What do you think?
Rate this book
Rene' Bernard: Action, adventure, and romance in the life of a budding impressionist artist in 19th century France, from Marcillian, to Lyon, to Paris and back.
Set in 19th century France, after the French Revolution, Rene' Bernard follows the intertwined lives of a budding artist, a General's daughter, and a lovable lion.
Thoroughly enthralling and beset in adventure, Mac Dougall describes the many adventures of a young artist set during the era of Bohemian culture.
Thoroughly enthralling and beset in adventure, Mac Dougall describes the many adventures of a young artist set during the era of Bohemian culture.
359 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 27, 2017
11 people are currently reading
3 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
April 11, 2019
Rene Bernard by John Mac Dougall is a captivating story set in the oyster village of Etang de Thau, France during the 19th century. Rene Bernard’s birth had been celebrated by the family and the people of his close-knit village. He grew to be a sickly child who would not be strong enough to carry out the duties of an oysterman like his father and brother Pierre. Rene’s elder sister Marie, paid special attention to her brother and saw a special gift in him as an artist and began to buy him drawing paper and charcoal pencils for him to practice his artwork.
Marie learned that to become a true Parisian artist, her brother would need to attend an atelier where he would be taught the fundamentals of impressionist art. She gathered information about ateliers and gained help from a wealthy acquaintance, Mlle. Camille Ligitimus and Mr. M.J. LeBeau and who incidentally would both have interesting stories of their own throughout the book. Rene was then sent to attend an art academy in the city of Lyon to hone his craft. After completing his studies, his family expected him to return home for good. Instead Rene and three fellow atelier students chose to move to Paris where most artist during the impressionist era resided.
Life in Paris was not everything Rene expected it to be. He arrived to find that only one friend would join him in sharing living quarters and he needed to find employment immediately to supplement the extra costs of living. Along the way, he meets a beautiful girl only known as Flower Girl and they fall in love. Outside of his new found love, life becomes complicated for Rene when he comes across people who only mean him harm changing his life forever.
The story has an abundance of detail and includes some romanticism. With some of the character’s stories, they could have been developed into books of their own. Overall, Mac Dougall brings to life the fascinating story of the French Impressionist painter and the interestng people he encountered.
Marie learned that to become a true Parisian artist, her brother would need to attend an atelier where he would be taught the fundamentals of impressionist art. She gathered information about ateliers and gained help from a wealthy acquaintance, Mlle. Camille Ligitimus and Mr. M.J. LeBeau and who incidentally would both have interesting stories of their own throughout the book. Rene was then sent to attend an art academy in the city of Lyon to hone his craft. After completing his studies, his family expected him to return home for good. Instead Rene and three fellow atelier students chose to move to Paris where most artist during the impressionist era resided.
Life in Paris was not everything Rene expected it to be. He arrived to find that only one friend would join him in sharing living quarters and he needed to find employment immediately to supplement the extra costs of living. Along the way, he meets a beautiful girl only known as Flower Girl and they fall in love. Outside of his new found love, life becomes complicated for Rene when he comes across people who only mean him harm changing his life forever.
The story has an abundance of detail and includes some romanticism. With some of the character’s stories, they could have been developed into books of their own. Overall, Mac Dougall brings to life the fascinating story of the French Impressionist painter and the interestng people he encountered.
August 17, 2019
Do you enjoy reading about artists who lived during the 19th century?
If so, then read the book entitled, “Rene Bernard: Action, adventure, and romance in the life of a budding impressionist artist in 19th century France, from Marceillan, to Lyon, to Paris and back” by John MacDougall.
M. Ruben Luc is a buyer of fine art. He is excited to be auctioning a treasure chest full of drawings and paintings from the 19th century artist, M. Rene Bernard. M. Ruben Luc goes on to tell the life story of M. Rene Bernard.
