I was a bit disappointed by this book and wish I had known that it was about a real person before I started reading it. I couldn't understand why a story set in such a fascinating place and time was written at such a remove. Names are dropped like a tabloid round up but there is no immediacy. In the end it was like reading someone's book report about a distant relative. You can tell the author is interested in Misia, the Queen of Paris, but is afraid to put words in her mouth. It gets more frustrating when Coco Channel joins the 'story' because I've read and seen so much about Channel's life, so it just reminded me how this type of work can be done so much better.

Instead, we go from researched moment to researched moment as if working from a checklist, or reading a very long wiki entry. I gave this 3 stars, mainly because I enjoyed googling the names of some of the personages that I was less familiar with, like Jose Sert and the Mdiviani family (though I did recognize them from the Barbara Hutton bios and movies). I kept hoping something would happen that would draw me in but instead I found it easy to put down and walk away from.

I was fortunate enough to get an early read of this phenomenal book, and I can confidently say that Judithe Little is at the pinnacle of her craft. With masterful storytelling, she transports us into the extraordinary life of Misia Sert, a woman of immense talent, passion, and complexity.

We're drawn into Misia's unconventional marriage, her enduring friendship with the iconic Coco Chanel, and her profound impact on the worlds of art and fashion. The characters are richly nuanced, the settings meticulously researched, and the narrative utterly immersive.

This is historical fiction at its finest, shedding light on a previously overlooked figure and her remarkable contributions. Misia Sert's story is a testament to the power of creativity, perseverance, and female friendship. A truly unforgettable read!