Rembrandt's Promise

by Barbara Leahy

Stunning historical immersion into the world of Rembrandt with a gripping plot of a promise turned sour. For fans of Stacey Halls, Maggie O'Farrell and Tracy Chevalier.

'With glorious language, she gives us a believable, elegant and atmospheric novel - just beautiful' - Nuala O'Connor - author of Seaborne and NORA

Hanging beside the door is a painting of a wedding feast. ­ The light is centred on the bride; the guests are banished to the shade. ­ That is how it is when he looks at all others fade away.

1642.
­The Dutch Golden Age is underway, with Amsterdam at the height of its powers.

Geertje, an impoverished widow from Edam, enters a melting pot of wealth and culture when she becomes nursemaid in the house of renowned painter Rembrandt.

After Rembrandt's wife dies, Geertje is drawn deeper into his world and despite her friends' warnings, she begins a passionate affair with the master of light and shadow, with devastating results.

Based on the true account of a wronged woman who demanded justice, with themes of feminism, loss, ambition and redemption, this is a remarkable debut, perfect for fans of sumptuous historical fiction.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Historical, Fiction, Audiobook

Paperback

Reviews

[Georgina Reads_Eats_Explores · Rating 5 out of 5]

#gifted

You know that rare kind of novel that sweeps you up, drops you straight into another time and place, and leaves you reeling in the best way? Rembrandt’s Promise does just that and then some.

Set in 1640s Amsterdam, when the city was bursting with gold, art, ambition, and secrets, this is the story of Geertje Dircx—a widow with nothing but grit and circumstance—who finds herself in the service of the great Rembrandt van Rijn. Hired as a nursemaid to his infant son Titus and ailing wife Saskia, Geertje is thrust into a world far removed from her own. It’s a move arranged by her brother Pieter, a bid to clear a debt, but it alters the course of her life in ways no one could have foreseen.

What begins as honest work slowly slips into something more intimate, more consuming—and ultimately, far more perilous. Their affair crackles with heat and hope, but there’s no soft landing here, no neat ending. Instead, Barbara Leahy gives us a powerful, heartrending portrait of a woman betrayed by the very man she trusted most and a society all too willing to write her off.

Leahy’s prose is lush without ever feeling overworked. You can almost see the golden light hitting the canvas, hear the soft conspiratorial murmurs behind doors barely ajar and smell the putrid air of the House of Correction in Gouda. She paints the past with precision and empathy, breathing vivid life into a forgotten historical figure. You’re not just reading about Geertje—you’re in her worn clogs, feeling her every flicker of longing, every sharp edge of injustice, every pang of fear.

At its heart, this is a story about power: who holds it, who wields it, and who is punished for daring to grasp it. It’s about being silenced and the quiet, ferocious determination it takes to reclaim your voice.

If you’re a fan of feminist historical fiction that’s beautifully written and emotionally charged, this stunning debut from an Irish author is for you. Seriously, go get your hands on it now — run, don’t walk; Rembrandt’s Promise deserves to be read, remembered and talked about

Thank you to Eriu Books for a copy of Rembrandt’s Promise in exchange for an, as always, honest review.

[Nicola Doyle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this! The novel is based on a true story in the 1600s between Dutch artist Rembrandt and his nursemaid Geertje Dircx. It was such an interesting base for the novel!

The book was researched perfectly and was written well. It was descriptive and full of rich historical detail.

I liked the characters in the book. Geertje was a great lady and she did her best. Rembrandt was very unlikable. I did like Geertje's friend Otto the cobbler. He was extremely kind. The other characters were great. All the characters came to together perfectly.

The book is written in first person from Geertje's point of view. This works perfectly as she is the focus.

If you love historical fiction, please check this out. I absolutely loved it.

