The Painter’s Daughters, a novel of historical fiction by Emily Howe, centers on the life of 18th century reknowned portraitist Thomas Gainsborough and his two daughters. The story begins when the girls are still toddlers, a year apart in age, and the family of four are living in Ipswich, an idyllic English country village, where Gainsborough was often found painting landscapes, his true love, and before he had acquired any fame for his portraits. The girls worshipped their father, despite the little time he apparently spent with them, and he clearly adored them and enjoyed allowing them to roam freely over the rural fields. Some of the girls’ favorite times came when Gainsborough occasionally required them to sit in his studio and serve as subjects for his canvases, in hopes that paintings of them, (which are extremely famous today) would successfully market his nascent portrait business. Their mother, while also doting on them, was consistently concerned that their wild unrestrained behavior would prevent proper development as socially appealing young ladies, at a time when desirable daughters were seen as avenues for families to elevate themselves through socially upward marital matches. Their mother was determined to mold the girls properly, and succeeded in convincing her husband that a family move to the resort city of Bath, while the girls were still very young, would help with the girls’ refinement and also with the artist’s clientele.

Unfortunately, the occasional sleepwalking and mental “absences” of older sister Molly/Mary, which were infrequent and not especially severe in the unrestrained countryside, became aggravated and more frequent amidst the stricter behavior expectations of city life. Younger daughter Peg, who dearly loved her big sister, feared that they would be separated if madness was suspected at a time when those perceived as “mad” were removed from society and sent to “madhouses” to control the bedlam. Peg desperately tried to keep her sibling’s aberrant behavior secret. As the disease progressed, and the girls grew older, Peg experienced increasing difficulty devising ways to control her sister’s episodes, inventing excuses for strange behavior, and preventing the truth from emerging. At the same time, older sister Mary/Molly became increasingly resentful of what she felt was excessive protection and control from her younger sister. Author Howe has done a masterful job of imbuing the early part of this novel when the girls are still quite young, with a sense of relative joy, calm and innocence, and then gradually increasing the level of foreboding as the girls age and the book progress.

Sticking closely to available information about the family life of Thomas Gainsborough, the author has created a compelling novel, with vivid descriptions of 18th century English life, fully fleshed characters, believable dialog and a dramatic story about love, control, scandal, betrayal, society and family. The Painter’s Daughters is an exceptional book, at once captivating and also heartbreaking.




Thank you to Simon & Schuster and Net Galley for providing me with an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.

Emily Howes’ debut novel The Painter’s Daughters will delight readers interested in learning more about the famous painter Thomas Gainsborough, a portrait painter who lived in the 1700’s, and his family. His two daughters, Molly and Peggy are best friends, but with completely different personalities and needs. Gainsborough is more interested in his art and his wife Margaret is more interested in social status. As a result, their two daughters are often left to their own devices. As the two girls get older and enter society, we also learn of the family’s struggles and how each person handles them. It is not often you read a book about the children of a well-known artist and begin to understand how much their life is influenced by family dynamics. I highly recommend this book and thank NetGalley for providing me with an advance digital version.

This book reminded me a lot of a Jane Austen type of book. There is a lot of good information to dive into after reading this and overall the story was well written. As someone who is close to my sister I really enjoyed the development of their stories and how things played out.

Historical fiction lovers will want to pick this one up!

This was a beautifully written evocative story. It is full of emotion and richly detailed characters. The setting and story drew me in and made me want more. Very good choice for historical fiction fans.

A good read about the role of women in 18th century England. Class, position, and the attitudes and mores of the time are tragically told as they implicate the treatment and views on mental illness. They are wound up in tragic story of the Gainsborough daughters and the family struggles to succeed, thrive, and protect their own.

The wonderfully evocative "The Painter's Daughters" is ostensibly about the two daughters of acclaimed English painter Thomas Gainsborough (best known for "The Blue Boy") and, in a storyline set several decades earlier, the conception and birth of an illegitimate daughter of the Prince of Wales. But as is appropriate for a novel about an artist, it's also about ways of seeing, of perception and willful refusal to see. So many things are hidden in plain sight: the mental illness of elder daughter Molly, the philandering of Gainsborough, the intricacies of younger daughter Peggy's co-dependency with Molly... After reading this, you'll never look at Gainsborough's work or think about sibling bonds in quite the same way again.

Thank you, NetGalley and Simon & Schuster, for providing me with an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

Historical fiction is one of my favorite genres so this novel checks that box. I did not know much about Thomas Gainsborough, so after finishing this novel about his family, I was curious to research and study his paintings. The setting of this novel, the 1700s, was vividly depicted. There were 2 story lines in this book. I never caught on to the connection until almost at the epilogue. That made reading very confusing for me. The book describes just how difficult it was to be a female at that time, even in England. I learned a lot about life in the century and about a very wonderful artist. I recommend this novel for people who enjoy historical fiction and classical paintings.