M. Rene Bernard was born in the year 1864 in a small village north of Marceillan, France where families made their living fishing for oysters. So, the celebration began to welcome a new oyster fisherman. Unfortunately, at a young age, Rene became sick with Rheumatic fever which affected his heart. He later found himself unable to keep up with the other children. His future soon changed from becoming an oyster fisherman to becoming an artist with the guidance of his older sister, Marie.
M. Philippe Lent has an interest in Marie, but waits while Marie attends to the needs of Rene.
Marie helps provide Rene with art supplies, show and sell his drawings and paintings and eventually helps Rene get into the Academy of Roland Guerteau to study to become a fine artist.
How does Rene fair in 19th century France as an artist? Does he study in Paris or stay in the small town to study?
Do Philippe and Marie eventually come together as a couple?
Come and take a step back in time to witness historical events including: the start of railroad construction in France; Marc Seguin and his invention, the Seguin Locomotive Engine; Impressionism; etc.
Would you like to bid on a historical painting from this important time in history? Come and relive a part of history through the characters in this delightful story.
If so, then read the book entitled, “Rene Bernard: Action, adventure, and romance in the life of a budding impressionist artist in 19th century France, from Marceillan, to Lyon, to Paris and back” by John MacDougall.
M. Ruben Luc is a buyer of fine art. He is excited to be auctioning a treasure chest full of drawings and paintings from the 19th century artist, M. Rene Bernard. M. Ruben Luc goes on to tell the life story of M. Rene Bernard.
M. Rene Bernard was born in the year 1864 in a small village north of Marceillan, France where families made their living fishing for oysters. So, the celebration began to welcome a new oyster fisherman. Unfortunately, at a young age, Rene became sick with Rheumatic fever which affected his heart. He later found himself unable to keep up with the other children. His future soon changed from becoming an oyster fisherman to becoming an artist with the guidance of his older sister, Marie.
M. Philippe Lent has an interest in Marie, but waits while Marie attends to the needs of Rene.
Marie helps provide Rene with art supplies, show and sell his drawings and paintings and eventually helps Rene get into the Academy of Roland Guerteau to study to become a fine artist.
How does Rene fair in 19th century France as an artist? Does he study in Paris or stay in the small town to study?
Do Philippe and Marie eventually come together as a couple?
Come and take a step back in time to witness historical events including: the start of railroad construction in France; Marc Seguin and his invention, the Seguin Locomotive Engine; Impressionism; etc.
Would you like to bid on a historical painting from this important time in history? Come and relive a part of history through the characters in this delightful story.
October 5, 2019
René Bernard: Action, adventure, and romance in the life of a budding impressionist artist in 19th century France, from Marcillian, to Lyon, to Paris and back is the fictional story of a fictional artist, René Bernard, who lived in France in the mid- to late-1800s. The story begins and ends with a rather eccentric auction of some of his recently found works. The stories in between the beginning and the end comprise the heart of novel’s narrative.
It is the story of René’s sister and how she got him started down the path of being an artist. It is the story of the godmother of René’s hometown who uses her wealth to discretely help those in town. It is the story of this godmother’s father, who was a general, and his involvement with the Knights Templar. It is the story of a sentient lion who befriends, and is befriended by, this godmother. It is the story of René’s infatuation with a girl who sells flowers on the streets of Paris and how is interest in portraying the seedier side of life in his work impacted his life.
It is one of those books that is difficult to describe without reading. Parts of it read like a history book. One that includes full on period-accurate recipes for dishes being served at parties, to the exact techniques used by the people of René’s hometome to build homes, to how oyster farming was done. Other parts are straight up love stories while others are pure adventure.
All of them are intertwined with René Bernard’s life in some way. It is a slow-paced, epic tale of a life. Or, perhaps more accurately, the epic tale of the lives around the life of an unknown and unheralded artist whose work was only appreciated long after his death. It’s an interesting, fun read for a slow afternoon.
It is the story of René’s sister and how she got him started down the path of being an artist. It is the story of the godmother of René’s hometown who uses her wealth to discretely help those in town. It is the story of this godmother’s father, who was a general, and his involvement with the Knights Templar. It is the story of a sentient lion who befriends, and is befriended by, this godmother. It is the story of René’s infatuation with a girl who sells flowers on the streets of Paris and how is interest in portraying the seedier side of life in his work impacted his life.