[Wendy(Wendyreadsbooks) Robey · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fascinating story of love and justice. Geertje’s story is one of loss and hardship but also of love and loyalty. Her time at the house of Rembrandt was an interesting one - always kept in her place in society despite promises made and ultimately disadvantaged as a woman of lower working class.
Her fight for justice was good to see and I loved Otto’s support, and his unquestionable friendship.
Rembrandt was portrayed very much as a man of his time and although his love for Saskia seemed true - I felt for Geertje.

[Beverley Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved it

[Mairead Hearne (swirlandthread.com) · Rating 5 out of 5]

‘Hanging beside the door is a painting of a wedding feast. ­ The light is centred on the bride; the guests are banished to the shade. ­ That is how it is when he looks at her: all others fade away.‘

Rembrandt’s Promise by Barbara Leahy published March 27th with Eriu and is described as a ‘stunning historical immersion into the world of Rembrandt with a gripping plot of a promise turned sour. For fans of Stacey Halls, Maggie O’Farrell and Tracy Chevalier.’ Geertje Dircx is the protagonist of this true tale, a heroine of her time who fought for her rights as a woman, who was unafraid to take on the institutions of the day. But Geertje Dircx paid a huge price – this is her story.

Following a tragic few years, widow Geertje Dircx was floundering and alone. In 1642, her brother, Pieter, organised work for her as a nanny in the home of the famed artist Rembrandt. His wife Saskia was ill and was in need of assistance minding their young son, Titus. Geertje was a nurturing sort, good with small children, so it wasn’t long before she developed a bond with Titus. As Saskia’s health declined Geertje became more embedded in the household and she began to take notice of Rembrandt a little more. Starved of companionship she imagined what life would be like for her being the lady of such a grand premises but it was only ever a pipedream. She watched the comings and goings of the household, observing snippets as she went about her chores while very conscious of the fact that Saskia was slipping away.

When Rembrandt buried his wife, he lost his way as an artist. With unfinished commissions and debts to be paid, he became frustrated and angry. Geertje provided a listening ear and soon the pair were lovers. Geertje never planned for this to happen but when he gave her a marriage medal with a promise of love, she believed that it just might be possible for her, a country peasant, to make a life with such a formidable and renowned artist. But, as others had warned, Geertje was to realise that she was just a plaything, solace for the master in his time of need. After eight years in his home he replaced her with a younger maid. Geertje was asked to leave but she wouldn’t exit without a fight.

In 1642 women’s rights were non-existent and Geertje was eventually incarcerated in a House of Correction in Gouda which had an enormous impact on her well being and mental health. Conditions in the prison were horrendous and her survival was very much day by day. All Geertje did was defend her case as a woman who had believed in the love and honour of a respected man. She had loved Rembrandt and truly had believed in their bond. Her story is appalling and the manner of her incarceration is frightening.

Barbara Leahy has written a superb debut bringing Geertje Dircx very much to life. Reading Rembrandt’s Promise is like stepping back in time through the streets of Amsterdam and into the stifling stink of the House of Correction in Gouda. The pain and suffering endured by Geertje is depicted with a masterful pen, alongside some very tender moments when Geertje’s innermost thoughts and fears are explored.

Geertje Dircx was a woman betrayed, a trailblazer in many ways, but her eventual path to freedom robbed her of so much. Eloquent and meticulously researched, Rembrandt’s Promise is a glorious, atmospheric and polished debut, an easy recommendation for all lovers of historical fiction.

[Charlotte reads history · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’ve noticed a trend for historical fiction about painters and painting currently, and Barbara Leahy’s debut, Rembrandt’s Promise is a welcome addition. The story is inspired by real people - Geertje, a widow suddenly out of work is recommended a position in Rembrandt’s household as a nursemaid for his young son. Tragedy soon strikes the family as his beloved wife weakens and then dies from tuberculosis.

Geertje’s devotion to her ‘master’ is soon exploited as they embark on a love affair, but Rembrandt’s promises do not hold, and the reality for an impoverished widow and her tarnished reputation in seventeenth-century Amsterdam is not bright.

Expect the usual indignation at the patriarchy, but some interesting detail about the court system, for good and ill.