To what lengths do women go to protect those whom they love, forego their own pursuit of personal happiness and selflessly serve the family into which they are born? This story focuses on the lives of famous portraitist's Thomas Gainsborough's daughters and the life they shared in the orbit of their much revered and professionally sought father, Thomas Gainsborough.

Ms. Howe has down a spectacular job of filling in the holes of the limited known story of these two women and their years spent together through childhood and into womanhood. The mise en scène is beautifully crafted in its richness and painterly delivery. The prose is exquisitely devised and presents an air of deep thought in how society views the working class among the ton. Such societal constrictors are hardly understood in today's day and age. Yet, Howes does a superb job of delivering the reader into the eighteenth century and holding them there in thrall for the duration of the story.

To the sensitive reader, please note that there are a number of "f-bombs" throughout the story and some graphic detail of sexual relations. Personally I found the coarse language out of character with the rest of the story's prose, which is so beautifully crafted. As for the story itself, it is a sad one, for certain. Yet it may ring true for so many women of today who sacrifice their own lives out of duty and ultimately with much love.

I am grateful to publisher Simon and Schuster for having provided an advance uncorrected reader's proof of this story through NetGalley. Their generosity, however, has not influenced this review - the words of which are mine alone.

Anticipated Publication Date: 02/27/2024
Publisher: Simon and Schuster
ISBN: 978-1668021385
No. of pages: 320

"The Painter's Daughters" by Emily Howes is a beautifully written and emotionally resonant novel that explores themes of love, madness, sisterly devotion, and the expectations placed on women in the 1700s. Set against the backdrop of the art world and the strict societal norms of the time, this book delves into the complex relationship between the Gainsborough sisters, Peggy and Molly.

The narrative is primarily told from Peggy's perspective, providing a window into the sisters' world as they grow up alongside their famous father, Thomas Gainsborough. Peggy and Molly's bond is central to the story, and the author paints a vivid picture of their deep connection. Peggy's protective instincts, especially regarding Molly's bouts of mental confusion, form a core part of her character, and her devotion to her sister is both touching and heartbreaking.

The book delves into the challenges of the period, particularly the expectations placed on women. The exploration of Molly's mental health issues is poignant and reflects the limited understanding and options available for individuals with such conditions during that time. Howes skillfully depicts Molly's struggle, making her character one of the most compelling in the story.

The addition of Johann Fischer, a charming composer and a friend of Thomas Gainsborough, adds an element of romantic tension to the narrative. Peggy's burgeoning love for Johann tests the limits of her loyalty to Molly and ultimately leads to a heartbreaking betrayal. The complexities of these relationships, set against the backdrop of the sisters' unique family dynamics, create a rich tapestry of emotions and dilemmas.

Emily Howes' writing is exquisite, immersing readers in the sights, sounds, and social intricacies of 18th-century England. The vivid descriptions of Gainsborough's artistry, the family's life in Bath, and the sisters' emotional journeys provide a rich and immersive reading experience.

As the story unfolds, it prompts readers to question the blurred lines between protection and control and to consider the weight of societal expectations. It's a searing portrayal of the challenges women faced during that era and the lengths to which sisters like Peggy would go to safeguard their loved ones.

"The Painter's Daughters" is a poignant and thought-provoking novel that pays homage to sisterhood, individuality, and the complexity of human relationships. It's a love song to those who existed in the shadows of history and were never truly seen. Emily Howes' debut novel is a literary triumph and a compelling addition to historical fiction.

For readers who enjoy meticulously researched historical fiction with strong character development, emotional depth, and evocative prose, "The Painter's Daughters" is a must-read.

Wild. Wicked and Secretive. That was Peg. Her older sister, Molly, by a year just tried to keep up in a quieter way. They were inseparable growing up.

It seemed like Peg was born to take care of her big sister. She worried about Molly being taken away to an institution for mentally ill patients. Molly was aware something wasn’t right. She was a sleep walker and was found unconscious at times. Peg promised to always keep her safe.

Emily Howes described the privileged lives of this family with an imaginative expression. The sisters adored their father, a well-known English portrait and landscape artist: Thomas Gainsborough from the 18th century. And they tried to please their mother, Margaret, who wanted them later in life to be accepted in society. The parents had different views of how to raise their daughters. It was complicated. When they moved from the country to the city, life got even more interesting.