It is one of those books that is difficult to describe without reading. Parts of it read like a history book. One that includes full on period-accurate recipes for dishes being served at parties, to the exact techniques used by the people of René’s hometome to build homes, to how oyster farming was done. Other parts are straight up love stories while others are pure adventure.
All of them are intertwined with René Bernard’s life in some way. It is a slow-paced, epic tale of a life. Or, perhaps more accurately, the epic tale of the lives around the life of an unknown and unheralded artist whose work was only appreciated long after his death. It’s an interesting, fun read for a slow afternoon.
April 5, 2020
Something for everyone in this book.
The beautifully artistically written novel, Rene Bernard by John T. Mac Dougall, does an amazing job of painting a picture of not just Rene Benard's life, but of all the character’s lives and even the common brushstrokes that define human existence .
I am a huge fan of art, history, and the evolution of life in France through the years. And this book has it all.
I loved introduction that set the exciting scene of an auction of the rare pieces survived that Rene Bernard had created. And the how the story jumps back to the birth of the artist.
I found the oystermen life and the family Rene was born into fascinating. Their daily life and work seems almost mythical and other worldly as we see the effect the oyster life has on both the men and women of the community.
Sadly, Rene, was weakend by an illness early in life, and turned to other after it was evident he was too poorly to continue the rigorous family work. His confidant and closest connection became Marie his sister. It was actually her who suggested Rene turn his focus to art.
After many different adventures, and profession education in the arts, we find Rene looking for direction meaning, and pleasure in anyway he can get it. It is there in Paris when he meets the flower girl and the addition of love, loss, and desire become layered into his story.
I definitely give this a five star review and encourage everyone to read it. It really does have something that appeals to everyone.
The beautifully artistically written novel, Rene Bernard by John T. Mac Dougall, does an amazing job of painting a picture of not just Rene Benard's life, but of all the character’s lives and even the common brushstrokes that define human existence .
I am a huge fan of art, history, and the evolution of life in France through the years. And this book has it all.
I loved introduction that set the exciting scene of an auction of the rare pieces survived that Rene Bernard had created. And the how the story jumps back to the birth of the artist.
I found the oystermen life and the family Rene was born into fascinating. Their daily life and work seems almost mythical and other worldly as we see the effect the oyster life has on both the men and women of the community.
Sadly, Rene, was weakend by an illness early in life, and turned to other after it was evident he was too poorly to continue the rigorous family work. His confidant and closest connection became Marie his sister. It was actually her who suggested Rene turn his focus to art.
After many different adventures, and profession education in the arts, we find Rene looking for direction meaning, and pleasure in anyway he can get it. It is there in Paris when he meets the flower girl and the addition of love, loss, and desire become layered into his story.
I definitely give this a five star review and encourage everyone to read it. It really does have something that appeals to everyone.
June 17, 2020
Who was Rene Bernard?
While reading Rene Bernard, each of the characters and scenes came quickly and thoroughly to life with the excellent descriptive passages full of both wonder and history. The book was a delightful combination of imagination and realism. Mac Dougall's explanations of his characters, their lives, and a variety of situations contain fabulous imagery and back stories that create a wide world for the reader to enjoy. He uses a wealth of knowledge on many subjects such as oyster fishing, building, and business to supply the reader with factual aspects adding to each piece of the book and bringing even more reality to the sometimes whimsical stories.
I almost wish this were a book of short stories, for although all the side stories are wonderful in themselves, many seemed to confuse the plot of the book as a whole (for example: building the house). I did not feel that Rene Bernard received the attention he deserved as the supposed main character of the book. If he was meant to be the focus of the book, then he should have received many more pages devoted to his story, or the back stories of others involved could have been omitted. I was interested in Rene Bernard as an artist and was disappointed to not receive a detailed glimpse of his work and process throughout his career.