I thought that the exploration of loyalty was dealt with nuance, as so many characters teetered along the tightrope between financial stability and abject poverty, and how that desperation to survive can push people into difficult and dangerous situations.

Despite some character’s total lack of moral compass (is it ok to say I hate Rembrandt and the spineless Pieter??), Geertje’s tactless cousin and the other staff of Rembrandt’s house stood out for me with their steadfast resolve to ensure Geertje survives.

Thank you so much to @bonnierbooks_uk for this #gifted advanced copy of Rembrandt’s Promise, which is out now!

[Steph Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fantastic debut out this year based on the true lives of an artist (Rembrandt in this case) and those in his household. The cruelty, poverty and casual discarding of women is heartbreaking and the general misery, hunger and living conditions of the many, while the rich go untouched and continue to live in luxury, brought me to tears several times during this reading. Such is the power of the writer who makes you feel you are living in 1640s Amsterdam as you read. It’s brilliantly crafted and researched and really draws you in to care deeply (though not for the horrible Rembrandt!)

[Charlotte · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is such a beautiful book, which makes sense seeing as it's about Rembrandt. I did wonder if the cover art was a Rembrandt painting, but if it is I couldn't find it. Either way, I think it's stunning and the more I look at it the more I notice.

I have to admit that I don't know anything at all about Rembrandt, other than him being an artist. I couldn't have told you that he was Dutch, or that he lived in the 17th Century. But I love learning new things, so this book was wonderful as I feel I've learned a little bit about him. Rembrandt's Promise is historical fiction, but is based on true story, and real people.

I loved the writing style of this novel. There were enough historical, and Dutch words to keep it firmly rooted in 17th Century Amsterdam, but it also felt modern enough that I wasn't left wondering what anything meant. The short chapters were easy to read, meaning I could pick it up and read a chapter or two whenever I had a spare few minutes.

They say that truth is stranger than fiction, and I have to admit that this story seemed so incredibly modern in some ways, that I had to Google to see how much of it was true. And, in terms of the bare bones of story, it all seems to be. Geertje was a truly astounding woman. The strength of character, and sense of justice, that she showed in standing up for what she believed in, against a man who had wealth and standing, was just remarkable.

Historical fiction is my favourite genre to read, and whilst this isn't a period I read about often, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I was (pleasantly) surprised to realise that this is Barbara's debut novel, and I certainly hope there will be more books to come.

[Jo-anne Atkinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Geertje is a widow and dependent on her brother to find her respectable work. He has contacts in Amsterdam and gets Geertje a job in the home of an artist. Looking after the son of the house, she finds herself drawn to the Master and also to his sick wife. After the death of the latter, Geertje becomes the lover of the Master and is promised that he will marry her. However fate has another ending in store.
This is a solid enough piece of historical fiction which is actually most interesting because it is based on a true story. Rembrandt did have affairs with a couple of maids of his household and this was scandalous in the pious Amsterdam of the Golden Age. I did enjoy the story and the details of household life, the sense of time and place is excellent.

[Sue Wallace · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rembrandt’s Promise by Barbara Leahy.
I absolutely loved the cover of this book. I did enjoy this book. It was different. The story of Geertje Dircx was very moving. It was very well written and researched. I loved the historical information in this book. I did like the short chapters. I felt I read it quickly. It took me a while to get used to the writing style. I wasn't sure how I felt about the characters. I loved how Trijn was with Geertje. Recommend.

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to the publisher Bonnier Books/Eriu and to Love Book Tours for the ARC, it has not affected my honest review.

