The Painter's Daughters: A Novel By Emily Howes

"The Painter's Daughters" by Emily Howes is a beautifully written tale set in the 1700s, focusing on Peggy and Molly Gainsborough, daughters of renowned English painter Thomas Gainsborough. The sisters share a close bond, but their lives are complicated by Molly's periodic bouts of mental confusion, which Peggy strives to conceal.

As the family moves to Bath, Molly's struggles become harder to hide, especially in the scrutinizing eyes of polite society. Peggy fears the looming threat of an asylum for her sister and goes to great lengths to protect her secret.

However, when Peggy falls in love with Johann Fischer, a friend of her father's, their lives take a dramatic turn. Peggy's love for Johann leads to betrayals that force her to question her loyalty to Molly and the lengths she's gone to protect her.

"The Painter's Daughters" is a tense and tender exploration of the blurred lines between protection and control. It delves into themes of love, madness, sisterly devotion, and the struggle for individuality in a society that demands conformity.

Emily Howes's debut novel is a stunning portrayal of the real girls behind the famous portraits, offering a searing examination of the complexities of family relationships and the sacrifices made in the name of love. It's a compelling love song to sisterhood and the multifaceted nature of life, inviting readers to ponder the depths of human connection and the nuances of being truly seen.