel, Christina navigates 19th-century artistic ambition, love, and the burdens of motherhood, all while earning royal commissions in Russia.
With rich historical detail and deep emotional resonance, Anderson crafts a compelling narrative about perseverance, creativity, and identity.
With rich historical detail and deep emotional resonance, Anderson crafts a compelling narrative about perseverance, creativity, and identity.
July 25, 2024
As soon as I saw Jane Anderson had another book out I had to read it. The first book I read ‘The Girl who Fled the Picture’ was excellent and The Paintress did not disappoint. Also the cover is beautiful!
I loved the dual timeline switching between the early 1800s and late 2010s and between Christina’s and Anna’s stories.
I loved reading both women’s stories, their struggles and achievements, seeing their relationships change over time and them both ending up in St Petersburg. I’ve been to both Moscow and St Petersburg and loved revisiting the places I’ve seen.
I loved the dual timeline switching between the early 1800s and late 2010s and between Christina’s and Anna’s stories.
I loved reading both women’s stories, their struggles and achievements, seeing their relationships change over time and them both ending up in St Petersburg. I’ve been to both Moscow and St Petersburg and loved revisiting the places I’ve seen.
July 26, 2024
The Paintress is a beautifully written insight into the lives and times of people from the 1800's.
I found it incredibly interesting to read about the little known Scottish painter, who went on to paint the Russian Tsar's family and I enjoyed the duel timeline aspect of the book, switching between the 1800's and late 2010's. I found myself equally invested in both narratives and the wonderfully descriptive writing allows us, the reader to become fully immersed the absorbing story.
I read this in two sittings.
4 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 's from me.
I found it incredibly interesting to read about the little known Scottish painter, who went on to paint the Russian Tsar's family and I enjoyed the duel timeline aspect of the book, switching between the 1800's and late 2010's. I found myself equally invested in both narratives and the wonderfully descriptive writing allows us, the reader to become fully immersed the absorbing story.
I read this in two sittings.
4 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 's from me.
July 31, 2024
I really enjoyed this book. This is a split narrative between Christina and Anna. Christine’s character is based on a real life scottish artist, Christine Robertson who went to Russia in the nineteenth century. Anna’s character is investigating if she is in fact related to Christina. The book follows both their lives and is quite emotional at times. This is a well written and researched historical novel. I was also intrigued by the art and history in St Petersburg. A great read, definitely recommend!
July 25, 2024
I have loved reading this book which is based on the forgotten life's and cities in Scotland - my home country. I loved all of the descriptive writing about it and the author created the ideal writing style for this novel and added a wonderful story to which gave us a mystery to solve with the characters which is one of my favourite types of historical novel. I loved all of the characters and how they developed throughout the story. I can not wait to read more from this author.
July 26, 2024
I love a historical fiction with strong women and being taken to other countries That part was wonderful, in this book, but I also enjoyed the present day story line. I was surprised when I finished it that I felt like I had made friends in the 19th and 21st centuries. I wished I could have celebrated life with them at the end.
January 26, 2025
I really enjoyed this book and it is great to see the fascinating story of this Scottish woman artist who had almost been forgotten. Overall well written but I found the alternative chapter structure (in 2 different time zones) applied in too regimented a way and sometimes interrupted the flow of the story.
July 30, 2024
The Paintress is a beautifully detailed read from start to finish. This has a dual timeline going back to the 19th century with Christina's story to the 21st century with Anna's story. The dual timeline blends in together perfectly and makes for an amazing read.
The storyline was both captivating and inspiring, and the connection you make with both characters while reading this book makes the story flow so easily.
Overall, this was a powerful and interesting read that had me not wanting to put it down until I found out how the two characters' journeys ended.
The storyline was both captivating and inspiring, and the connection you make with both characters while reading this book makes the story flow so easily.
Overall, this was a powerful and interesting read that had me not wanting to put it down until I found out how the two characters' journeys ended.
August 3, 2024
What a wonderful novel! Once I picked this up I couldn’t put it down and I really lost myself in the story.
Jane really has such an engaging writing style and in The Paintress she spins a truly entertaining story full of vivid details, characters and events.
I really enjoy a good dual time line story and this book delivers. In the present day Anna is searching for the truth about her supposed ancestor, artist Christina Robertson. Twined with Annas story we have Christinas tale set in the 19th century. Moving from Moscow to Edinburgh to London, the two strands are so well done and I was equally captivated by both.
It's evident that there has been a lot of meticulous research done. This really pays off and allows the reader to become effortlessly immersed.
I really enjoyed the descriptions of Russia both past and present and learning a little more about the country. I’m also a huge fan of the current trend of giving a voice to forgotten women in history so very much enjoyed learning more about Christina. Jane really brought her to life and led me down a ‘Google hole’ wanting to know more.
As in her previous novel, The Girl Who Fled the PIcture, The Paintress features some strong women and also celebrates the power of female friendship and support. Both Anna & Christina definitely need it as they each face their own heartbreaks and challenges not least over having children.
As someone who works with family history research every day, Jane really has captured the joy and frustration of the endeavour in Annas research.