Release date: 27th March 2025 (UK)

TW: terminal illness, rape, death, misogyny, institutionalisation, references to child death and pregnancy

1642, the Netherlands. Grieving the loss of her husband and stillborn child, Geertje Dircx must leave the countryside of Edam and travel to Amsterdam to find respectable work appropriate for a widow on the insistence of her brother Pieter. Once in the vibrant and toiling city of ambition and work, Geertje takes a role in the home of a painter, caring for his newborn son, Titus, and his increasingly sickly wife, Saskia. This painter is Rembrandt. Growing close to Saskia, Titus, the other servants and a friendly shoe maker, Geertje begins to see a future for herself in Amsterdam. However, after Saskia dies, Geertje makes the mistake of growing close to Rembrandt, despite her friends’ warnings. Soon enough a passionate affair starts and he promises to marry her, no matter what Saskia’s will might insist on, but this promise- and Geertje’s devotion- leads to devastating circumstances when Geertje is replaced by a younger woman.

Based on the true story of Geertje Dircx and her experiences with Rembrandt, Barbara Leahy pulls the reader into the world of 1640s Amsterdam, leading us through the crowded, stinking streets and into a household of an artist who will one day be legendary. One thing I loved about this book is that though he features, Geertje never refers to him by name. Long depicted unfairly and one note by history, Geertje here is a rich and complex character with her own wants and desires, making mistakes and being forced to depend on men who control everything. This Rembrandt is not a hero and I found it to be deeply effective how the entire world remembers his story but not Geertje. Her experiences of Amsterdam and Edam are vivid, you can almost imagine them, and the things she goes through after her name is ruined are horrible. This is a woman who lived with Rembrandt for six years but has never been remembered for who she was- this book tells a different story, one of a world dictated by men and where women are powerless even in courts, but it’s also beautifully starkly written, the descriptions of the painting processes and the relationships are gorgeous. I’m so glad I read this book and that I now know about Geertje Dircx because she is so important.

[Jonathan Pool · Rating 3 out of 5]

Did you enjoy reading Charles Dickens as a child (and/or later in life?).
Have you read (the wonderful) Fingersmith by Sarah Waters?
The point is, Rembrandt’s Promise is a perfectly good story, but it’s not very original, and it doesn’t hold any surprises (plot driven though it is).

At 370 pages it’s also repetitive and at least 100 pages too long.
Since the internet (research and lookup) became a thing, at your fingertips, it has opened the door to capable writers looking for a frame around which to hang a human interest story. It is a bit formulaic.
Bizarrely, given the book’s title its not a book about Rembrandt. (Incidentally the book places spoilers right on the front cover). Known as ‘the Master’, or “The Painter”, Rembrandt, though not by name- flits in and out. He’s almost a MacGuffin !!
The Dickensian elements are well handled. The squalor of mid c.17th Amsterdam. The smells, the fights, the vomit, the rowdiness. Helpless victims of circumstance are prayed upon by thieves, hustlers, and drunks.
The characters are passable. Geertje is at the centre, and she’s the best of them. Geertje is a victim, a gullible one; she is a woman who alternates between smart, instinctive, sensible decisions…and the opposite. The reader is soon shouting out for her to look behind her.

I also liked the monosyllabic, almost mute Maartje.
Less enthralling were the subsidiary cast of attendant skivvies and hired help.
Ilse (who had some unrealised potential), Lotte and Hendrickje
And of the bad ‘uns, why does Barbara Leahy give us so little of Cornelia Jans?

The book certainly left a lasting impression on me. While I appreciate that separating the art from the artist is sometimes necessary, I don’t think I will ever look at the magnificence of Rembrandt’s brushwork ever again with the same awe or admiration.

[Lynda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loosely based on the true story of a widow called Geertje Dircx from Edam who at the behest of her brother Pieter gets a position in the house of painter Rembrandt Van Rijn and his wife Saskia as nursemaid to their son Titus. It’s 1642, the Dutch Golden Age, and life in Amsterdam is very different to Geertje’s married life. A new author for me and I did enjoy her writing.

Briefly, Geertje becomes close to Saskia who is in poor health which means Titus spend most of his time with Geertje. She is also friendly with the other maid and in time the cook, but Rembrandt seems distant. After Saskia’s death Geertje and Rembrandt become closer, and eventually she becomes his mistress. However, when a new maid Hendrickje is employed she soon catches Rembrandt’s eye. When she is told to leave Geertje isn’t prepared to taken her banishment sitting down and she turns to the law for justice.