This story is told by Peg for the most part but then adds sections from a barmaid, Meg, which reveals clues about the family history. It was confusing at first how Meg was going to fit into the story. However, it works. It’s unforgettable with the setting and engaging dialogue from the characters. One can just picture the art studio, the paintings and the women that surrounded Thomas Gainsborough.

I imagine I’ll be thinking about his daughters, Molly and Peg, for a long time as their image is pressed into my mind. The author made every word flow with ease on the pages. It made me feel like I just visited the second half of the 1700s in England. This is a book that makes you want to learn more about the famous painter of "The Blue Boy" and his beautiful daughters.

My thanks to Simon & Schuster and NetGalley for allowing me to read an advanced copy of this book with an expected release date of February 27, 2024.

It was a gripping tale of love and madness with a dose of sadness and sisterhood. It also speaks to hoe mental illness treated at that time. Overall a good book
Thanks yo Netgalley and the publisher for letting me review the book

Daughters of a famous portrait painter, Peggy and Molly are inseparable. Molly, the eldest, occasionally suffers from mental fog and spells. Peggy, does everything she can to cover the slips and maintain normality. When they move to Bath and begin circulating in high society, Molly's slips become more frequent and harder to cover up.

This was a very interesting read. The characters were fully developed and dynamic. I felt for both sisters as they grew, fell in love, and continually fought against the asylum. The book was well paced, dynamic, and painted a complex story. Overall, highly recommended.

A gripping tale of love and madness! I could not put this book down. What a unique look at women’s independence in the 1700s.

What an absolutely enthralling book! I received this book as an ARC from the publisher and I am so glad that I did!
I was impressed with how much of the “historical fiction” of this book was actually based on fact. It was one of those books where I felt as if I had actually learned something about the topic. The author did a wonderful job at taking a topic that was somewhat interesting and weaving fantastic narrative throughout to make a novel that read so smoothly and kept the reader engaged to the last page!
Well done, I loved it!

I’m really not a historical lover in literature and I really only picked up this book for the cover and ignored the description, but I was pleasantly surprised. This book was very well written. The story really came to life and I was invested rather than tolerant of the historical aspects. I recommend for everyone weather it’s what you would normally read or not.

The Painter's Daughters - An excellent blend of fact and fiction creating an interesting, intriguing, and entertaining story of the two daughters of the Eighteenth-Century painter Thomas Gainsborough. I thoroughly enjoyed the story of the little gold box. It is difficult not to go into book report stage about all the good things that made this a mesmerizing story in so many ways. Source: Netgalley. 5*

Wow! I was pleasantly surprised that this book was so intriguing! This beautifully written historical fiction is Emily Howes' first novel. It is the story of Peggy and Molly Gainsborough and their struggle with insanity. This novel tells a little-known story of the sister's life, love, and devotion. As with all good historical fiction I have to learn more about Gainsborough, his wife, his daughters, and his paintings.
Meg's story intertwines with the story of the sisters. It keeps the reader wondering who Meg is and how she relates to this story. The mystery is revealed in the end.
Thanks to NetGalley! I loved this novel!

I enjoyed “The Painter’s Daughters” by Emily Howes—it’s a well-written and informative look at the lives of painter Thomas Gainsborough’s daughters, Molly and Peggy, and their struggle with Molly’s mental illness at a time when its discovery by the outside world would send her to the asylum. There’s lots of local color, particularly of life in Bath during the late 18th century, and I enjoyed the imagined stories behind Gainsborough’s famous paintings—I frequently found myself referring to reproductions of those paintings as I was reading. This is a dual storyline book, and while I didn’t find Meg’s story as compelling as that of the Gainsborough sisters, I soon figured out why her narrative was included. Meg’s storyline, in particular, brings up my usual problem with historical fiction—how to separate what is verifiably true from what imagined by the author—but I appreciated Howes’s notes at the end, which explained both her research and her fictional extrapolations. Fans of the period should enjoy this one.

Thank you to NetGalley and to Simon & Schuster for providing me with an ARC of this title in return for my honest review.

This story was very emotional about two sisters who were a year apart. The period of time was so interesting and it was described in such a way it felt very real. The sisters were always in trouble as children. As adults the fell in love with the same man. Both sisters had mental issues. Molly the older daughter as worse then Peggy. Peggy had an eating disorder but Molly had blackouts. The sad things that Peggy had to do to keep her sister well and hide the fact she was mentally disturbed was a heavy burden for a child. The author did a great job of describing the struggles and bringing their characters to life. I look forward to reading future books from Emily Howes.

After the initial pages, I found myself not connecting with the story or characters, so I decided to pass on this book. Did not finish