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Joie Davidow
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An Unofficial Marriage: A Novel about Pauline Viardot and Ivan Turgenev Kindle Edition

by Joie Davidow (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 70 ratings
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For Fans of Alexander Chee's best-selling novel, The Queen of the Night and opera fans everywhere.

Set against the backdrop of the tumultuous events of 19th century Europe, An Unofficial Marriage dramatizes the equally tumultuous real-life love affair of two great artists—the famous Russian author, Ivan Turgenev, and the celebrated French opera singer, Pauline Viardot. From the moment he encounters her on the St. Petersburg stage, Ivan falls completely for Pauline. Though Pauline returns his feelings, she is bound by her singular passion for her art and her devotion to her gentle, older husband, Louis. Nevertheless, Ivan pursues Pauline across countries and continents—from Russia to France to Germany to Prussia—and in the decades that follow their fateful meeting, the lives of Pauline, Ivan, and Louis remain permanently intertwined as the lovers face jealousy, separation, the French Revolution of 1848, the cholera epidemic of 1849, the Franco-Prussian War, Turgenev’s arrest in Russia, Louis’s heartbreak and resignation, and the highs and lows of their artistic careers. “You know those unofficial marriages,” Turgenev would write almost thirty years after meeting Pauline, “They sometimes turn out more poisonous than the accepted form.”
 
With beautiful and compelling prose and employing multiple perspectives, Joie Davidow (who herself has a background in opera) illuminates not only the interior lives of these two intensely passionate artists, but also the grand historic moments that Pauline and Ivan experienced and the celebrated figures who moved in their circles—including George Sand, Leo Tolstoy, Frédéric Chopin, Franz Liszt, and Ary Scheffer—providing insight into the dynamic worlds of 19th century opera, literature, art, and politics. Epic in the tradition of the Russian writers whom we encounter, and as romantic and tragic as the operas that Pauline Viardot performs in, An Unofficial Marriage brings to life with great scope and great humanity this captivating story from the past and explores timeless questions about the relationship between art and passion and the complex workings of the human heart.
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  1. Print length
    281 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Sticky notes
    On Kindle Scribe
  4. Publisher
    Arcade
  5. Publication date
    March 16, 2021
  6. File size
    1170 KB
  7. Page Flip
    Enabled
  8. Word Wise
    Enabled
  9. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
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Editorial Reviews

Review

“Readers will be swept along . . . Davidow writes beautifully about the artistic vision and technical demands involved in singing opera. The varied settings feel exquisitely vibrant, from chic, restful Baden-Baden, in Germany’s Black Forest, to politically fraught Paris during France’s Second Republic."—Booklist

“Lyrical and dramatic, like the best operas, Joie Davidow’s AN UNOFFICIAL MARRIAGE guides us on an emotional journey against the backdrop of stormy historical events. Brava!” —Esmeralda Santiago, bestselling author of Conquistadora and When I Was Puerto Rican
 
"In prose as tender as Turgenev's feelings for the legendary diva, Davidow weaves a nineteenth century tale of helpless obsession and undaunted love." — Elizabeth Cobbs, bestselling author of The Hamilton Affair

“A tale of culture and passion, a trove of delights for lovers of literature and opera, and an eye-opener for everyone who’d like to learn more about both.” —Judith Dupré, NYT best seller author of Churches, Skyscrapers, and One World Trade Center

“Reading this expansive, intimate book during a time of crisis is like emerging from a sensory deprivation tank. The sights, sounds, scents, and, oh, the touches, in Joie Davidow's novel about Ivan Turgenev's furtive love affair with international opera diva Pauline Viardot create a world so vivid and seductive, you'll never want to leave." —Cathleen Medwick, author of Teresa of Avila: The Progress of a Soul 

“How fascinating to get a glimpse into the private life of Turgenev and the even more intriguing Pauline Viardot, proclaimed by many of her contemporaries to be a musical genius. Joie Davidow is herself an opera singer and the portrayal of Viardot’s passion for her vocal instrument, her preparations for performance, and her sadness when, with age, her singing voice begins to lose its power and precision, all feel extremely authentic.”—Jane Harris, award-winning author of Sugar Money