I am glad I gave this new-to-me author a chance, and I look forward to reading more by him in the future as I genuinely enjoy his narrative style.
While reading Rene Bernard, each of the characters and scenes came quickly and thoroughly to life with the excellent descriptive passages full of both wonder and history. The book was a delightful combination of imagination and realism. Mac Dougall's explanations of his characters, their lives, and a variety of situations contain fabulous imagery and back stories that create a wide world for the reader to enjoy. He uses a wealth of knowledge on many subjects such as oyster fishing, building, and business to supply the reader with factual aspects adding to each piece of the book and bringing even more reality to the sometimes whimsical stories.
I almost wish this were a book of short stories, for although all the side stories are wonderful in themselves, many seemed to confuse the plot of the book as a whole (for example: building the house). I did not feel that Rene Bernard received the attention he deserved as the supposed main character of the book. If he was meant to be the focus of the book, then he should have received many more pages devoted to his story, or the back stories of others involved could have been omitted. I was interested in Rene Bernard as an artist and was disappointed to not receive a detailed glimpse of his work and process throughout his career.
I am glad I gave this new-to-me author a chance, and I look forward to reading more by him in the future as I genuinely enjoy his narrative style.
December 11, 2020
A complete history of a life
René Bernard is an artist by trade. He is young and passionate. Was this always the plan for his life? Yes. His sister made sure of that. She was not going to let him become an oyster man like the others before him.
René is the title character for this story, but it is truly a character story from beginning to end. You will learn of his family and how his matriarchal sister took the reins during his upbringing. Her life is intriguing and yet so simple. She is the backbone of the story.
The story begins before his birth and ends long after his demise. The author managed not only to capture his life but the effect of his life on those he meets along the way. It is a complete picture.
I think his style reminds me of Victor Hugo. He weaves the story and buries factual treasures throughout the story. There are even a few recipes provided by Marie in the beginning chapters that read like a cookbook excerpt. I am curious to try a couple to see how they turn out.
It was a very well written book and challenged me as I read to look deeper into a few subjects. I enjoyed it and will definitely need to read it again to soak it all in. There was so much there and it was a pretty neat read. There are even some pictures included to illustrate René's art.
I am volunteering an honest review for the benefit of others.
René Bernard is an artist by trade. He is young and passionate. Was this always the plan for his life? Yes. His sister made sure of that. She was not going to let him become an oyster man like the others before him.
René is the title character for this story, but it is truly a character story from beginning to end. You will learn of his family and how his matriarchal sister took the reins during his upbringing. Her life is intriguing and yet so simple. She is the backbone of the story.
The story begins before his birth and ends long after his demise. The author managed not only to capture his life but the effect of his life on those he meets along the way. It is a complete picture.
I think his style reminds me of Victor Hugo. He weaves the story and buries factual treasures throughout the story. There are even a few recipes provided by Marie in the beginning chapters that read like a cookbook excerpt. I am curious to try a couple to see how they turn out.
It was a very well written book and challenged me as I read to look deeper into a few subjects. I enjoyed it and will definitely need to read it again to soak it all in. There was so much there and it was a pretty neat read. There are even some pictures included to illustrate René's art.
I am volunteering an honest review for the benefit of others.
August 21, 2019
A piece of art
Rene Bernard was born in a village in Etang De Thau in the 19th century. His family were oystermen who made they're living that way and it was expected that Rene would do the same. However after a traumatic birth illness, and subsequent but not full recovery, Rene was unable to uphold this career and tradition.
As a child Rene encounters some artist and a spark seems to be ignited in him. His sister immediately recognized this and began to cultivate the artist in the boy, knowing that this could be his future and destiny.
She provides for him the tools and the diligent practice it will require for him to become a true artist. Eventually Marie marries and Rene moves in with her and her husband.
Rene continues to persue art, which leads him to Paris as a young adult. He's sucked into the Paris lifestyle, or at least what he's fantasized it to be, and is ultimately squandered away. The reader is left looking back on Rene's life, and what led to his demise, and is left pondering but happy somehow.