The treatment of the staff in Rembrandt’s house, and women in general at this time, was pretty terrible. Rembrandt himself wasn’t a pleasant man, completely self centred although he clearly adored Saskia, and to some extent Geertje. But the person I most despised was Pieter and I felt like shouting at Geertje to open her eyes and see how he was using her. I loved Geertje’s aunt, what a wonderful woman. A dark and emotional historical novel and one I very much enjoyed.

[Acantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

A chilling tale of love and revenge, and of the cruel lengths men will go to if they feel thwarted.

Inspired by the true tale of Geertje, wet nurse and then mistress of the painter Rembrandt, this book seeks to show a more sympathetic side to Geertje than history has afforded her. Remembered as ugly, money hungry and deserving of her fate, instead this book paints her as a more three dimensional character - if anything, it is Rembrandt, who in this is always referred to as 'the master' even during the height of their affair, is the ugly one. Ugly in morals, ugly in soul, he has no issue with ruining lives if he decides. Even once he has taken his revenge on various characters throughout the book, his spite drives them deeper into pain, chasing them. This is not a man to be crossed.

All the men - bar Otto - in this story are horrible, her brother most of all. Every time he appeared in her life, he made it worse, and yet she had no choice but to allow him back, time and time again. Their relationship was toxic, and although she was able to acknowledge that he scared her, it still didn't change the fact she needed him. Or the hurt upon his betrayal.

A stunning book of darkness and light, like the masters paintings themselves.

~Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC in return for an honest review of this book~

[Debra Davidson-Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rembrandt's Promise by Barbara Leahy is based on the true story of a woman who was involved with Rembrandt after his wife's death. The novel explores their relationship, which included a promise of marriage that was later broken, leading to a legal battle where Geertje sued Rembrandt for breach of promise
Set in 1640s Amsterdam, the book tells the story of Geertje Dircx who finds herself in the service of the great artist Rembrandt van Rijn. Hired as a nursemaid to his infant son Titus and ailing wife Saskia, Geertje is thrust into a world far removed from her own. It’s a move arranged by her brother Pieter, a bid to clear a debt, but it alters the course of her life for ever.
Thanks to some excellent research, the book is full of rich historical detail. It is beautifully written, atmospheric and almost cinematic in its description of life in C17th Amsterdam.
It drops you completely into the world of C17th Amsterdam where money and power mean everything and women without either can be easily dismissed and betrayed.
I really enjoyed Rembrandts promise and would recommend it.
With thanks to the publishers and NetGalley for an ARC

[Thebooktrail · Rating 5 out of 5]

Discover the locations in the novel here



Excellent depiction of Amsterdam during the Golden Age and when Rembrandt was at his peak.

Some of this story is based on the real fact that he had an affair with his maid and promised her marriage only to take it back. Her life in his home before and after the affair are fascinating and the book is very immersive. It's as if you are in that house beside them and it's captivating.

Interesting to see what life was like back then for women who were widowed and trying to work. The Golden Age brought wealth and a future to men it seemed but not to women. A behind the scenes look at one of the most famous painters in the world. I love books that take you back in a time machine and allow you to meet real figures from the past. Fascinating and brilliant  more so since it's a debut!

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read if you like;
-Historical fiction
-Art
-Revenge
-Golden age
-Amsterdam

Rembrandts promise is based of a true story in the 1600s between a Dutch artist Rembrandt and his nursemaid Geertje Dircx. The cover art is absolutely stunning!

The book was clearly well researched and well written. Lots of description and historical detail! There was enough Dutch words to keep it rooted in 16th century Amsterdam! I definitely feel like I’ve learnt a lot about Rembrandt!

I loved the short chapters it made it easier to pick up and put down whenever I wanted!

I really liked the characters, Geertje was an astounding woman. Her strength and sense of justice that she showed in standing up against for what she believed in, against powerful men!

