I Always Loved You

A Novel

By: Robin Oliveira

Narrated by: Mozhan Marnò

The young Mary Cassatt never thought moving to Paris after the Civil War to be an artist was going to be easy, but when, after a decade of work, her submission to the Paris Salon is rejected, Mary’s fierce determination wavers. Her father is begging her to return to Philadelphia to find a husband before it is too late, her sister Lydia is falling mysteriously ill, and worse, Mary is beginning to doubt herself. Then one evening a friend introduces her to Edgar Degas and her life changes forever. Years later she will learn that he had begged for the introduction, but in that moment their meeting seems a miracle. So begins the defining period of her life and the most tempestuous of relationships.

In I Always Loved You, Robin Oliveira brilliantly re-creates the irresistible world of Belle Époque Paris, writing with grace and uncommon insight into the passion and foibles of the human heart.

©2013 Robin Oliveira (P)2014 Penguin Audio

Critic reviews

“[This] book is accomplished and well-researched.... Although sometimes [Degas and Cassatt] are completely alienated, they remain linked through their art and love.” (Kirkus)

“In smart and supple prose.... Oliveira’s lively work illuminates these ambitious artists and rings true in the way the best fiction can.” (The Seattle Times)

“Oliveira has woven a rich tapestry of the artists’s life in Bell Epoque Paris, in a close, intimate rendering.” (Library Journal)

Phenomenal book

Fantastic book! There is great detail regarding the setting. I loved the story as well as the characters.

Beautiful & heartbreaking

I thoroughly enjoyed the performance of this well written novel. I could sense the emotions and felt I knew characters. The Impressionist painters are brought to life and only enhanced my appreciation of their work. I recommend this novel to art lovers who want to escape to the Impressionist period and imagine life during that period.

Vivid and realistic story of the times

Great narration. The story captures the complicated artists’ personalities and the challenges and triumphs of being an artist.

Great book

Beautiful story with nice voice of Mozhan Marno! I had such hard time to stop listening to it when I had to.

Artists, go figure

Loved a walk with the Impressionists! Throughout the book, descriptions of light and color, moods, pain, mourning and of course love, yet still out of their grasp. Artists, love them or leave them, or both! My father is one, hard to love or leave, so love I suppose.

This book is a treasure

A wonderful story of four important artists of the impressionist style . The author brings Cassatt, Degas, Manet, Morrisot to life as an art history book can not. I enjoyed their relationships, the discussions about art, the descriptions of studios and materials. I especially liked the descriptions of their painting in progress, as I recognized the exact painting they were creating; ex. Cassatt's Little Girl in a Blue Armchair.
The narrator was perfect at creating the voices. Her French accent hinted at authenticity, and was clear. I especially liked her voices for Degas & Manet.
I will listen to it again so as to revisit 'old friends'... I only wish I could listen to it again for the first time

Finding love

A wonderfully told story about Edward Vegas and Mary Cassette during the impressionistic time period

A relationship of speculation investigated

A sweet story of two great artists and their relationship both professional and personal. Well performed and a fun read for anyone interested in what these two were really up to.

Enjoyable read

Lots of real background information to make the story just believable enough —if you wanted to imagine it was real.

Not enough story for a novel

I was so disappointed in this book after falling madly in love with Oliveira's first novel, "My Name is Mary Sutter." This book felt to me underdeveloped - like a student project. I felt like after the publication of "Mary Sutter," her publisher said, "What else ya got," and Oliveira pulled this out of an old drawer. And note to all narrators - we don't need you to do French-accented English when characters are French. We know they are French by merit of the fact that the story takes place in Paris. It was just incredibly distracting to have major characters speak poorly-done French accents throughout. ICK. Stop it!!! I will definitely read/listen to Oliveira's next book, whatever it may be, because I thought "Mary Sutter" was the debut of a major talent. But three chances is all ya get.