Another first class read from Jane and I cannot recommend it highly enough
Jane really has such an engaging writing style and in The Paintress she spins a truly entertaining story full of vivid details, characters and events.
I really enjoy a good dual time line story and this book delivers. In the present day Anna is searching for the truth about her supposed ancestor, artist Christina Robertson. Twined with Annas story we have Christinas tale set in the 19th century. Moving from Moscow to Edinburgh to London, the two strands are so well done and I was equally captivated by both.
It's evident that there has been a lot of meticulous research done. This really pays off and allows the reader to become effortlessly immersed.
I really enjoyed the descriptions of Russia both past and present and learning a little more about the country. I’m also a huge fan of the current trend of giving a voice to forgotten women in history so very much enjoyed learning more about Christina. Jane really brought her to life and led me down a ‘Google hole’ wanting to know more.
As in her previous novel, The Girl Who Fled the PIcture, The Paintress features some strong women and also celebrates the power of female friendship and support. Both Anna & Christina definitely need it as they each face their own heartbreaks and challenges not least over having children.
As someone who works with family history research every day, Jane really has captured the joy and frustration of the endeavour in Annas research.
Another first class read from Jane and I cannot recommend it highly enough
August 20, 2024
I was intrigued and googled Christina Robertson to see what I could find out about her to see if the book would be of interest to me to apply for a recent book tour. It was a definite yes, BUT I was gutted not to get onto the Printed Book Tour, offered an e-book place (which I tend to avoid as looking at a screen gives me eye strain) I jumped at the chance.
The Paintress is a split time mystery with the romance of Romanov Russia and Victorian England, but also with the realities of that life with the portrayal of the vivid emotional impact of frequent infant mortality in the 19th-century. There is strong character portrayal and interaction, especially in Christina and Anna, and you feel real connection and sympathy with them, especially their betrayal by the men in their life. Hands up who also was transported to the gut wrenching bedroom scene in "Love Actually" with Joni Mitchell sound track, while the quite comedic realisation of Nicks betrayal during the Silent Auction Gala is being played out?
On a lighter note, the book had me attempting to compile a family tree linking the characters introduced. Imagine my delight at finding an enclosed family tree in my ebook, which was so much clearer than my construction! I found it enlightening that in 1823 middle class women were able to financially support their husband and family. From other reading lower class, female breadwinners weren't usual, but middle-class ones must have been. I was fascinated to research using Google, Christina, and her paintings and their locations. I've always wanted to paint but don't have the drawing skills and 'care' needed, but we can dream!
I thought it was clever and very believable linking the two time lines with the inclusion of the writing slope box (on my crave list!) and the "Love Note Puzzle Purse" (thank you to Jane for sending me one to try - thank goodness for more dexterous husbands!) The boxes conjure up thoughts of the Brontes and the secrets and creativity held within, Another long standing thing on my crave list is a Baltic cruise including a visit to St Petersburg and The Hermitage (impossible in current times) and within the pages of this book I was transported there and trod on Romanov Russian soil and reminders of long ago history lessons, A book that inspires so much reader interaction deserves ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ and I crave a print copy to take to St Petersburg with the bonus of seeing Christina Robertson's paintings BUT I'm more likely to see the painting "A group of children" in the Laing Art Gallery before cruising out of Newcastle! Having got remarried under the gaze of the "Lady Louisa Barbara Tolle" painting in Great Torrington Town Hall.
The Paintress is a split time mystery with the romance of Romanov Russia and Victorian England, but also with the realities of that life with the portrayal of the vivid emotional impact of frequent infant mortality in the 19th-century. There is strong character portrayal and interaction, especially in Christina and Anna, and you feel real connection and sympathy with them, especially their betrayal by the men in their life. Hands up who also was transported to the gut wrenching bedroom scene in "Love Actually" with Joni Mitchell sound track, while the quite comedic realisation of Nicks betrayal during the Silent Auction Gala is being played out?
On a lighter note, the book had me attempting to compile a family tree linking the characters introduced. Imagine my delight at finding an enclosed family tree in my ebook, which was so much clearer than my construction! I found it enlightening that in 1823 middle class women were able to financially support their husband and family. From other reading lower class, female breadwinners weren't usual, but middle-class ones must have been. I was fascinated to research using Google, Christina, and her paintings and their locations. I've always wanted to paint but don't have the drawing skills and 'care' needed, but we can dream!
I thought it was clever and very believable linking the two time lines with the inclusion of the writing slope box (on my crave list!) and the "Love Note Puzzle Purse" (thank you to Jane for sending me one to try - thank goodness for more dexterous husbands!) The boxes conjure up thoughts of the Brontes and the secrets and creativity held within, Another long standing thing on my crave list is a Baltic cruise including a visit to St Petersburg and The Hermitage (impossible in current times) and within the pages of this book I was transported there and trod on Romanov Russian soil and reminders of long ago history lessons, A book that inspires so much reader interaction deserves ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ and I crave a print copy to take to St Petersburg with the bonus of seeing Christina Robertson's paintings BUT I'm more likely to see the painting "A group of children" in the Laing Art Gallery before cruising out of Newcastle! Having got remarried under the gaze of the "Lady Louisa Barbara Tolle" painting in Great Torrington Town Hall.
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