Review of Natasha Lester's 'The Riviera House' released Sept 1, 2021!
Review of Natasha Lester’s The Riviera House
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Like many others out there, I am a huge fan of Natasha Lester’s novels (and of her writing courses—of which I have taken and learned a great deal). So, of course, I knew her latest delivery would also be a gripping story. After finishing my reading of The Riviera House, I had to rest a couple days and think of what to say. The trauma and drama of this emotional roller coaster ride definitely kept me turning the pages but shook me in unexpected ways. For this novel particularly deals with a difficult subject matter that required hefty research, some of which was in French. But Natasha has absorbed and released in such a creative way the material that you will look at these events with a fresh perspective. So, yes, without question she has done an excellent job for this is a very powerful, sensitive tribute to those who lived through these frightening times.
This novel is told in two timelines (one historical during World War II and one modern). Each one is equally strong. The seeds of this story began, as stated in the Author’s Note, after Natasha read about one woman named Rose Valland who risked her life for art after she was appointed overseer at the Jeu de Paume museum in Paris. Here Rose recorded the efforts of the Nazis to strip France of its valuable art—including pieces purchased by the Jews. The museum became a warehouse and transit station for these transactions. (For those interested, The New Yorker has an interesting article on The Goring Catalogue). Natasha has created an amazing dual timeline novel that surrounds the activities of the brave Rose Valland who is flanked by some fictional characters. This combination of fact and fiction allows us to enter the minds and hearts of those who were and could have been part of this ordeal— thus giving us a meaningful experience.
When I first began reading the story, I felt a sense of reserve that I had not felt before in Natasha’s writing—which I later came to realise was actually a respect and caution toward the subject matter and those who had lived under the Nazis control. The scars and memories of those times would have long lasting effects. Fear was very real, as was courage, in those who tried to fight back—sometimes in silent or unseen ways.
As the plot progressed and The Riviera House characters fleshed out the story, I saw a release— a confidence not only in the characters but in Natasha’s story telling— like the wheels under an engine building up speed, gathering momentum as the foot hits the accelerator. Her delicate descriptions began to amass like fine lace swirling through my mind, giving me a picture of the beauty that existed in such a trying environment. In fact, Natasha’s sense of control is admirable: when to give details, when to hold back, when to release the action and reactions. A symphony of parts play individually and together with skill. Even the discord is delivered with an accomplished conductor’s hand. The story ebbs and flows with the tide of events as we become more and more entangled and involved in the lives of these characters and their dilemmas—particularly in the historical timeline of Éliane, Rose, Xavier and Angelique. We watch with concern their interaction with the villains – sometimes doing things they abhor to stay alive or to keep loved ones safe.
Éliane’s major loss comes early in the story releasing an emotional force that launches her on a journey of revenge. But her fiery anger toward Hitler is understood when she says, ‘I will find a way to make you burn in hell.’ Most humans could easily put themselves in her shoes. And although we feel the sting of her voiced threat, we sympathise with her mission for it is fuelled by a heart brutally broken.
Betrayal is to be expected in a story such as this, along with spies and double agents. Sometimes things appear different than they are. Such as those who seem innocent are actually guilty and those who seem guilty are innocent. Lots of double crossing, danger and deception abound on these pages. But even under all those dark threads of treachery, Natasha spins another tale that surfaces with a magnificence. One of pure bloodlines that tell a sweet, though tragic story of desire, passion and love.
Remy Lang is the focus of the modern timeline. She has experienced the devastating loss of her husband and daughter and is struggling to make sense of her world. She owns a vintage fashion business, Remy’s Closet, and lives in a villa she inherited on the French Riviera. A very special painting has been with her since childhood. She sets out to discover its unique story after seeing a picture of it in a catalogue that displays stolen artwork from the second world war. Secrets unravel as identities are revealed, all the while her heart is challenged by a new man in her life. And we watch again with interest a fascinating story of love and healing.
Herein, the present and historical timelines merge. All threads come together, all mysteries are solved— giving us a clear picture of how past and present collide and congeal. But yes, Natasha keeps us guessing to the end.
It is a story that must be read to be appreciated. For its love of beautiful art is pure, its appreciation of life— clear and its message of determined continuance in the face of adversity— strong. It offers the truth that healing may or may not come with the movement of time but there is hope and happiness for those who embrace it. We care about the imagined characters (and those based on real people from history)—for they are as real to us as flesh and bone. This is a true gift delivered from the hand of a talented author. We come to the end wondering if there will ever be enough justice delivered for the acts of cruelty rendered during this era inflicted upon humans and art. It is a story that will make you think, cry and sigh but you’ll definitely be glad you’ve read it. 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Many thanks to publisher Hachette Australia and Rebecca Saunders for a beautiful advanced copy to review.
Visit Natasha’ Lester’s website for more information and for an enjoyable read!