Truly an interesting book. It is a long one and it's pretty wordy, but some books are like that and it gives them body, and voice, and character, and this book had all of those attributes.
Rene Bernard was born in a village in Etang De Thau in the 19th century. His family were oystermen who made they're living that way and it was expected that Rene would do the same. However after a traumatic birth illness, and subsequent but not full recovery, Rene was unable to uphold this career and tradition.
As a child Rene encounters some artist and a spark seems to be ignited in him. His sister immediately recognized this and began to cultivate the artist in the boy, knowing that this could be his future and destiny.
She provides for him the tools and the diligent practice it will require for him to become a true artist. Eventually Marie marries and Rene moves in with her and her husband.
Rene continues to persue art, which leads him to Paris as a young adult. He's sucked into the Paris lifestyle, or at least what he's fantasized it to be, and is ultimately squandered away. The reader is left looking back on Rene's life, and what led to his demise, and is left pondering but happy somehow.
Truly an interesting book. It is a long one and it's pretty wordy, but some books are like that and it gives them body, and voice, and character, and this book had all of those attributes.
November 5, 2019
Excellent historical fiction
Rene Bernard is a magical example of excellence in historical fiction. Historical fiction is by far my all time favorite genre of literature. I adore an author that can make history come alive by weaving a fine cloth of believable, era appropriate stories with captivating historical facts. I tend to be a bit of a documentary nerd, but documentaries alone tend to be a bit dry and heavy on names and places, struggling to portray the humanity and emotions beyond the facts. Renee Bernard however creates a living, palpable narrative of the life, struggles, love and achievements of a complicated 16th century artist. Renee is born an heir apparent of his family's oyster business, a small town boy whose destiny seems set in stone straight from birth. But much like life itself this story is full of twists, turns and unseen circumstances. Renee Bernard responds to those changes with the simplicity of an oyster farmer and sophistication of artist. Throughout the book Renee is accompanied by extraordinary characters placed in extraordinary events, that help give shape and life to the historical context of 16th century France.
This is an excellent novel for both lovers of a good story and history!
Rene Bernard is a magical example of excellence in historical fiction. Historical fiction is by far my all time favorite genre of literature. I adore an author that can make history come alive by weaving a fine cloth of believable, era appropriate stories with captivating historical facts. I tend to be a bit of a documentary nerd, but documentaries alone tend to be a bit dry and heavy on names and places, struggling to portray the humanity and emotions beyond the facts. Renee Bernard however creates a living, palpable narrative of the life, struggles, love and achievements of a complicated 16th century artist. Renee is born an heir apparent of his family's oyster business, a small town boy whose destiny seems set in stone straight from birth. But much like life itself this story is full of twists, turns and unseen circumstances. Renee Bernard responds to those changes with the simplicity of an oyster farmer and sophistication of artist. Throughout the book Renee is accompanied by extraordinary characters placed in extraordinary events, that help give shape and life to the historical context of 16th century France.
This is an excellent novel for both lovers of a good story and history!
January 29, 2020
In the prologue of this fun story, a recently discovered chest that contains the late 19th Century Impressionist artist's paintings are going up for bid to the art collectors and socialites of the big city.
Rene Bernard was born in 1864 in the small coastal town of Etang de Thau, France to the delight of the close knit townspeople. Mac Dougall has a talent for setting scenes and providing such vivid detail to this interesting tale. Some of the early Chapters read like a cookbook when Marie, Rene's older Sister and Maternal figure, prepares meals for the family.
There is a very sweet and humorous courtship between a young boy named Philippe and Marie. Philippe loves Marie and her young brother Rene. As a young child, Rene was afflicted with Rheumatic Fever which left him with a weak heart and unable to take up the family occupation of fishing and oyster cultivation.
