The Painted Girls

by Cathy Marie Buchanan

Sarah's take

I recommend *The Painted Girls* because it beautifully intertwines the lives of the Van Goethem sisters with the vibrant yet harsh realities of 1880s Paris, exploring themes of ambition, sacrifice, and the quest for justice in a world that often overlooks women. This book is perfect for readers who appreciate nuanced character development and the emotional complexities of female identity as they navigate societal expectations and personal dreams.

About the book

In 1880s Paris, the impoverished van Goethem sisters navigate survival through art and performance—Marie as the model for Degas's famous Little Dancer sculpture, Antoinette dancing in Montmartre's seedy cabarets. When their world collides with a shocking crime, the sisters must confront how far they'll go to protect each other in a city that views them as disposable.

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