Book #17 Week #15, Sacré Bleu by Christopher Moore

My latest read was Sacré Bleu by Christopher Moore. This book has only been out for two weeks and I couldn't wait to read it. In Sacré Bleu we follow the tale of Lucien, a young baker/painter, and his best friend the painter Henri Toulouse-Lautrec. At first the pair are working to try to solve the mystery behind the supposed suicide of Vincent van Gogh but there is a lot more mystery to be uncovered than just what is behind the death of one artist.

Christopher Moore takes us through history (although not entirely accurate : ) while we go deep into the Impressionist era. What I really loved about this book is it is printed in blue and has pictures of the works of art of painters we are introduced to along our journey. These painters all seems to have something in common in Sacré Bleu, a vibrant ultramarine color in their paintings, a loss of time and mind among the painters and often a mysterious woman and a strange man lurking in the shadows. You will ask yourself how does this all tie in with Lucien and Juliette, the stunning woman who broke his heart, and the death of van Gogh? But it all comes together in the end. As they say great art takes great sacrifice.

I love Christopher Moore and while Sacré Bleu is a "comedy d'art" I didn't particularly find it too funny. It had its moments don't get me wrong but I found Fluke, Fool, Blood Sucking Fiends and Dirty Job funnier. However I did really enjoy this book, I thought the story line was well written and engrossing and surprisingly a lot of little details were historically accurate.

If you are into art, particularly the French Masters, you might enjoy this satirical look into their personal lives. Give it a go, you just might like it!