Samuel Henry Berthoud's 1846 novel kicks off with a premise that feels both classic and fresh. In the heart of Brussels, a mysterious event occurs: the women immortalized in the paintings of the great Peter Paul Rubens are suddenly alive, walking the same streets where their portraits hang. They are known as the 'goddaughters' of the long-dead master. The story follows several of these women as they navigate a world that is fascinated, scandalized, and utterly confused by their sudden existence.

The Story

The plot centers on these newly-realized women trying to find their place. Society sees them as curiosities or ideals, but they are individuals with their own thoughts and feelings. Some embrace their celebrity, while others struggle with the weight of being a living piece of art. We see them interact with 'real' people—artists, nobles, and ordinary citizens—creating all sorts of social friction, romantic entanglements, and philosophical dilemmas. The central conflict isn't a villain to defeat, but the tension between who they were created to be and who they want to become.

Why You Should Read It

I fell for this book because it's so much smarter and funnier than I expected. Berthoud doesn't just use a magical idea for spectacle. He uses it to ask real questions. What does it mean to be seen only for your appearance? Can you escape the legacy someone else created for you? The 'goddaughters' are a fantastic lens through which to examine the role of women in society, both in Rubens's 17th century and Berthoud's own 19th. It's a character-driven story where the magic serves the plot, not the other way around. You'll find yourself rooting for these women as they claim their own agency.

Final Verdict

This is a perfect pick for readers who love historical fiction but want something different from the usual kings-and-battles fare. If you enjoyed the playful metafiction of The Eyre Affair or the thoughtful exploration of art in The Girl with a Pearl Earring, you'll find a kindred spirit here. It's for anyone who's ever stood in front of a painting and wondered about the life of the person on the canvas. A charming, thoughtful, and genuinely unique read that proves some stories, like great art, never get old.