“Drawing upon her experience as a performer and lover of opera, Joie Davidow has found an exhilaratingly fresh way to present turbulent 19th-century Europe through the obsessive love of author Ivan Turgenev for married opera singer Pauline Viardot.  Davidow seduces her readers as surely as Turgenev did Viardot.” — Hunter Drohojowska-Philp, author of Full Bloom: The Art and Life of Georgia O’Keeffe

 

 

 

About the Author

Joie Davidow is the author of a memoir, Marked for Life (Harmony) and co-editor with Esmeralda Santiago of two anthologies, Las Mamis and Las Christmas (both Vintage). She was co-founder of L.A. Weekly and founder of L.A. Style and Si magazines. She lives in Rome where she leads creative writing workshops.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B08P28G1FM
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Arcade (March 16, 2021)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ March 16, 2021
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 1170 KB
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Sticky notes ‏ : ‎ On Kindle Scribe
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 281 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 70 ratings

About the author

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Joie Davidow

Joie Davidow

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Joie Davidow is the author of a memoir, Marked for Life (Harmony), and Infusions of Healing (Fireside), as well as the novel I Wouldn't Leave Rome to Go to Heaven. With Esmeralda Santiago, she is the co-editor of two story anthologies Las Mamis and Las Christmas (both Alfred A. Knopf). She was a co-founder of the L.A. Weekly and founder of L.A. Style and Sí magazines. She lives in Rome, Italy, where she leads creative writing workshops and acts as a freelance book editor and writing coach.

Her newest book, the historical novel An Unofficial Marriage, is the result of years of research that took her to London, France, and Germany. A trained opera singer, drew on her own experience to tell the story of the life-long love of the great Russian writer Ivan Turgenev for the famed diva Pauline Viardot.

Joie is currently at work on a second historic novel, Anything but Yes, the true story a young woman’s struggle to defend her identity in the face of relentless attempts to destroy it.  In 1749, 18-year-old Anna del Monte was seized at gunpoint from her home in the Jewish ghetto in Rome and thrown into a convent cell at the Casa dei Convertiti, the house of converts. With no access to the outside world, she withstood endless lectures, threats, promises, isolation, and sleep deprivation, at times nearly succumbing, then finding a new source of inner strength.

Customer reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars
4.5 out of 5
70 global ratings
Outstanding Read
5 Stars
Outstanding Read
This was a fascinating historical account of a very unconventional marriage and love affair! The author went to great lengths to locate actual letters and accounts of the lives of the main characters. Would highly recommend!
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Top reviews from the United States

Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars AN UNOFFICIAL RAVE!
Reviewed in the United States on April 22, 2021
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I loved everything about this book...from the magnificent and detailed descriptions of the settings and characters to the European and Russian historical contexts. Pauline's record-breaking performances are portrayed with the insight and passion that only a person immersed in Opera culture could offer. Ms. Davidow's biographical blurb tells us that she studied Opera in Europe and as a young woman performed both in Europe and the U.S. It definitely shows. And the extraordinary and complicated romance! Full of suspense, sensuality and desire. I devoured this quickly because it is such a treat. Pauline, Viardot, and Turgenev will stay with me for a long time. An Unofficial Marriage is a must for anyone who enjoys historical fiction, opera, or Russian literature. All I can say is Brava!!!
4 people found this helpful
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Barbara Hocher
5.0 out of 5 stars This is a wonderful historical novel!
Reviewed in the United States on January 7, 2023
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I like the fact that these historical figures are known to me! People like myself who are interested in the world of classical music and classical singers in particular will enjoy this! Wonderful atmosphere!!
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AndreaRomance
4.0 out of 5 stars Engrossing
Reviewed in the United States on March 17, 2021
This is a difficult book to review, because it doesn't fall neatly into a particular genre. It's neither a novel nor a biography, but instead blends elements of both. It doesn't have a the narrative thrust of a novel. Instead, like a biography, it follows the course of the main characters' lives. But it paints fictional scenes and delves viscerally into the characters' emotions in a way a fact-based biography cannot.