I particularly liked Geertje’s friend Otto. He was so lovely, kind, he really tried to have her best interest and help as much as possible.

The worst character was Geertje’s brother. He was the worst kind of man ever, he was supposed to love and protect his sister. However, every time he popped back into her life he made things worst!

Overall, a great read that has themes that are current to the world today! I highly recommend this for the historical fiction fans!

[MISS RACHEL · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nearly 4 stars…but a bit too slow and repetitive for me.

Amsterdam 1642. Geertje, widowed and now in her 30s, starts work as a maid in the house of an artist. Soon she takes over the care of baby Titus. She serves the mistress of the house well and is kind to her as she lies dying. After his wife’s death, the master turns his attentions to Geertje and for a while she acts the role of mistress. But her luck will not last…

Interesting for its description of life in 17th century Amsterdam, but far too much description and not enough action for my liking. Shocking depiction of the treatment of women.

Some great characters: Otto the shoemaker, cousin Trijn, the maid Ilse, the master, young Titus.


Despite the title (and reading on kindle I wasn’t reminded of it!) I didn’t register that this was based on the true story of the famous artist 🤦🏻‍♀️! Rather wish I’d had that in mind as I read.

Grateful to the publisher and NetGalley for an eARC.

[Maddy McGlynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely loved the atmospheric world that Leahy created in this story, set in the Dutch Golden Age. Having been to Amsterdam and Rembrandt’s House, I found this novel evocative, and I could really slip between the pages. It brought back the character and history of Amsterdam, and that, for me, is the mark of excellent historical fiction.

I hadn’t heard the story of Geertje, so it was fascinating to learn about her and her relationship with the famous painter. Her story is powerful and poignant, showing class, gender, and society in the 17th century. She’s a very relatable character who’s easy to identify with and connect with. Her relationship with the men in her life, including her brother and Rembrandt himself, explores the concepts of freedom, power, and the determination of women.

This was a beautifully told story that blended real history and an evocative setting into an immersive tale.

Thank you to Bonnier Books and NetGalley for the ARC.

[Lucille · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rembrandt's Promise is a stunning novel that focuses on the women in Rembrandt's household. The main character is Geertje, nursemaid to Rembrandt's young son, Titus, but she becomes infatuated with Rembrandt and they begin an affair. Geertje is warned that he will not keep his promises to her but she continues to believe him when he says he will always be true to her. The book is beautifully written and I was moved by Geertje's story and its inevitable ending. The evocative descriptions of 17th century Amsterdam at the time of the Dutch Golden Age made me feel I was right there with Geertje. This book is for all lovers of historical novels, especially those involving art. If you loved Tracy Chevalier's 'Girl With A Pearl Earring' you will love Rembrandt's Promise.

[Lucy · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a story this is! I love a read with some historical context, and this is just that.

Geertje finds herself employed within the household of the celebrated painter Rembrandt, in the mid 1600s. Nursing his baby son, and caring for his wife as she dies, she soons makes herself indispensable, and inevitably ends up passionately in love with the artist, and sharing his bed.

As time goes by, a younger woman enters the household and becomes Rembrandt’s new muse and love, and Geertje finds herself in prison, mistreated and trapped.

This is a real page turner, with twists and turns along the way, and plenty of interesting and intriguing characters. I had a good wander around Wikipedia after finishing it to find out more!

[Joy Bosworth · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a very involving story. It reminded me of reading Heidi as a kid. Set in a country I knew nothing  about and at a time I've  little knowledge  of. Unlike so many books it is not at all obvious  this character  will end up with that one. The Netherlands  tourist board must cringe at how odiferous the famous canals are. Their famous artist is such a lying louse too. It seems strange there should be such strict moral censure when Amsterdam is now known as free from any sexual restrictions.

It isn't a happy story but nor is it all black. It is, however, engrossing and a window on a world we would never see now.

