The Dream Lover by Elizabeth Berg #bookreview

The Dream Lover is a historical novel based on the sensuous Parisian life of the nineteenth century writer, George Sand.

About The Dream Lover

At the beginning of this novel we meet Aurore Dupin as she prepares to leave her estranged husband, a loveless marriage and her family’s estate in the French countryside to start a new life in Paris. To celebrate this change she gives herself a new name, George Sand and pursues her dream of becoming a writer and embraces a unconvential and sometimes scandalous lifestyle.

Aurore as George Sand defies the confines of society. As Sand welcomes fame and friendship, she must overcome heartbreak, prejudice, failure and loss. She must work to reconcile the pain of her childhood and the relationships with her Mother and daughters as well as her relationships with men and women.

My Thoughts

An extremely interesting and vivid read of a young woman in the confines of the nineteenth century. This was my first time being introduced to Aurore Dupin better known as George Sand (I know, I am cringing myself too! Especially with all the fantastic work she had done!). I was amazed at all the things she managed to accomplish, goals that she did for herself in a time period where this was not common for a woman. She stood her ground and followed her dreams regardless of who it hurt at times (her children – more specifically her daughter).

We are witness to her childhood, her role as a Mother and finally as she breaks free to follow a career not available to women. We witness her experiment with gender transition, have love affairs and lead a life that was then deemed unacceptable to a female and quite scandalous.

While slow in the beginning as we are introduced to the past that made George Sand who she was, the novel really picks up halfway through making it hard to put down. This is my first time reading a novel by Elizabeth Berg and I can’t wait to read more. She has a lovely way of writing that will keep me coming back for more!

Rating: 4/5

Disclosure: I received a digital copy of this book in order to facilitate this review. All opinions expressed are my own.