If you expect a novel, you might be disappointed. But that doesn't take away from the achievement of this book. The research and care that went into constructing this story are significant. It's an engrossing look at the passions and accomplishments of two exceptional artists who should not be forgotten.

Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.
2 people found this helpful
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Janelle
3.0 out of 5 stars Slow, but good
Reviewed in the United States on April 16, 2021
This book was slow to start & I almost gave up on it, but I'm glad that I continued on with the story. Historical fiction is one of my favorite genres and I love to see a story unfold with characters based on real people.

The love triangle of this story is unlike any other. Two men vying for the affection of Pauline, one her love and the other her husband, both so understanding of each other's relationship with her. It was heartbreaking and commendable at the same time.

If you are a fan of historical romance and don't mind a slower pace throughout the story, this is for you.
One person found this helpful
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John Perrine
5.0 out of 5 stars A well written and very interesting book!
Reviewed in the United States on October 25, 2021
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Joie’s new book is well written and very interesting! My cousin’s book club in Seattle read Joie’s new book and they loved it, as did my friend, Brenda’s book club in Memphis! I got to meet Joie at her Rome apartment when Brenda and I traveled to Europe in 2016! Great job and congrats, Joie, on authoring this fascinating and historical love story!
2 people found this helpful
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shortpaige
5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful Romance
Reviewed in the United States on April 4, 2021
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What a pleasure to read this historical novel. It is a romance which takes the reader to the 19th century and tells the story of the affair between Pauline Viardot and Ivan Turgenev, while painting a sensitive picture of the scenery and life of the period. Carefully researched and demonstrating a keen understanding of the performing and literary arts, the book is entertaining and takes the reader back to the times of the protagonists, music, cultural expectations and political upheaval.
3 people found this helpful
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Brend Welch
5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful Love Story
Reviewed in the United States on October 2, 2021
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Beautifully written love story……. I was enthralled with the love affair between Pauline and Ivan……the author takes you on a journey through her exquisite touch of detail!
Bravo to Joie Davidow for her research and transporting us into the lives of the Viardots…….Opera, Russia, France & London! I will miss them & hope a movie is made of The Unofficial Marriage!
3 people found this helpful
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Eileen Rosaly
5.0 out of 5 stars A true historical romance
Reviewed in the United States on March 24, 2021
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I fell in love with Pauline Viardot, her passion for music, fierce career focus and devotion to her husband and multi-generational family. I will miss my nightly visit with the Viardots, their family life, their salons, her music. Her romantic relationship with Ivan Turgenev and loving loyalty to her husband Louis Viardot. A beautifully balanced life amidst a turbulent period in history. Found myself tearing up at the end with a feeling of loss.
4 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

Atl Canuck
3.0 out of 5 stars to each their own
Reviewed in Canada on July 25, 2023
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a read that worked for me
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Jonelkon
5.0 out of 5 stars Voices from the Past
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on May 24, 2022
Verified Purchase
Joie Davidow has gorgeously recreated the world of the legendary Mezzo-soprano Pauline Viardot, perfectly describing the agonies and frustrations of her love affair with the great Russian writer Turgenev. The characters glow on the page. My heart went out mostly to Pauline's faithful husband Louis, who had to tolerate the love his immensely talented wife had for the writer. Torn between love of his friend and love for his wife, he is a tragic figure. The novel sits comfortably within the chaos and drama of the mid nineteenth century and is thoroughly researched. We need more good fiction about the world of Opera! As a singer herself, Davidow knows the intricacies of that world intimately and puts them on the page with accuracy and passion.
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Sandra Dianne Provost
5.0 out of 5 stars An Unofficial Marriage
Reviewed in Italy on April 7, 2021
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A page-turner! It isn't necessary to be a music fan, just have a great read!
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M. Gartland
5.0 out of 5 stars Sumptuous escape from all that is 2022
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 22, 2022
Verified Purchase
I loved this book from the opening chapter. The vividly drawn characters immediately pull you into to their story and the tension between Ivan and Pauline fuel the narrative. Absolutely loved this beautifully written book which sheds light on an unusual love triangle during a particularly turbulent time on European history.
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