[Daisy Hollands · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an absolutely beautiful book. A story, based in fact, told eloquently and with class. Although this is a historical novel, there are many modern day parallels and themes, feminism and ambition. I was completely captivated as Barbara Leahy brought the characters off the pages and breathed life into them. Although I will be the first to admit, historical fiction isn’t my favourite genre, this one was a real joy to behold and the redemption arc was exquisite. I know I will read this one more than one time. If you’re looking for your next great read, look no further. You’ve found it.

[Lesley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was sent an advance copy of Rembrandt's Promise by Barbara Leahy to read and review by NetGalley. I requested this novel as I really enjoy reading historical fiction and this book did not disappoint. Told from the viewpoint of protagonist Geertje this story is full of description (without being overblown) and captures the essence of 17C Netherlands. The reader can really immerse themselves in the various aspects of Geertje’s life and I found I was really rooting for her all the way. Apparently based on a true story, this is a must read for lovers of this genre.

[Bzz Kolla · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley and Bonnier Books UK for this eCopy to review

As I turned the final page of Rembrandt's Promise, I found myself deeply moved by the tragic yet empowering tale of Geertje Dircx. The story takes us to 17th-century Amsterdam, where Geertje, a struggling widow, becomes a nursemaid in Rembrandt van Rijn's household. What starts as a position of servitude soon evolves into a passionate love affair, as Geertje becomes the artist's mistress.

Through Geertje's eyes, we witness the highs and lows of her relationship with Rembrandt—a man of incredible talent but also deeply flawed. The novel paints a vivid picture of their fiery romance, marred by jealousy, betrayal, and societal pressures. Geertje’s fierce determination and unyielding spirit were both heart breaking and inspiring. Despite being wronged by the man she loved, she fights to reclaim her dignity in a world where women have little agency.

Barbara Leahy’s writing transported me to the bustling streets and shadowy corners of Amsterdam during the Dutch Golden Age. I could almost hear the sounds of the marketplace and feel the oppressive weight of judgment that Geertje endured.

I thoroughly enjoyed the story’s immersive historical detail and Geertje’s emotional journey,

[Dana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sent to Amsterdam by her brother Pieter for financial gain, the truth of the arrangement we never learn, Geertje is engaged as the nursemaid to Titus, son of Saskia and Rembrandt. Geertje loves Titus and is very kind to Saskia, who dies not too long after her engagement.
Geertje is infatuated with Rembrandt and it is not long before they begin an affair, with him promising to be true to her always. The few people close to Geertje try to warn her but she ignores them. It is interesting that she continues to refer to him as the Master and Sir, which does not fit with their closeness.
As time goes on and he tires of her, Geertje faces many trials and tribulations.
So well written, mindful of the time, and the descriptions so well portrayed you can visualise her life.
Encouraged me to look up Rembrandt's paintings and his life. Obviously well researched.
Look forward to more by this author.
Many thanks to Netgalley/Barbara Leahy/Bonnier Books UK for a digital copy of this title. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Alex Bluck · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am so happy that Geertje's story has been told! Compared to the other ways she is depicted in films about Rembrandt, it feels like this empathetic portrayal of her is a much needed step forward. A touching story of a woman asking for what she deserves, only able to do so with the support of tenuous loving relationships.

[Jill · Rating 3 out of 5]

Based on real characters this story of a betrayed woman set in the Dutch Golden Age is an interesting debut. It is well researched although there is too much detail.. tolling church bells, smells and alcohol appear frequently. Great research but... we get it. Rembrandt may have been a great artist but in this story he's a selfish user.

[India Hannah Pixie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Uhhhh the betrayal!!!!!! Rembrandt you suck

This is such an immersive read, an unbelievably wonderful debut novel!!

Otto, Ilse and Trijn showed so much love and care for Geertje, what a relief it would be to have these people in your corner after suffering so much

[Maddelline · Rating 4 out of 5]

[historical fiction] it presents an unseen side of Rembrandt and (part of) the story of his love life.