This book is not for me. The writing is very clunky. It took me a long time to get into this book. I did preserve but it didn’t improve

Having an interest in this period of art history and enjoying books that combine real events with a fictional interpretation I felt this book would be one I would love but I struggled to engage and was distracted into reading others. It did help me understand some of the struggles of early homeopathic practisers and the camaraderie of the artistic personnel of the time but it was a rambling story that didn’t really feel complete. The ending felt strange, particularly when I know a little about Paul’s life after this period, and felt something extra would have given the book a more rounded conclusion.

The character of Paul was intriguing and the Paris scene of the time was well drawn so those who enjoy the descriptive creation of a period of time may enjoy this more. Thanks to the author, publishers and NetGalley for the chance to read this book.

I'm extremely sad to say that I dnfed this book because even though the story was promising the writing style did not suit me and it felt a bit abrupt.

Set against the backdrop of 1860s café culture this beautifully written novel follows artist and homeopath Dr Paul Gachet as he tries – against strong resistance - to change the face of traditional medicine. It transports you into another land where you can forget your real life worries. Rich in evocative detail

This book is to-date the longest I have taken to review an advanced copy. I have started it and put it down more times than I care to account for. So what went wrong?

To start, the flow is clunky. It felt like the author was more concerned with creating a pretentious backdrop for her 1800s France that she missed the point of her early impressionist painters’ lifestyles: which was to flaunt the middle finger at the bourgeoisie!

Secondly, as writers, you KNOW that if you don’t catch your audience’s attention in the first page (usually sentence) you’ve lost them. I reread the first few chapters multiple times and on multiple days. I just couldn’t get into it.


Finally, around 2/3 through the book I figured “what the hey, I’ve made it this far “ and finished for the sake of having been given this copy.


If you want to feel fancy and while away your hours without getting anywhere in particular? This is for you.


This review was made possible by an ARC given to me by the publisher.

The beautiful vintage style cover drew me to this book at first. However, once I’d noticed the Paris background and the mental health aspects I was sure it was for me. I soon became fascinated by the homeopathic side of the book, I’m something of a sceptic but I loved how much the practitioners listened to their patients and tried so hard to reduce their symptoms. From my own therapist perspective I connected with the doctor’s process, his listening and care are important factors, but it’s mainly his belief in the patient’s lived experience that opens up a space for healing to happen. Added to this is the background off the Paris art world at a time when the Impressionist movement is happening and artists are trying to get the way they view and depict the world accepted. I loved the link here between artist and patient, and the way they see the world. This novel had a love story but so much more too.

Struggled to get into this, the premise was really interesting but I didn't get on with the writing style unfortunately.. I will give this another try soon as the subject matter is fascinating and I think it was so detailed I couldn't take it in properly

I thought that this book had an interesting premise and the plot didn't disappoint, there was always something going on. The story is full of rich descriptions and vivid imagery which really helps the reader envision the world around them, it had obviously been well researched and this came across very well in the pages.
The characters were well developed and I loved how ahead of the times the protagonist was and I found myself really invested in them whilst I was reading.
If I had one criticism I was disappointed by the ending it felt very rushed and abrupt but I enjoyed the book overall.

The focus of this book is the development of homeopathy in Paris and the rejection of it by medically trained doctors. Although I loved the premise, the context and the very well written descriptions of life in Paris, I did find a frustration with the main character's relationships, areas that lacked detail and the rather sudden ending. However, I would still recommend it based on the vivid descriptions, accurate recording of the time and the very forward-thinking main character.

If you know Montmartre, the French Impressionist movement or anything to do with Salpetriere, then this book should be of interest to you. "Mesmerised" by Michelle Shine, might not be as glitzy as some scenes out of Moulin Rouge but the story of Gachet and his patients is genuinely interesting. Like today, there are those who believe in homeopathy and those who don't. Fascinating stuff!

The storyline is a great idea. However, I personally did not care for the writing style. It felt like reading a very detailed diary. It also reminded me of a play the way things were described. I kept getting bored. The plot also moves slowly.

I definitely feel I know my French painters of the 1800s a lot better now, though I don't think that was the point of this book.
At times it was quite dizzying having all the names thrown at you, and I struggled to think of their art.
The story of the homeopathy was very interesting, especially as its still thought by many as a quack science.
An excellent combination of science and arts, with very colourful characters.

I'm off to google some more of their paintings now.