When Marie, Philippe and young Rene visit a market in the neighboring town of Marsellian, Rene is fascinated with the artists who are creating “Impressionist” works. Marie encourages her brother to draw by buying him paper and crafting charcoal pencils from burnt firewood. Rene enjoys drawing and is very good for his age.
After completing his studies at an Art Academy in Lyon where Rene learns the art of drawing landscapes and sculptures, he has his sights set on Paris, where he feels he can become a famous Artist.
Rene falls in love with the “Beautiful Flower Girl” who he sees on his first day in Paris. Her real name is not revealed until the end and Rene and the Flower Girl form a strong bond together.
It feels as if this story contains two books. The early simpler life of young Rene growing up in a small town by the sea and the older and less innocent Rene in the fast paced city life of Paris with all of the interesting characters that he interacts with.
Rene Bernard was born in 1864 in the small coastal town of Etang de Thau, France to the delight of the close knit townspeople. Mac Dougall has a talent for setting scenes and providing such vivid detail to this interesting tale. Some of the early Chapters read like a cookbook when Marie, Rene's older Sister and Maternal figure, prepares meals for the family.
There is a very sweet and humorous courtship between a young boy named Philippe and Marie. Philippe loves Marie and her young brother Rene. As a young child, Rene was afflicted with Rheumatic Fever which left him with a weak heart and unable to take up the family occupation of fishing and oyster cultivation.
When Marie, Philippe and young Rene visit a market in the neighboring town of Marsellian, Rene is fascinated with the artists who are creating “Impressionist” works. Marie encourages her brother to draw by buying him paper and crafting charcoal pencils from burnt firewood. Rene enjoys drawing and is very good for his age.
After completing his studies at an Art Academy in Lyon where Rene learns the art of drawing landscapes and sculptures, he has his sights set on Paris, where he feels he can become a famous Artist.
Rene falls in love with the “Beautiful Flower Girl” who he sees on his first day in Paris. Her real name is not revealed until the end and Rene and the Flower Girl form a strong bond together.
It feels as if this story contains two books. The early simpler life of young Rene growing up in a small town by the sea and the older and less innocent Rene in the fast paced city life of Paris with all of the interesting characters that he interacts with.
April 6, 2022
John Mac Dougall takes us on the journey of Rene' Bernard the famous French Impressionist Painter. Rene' Bernard was born in the oyster village of Etang de Thau North of Marcellian, France. Ren'e was born to be an oyster-man like his father before him and his older brother but by a twist of fate, he contracted Rheumatic Fever that would never allow him to ever be able an oyster-man let alone keep up with children his own age. As the year passed Rene' would take a trip to Marsellian with his sister Marie and her friend Philippe where he came across three impressionist painters and he was taken by what he had come to witness. His love of impressionist art was born and what he would do with his life was found with all the support to follow from his older sister Marie.
I found John Mac Dougall documentation of the facts surrounding the life of Rene Bernard and not focusing solely on the artist but the people who love and support him before his trip to Paris, while he stayed in the city and for his trip home. I found that very refreshing in a biography but it also made the work a little wordy. It is a good book but with the abundance of information in the book crammed in only three hundred and fifty-nine pages makes it entirely too much. I think the fact that it was so full is why it made it a not easy read. I think this book will appeal to the art lover sect of readers and it shows that life of a person is so much more than themselves but also the people that support, love to make someone who they truly are. I really think everyone could and would enjoy this story of Rene Bernard and the people that made him.
I found John Mac Dougall documentation of the facts surrounding the life of Rene Bernard and not focusing solely on the artist but the people who love and support him before his trip to Paris, while he stayed in the city and for his trip home. I found that very refreshing in a biography but it also made the work a little wordy. It is a good book but with the abundance of information in the book crammed in only three hundred and fifty-nine pages makes it entirely too much. I think the fact that it was so full is why it made it a not easy read. I think this book will appeal to the art lover sect of readers and it shows that life of a person is so much more than themselves but also the people that support, love to make someone who they truly are. I really think everyone could and would enjoy this story of Rene Bernard and the people that made him.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews