An Unofficial Marriage: A Novel about Pauline Viardot and Ivan Turgenev

by Joie Davidow

For Fans of Alexander Chee's best-selling novel, The Queen of the Night and opera fans everywhere. Set against the backdrop of the tumultuous events of 19th century Europe, An Unofficial Marriage dramatizes the equally tumultuous real-life love affair of two great artists—the famous Russian author, Ivan Turgenev, and the celebrated French opera singer, Pauline Viardot. From the moment he encounters her on the St. Petersburg stage, Ivan falls completely for Pauline. Though Pauline returns his feelings, she is bound by her singular passion for her art and her devotion to her gentle, older husband, Louis. Nevertheless, Ivan pursues Pauline across countries and continents—from Russia to France to Germany to Prussia—and in the decades that follow their fateful meeting, the lives of Pauline, Ivan, and Louis remain permanently intertwined as the lovers face jealousy, separation, the French Revolution of 1848, the cholera epidemic of 1849, the Franco-Prussian War, Turgenev’s arrest in Russia, Louis’s heartbreak and resignation, and the highs and lows of their artistic careers. “You know those unofficial marriages,” Turgenev would write almost thirty years after meeting Pauline, “They sometimes turn out more poisonous than the accepted form.”   With beautiful and compelling prose and employing multiple perspectives, Joie Davidow (who herself has a background in opera) illuminates not only the interior lives of these two intensely passionate artists, but also the grand historic moments that Pauline and Ivan experienced and the celebrated figures who moved in their circles—including George Sand, Leo Tolstoy, Frédéric Chopin, Franz Liszt, and Ary Scheffer—providing insight into the dynamic worlds of 19th century opera, literature, art, and politics. Epic in the tradition of the Russian writers whom we encounter, and as romantic and tragic as the operas that Pauline Viardot performs in, An Unofficial Marriage brings to life with great scope and great humanity this captivating story from the past and explores timeless questions about the relationship between art and passion and the complex workings of the human heart.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Music, Biographical Fiction, Historical

281 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 16, 2021

Reviews

[Jaidee · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 "hopeful, lovely, highly flawed" stars !!

Runner Up -THE GUILTY PLEASURE AWARD OF 2021

Thank you to Netgalley, the author and Skyhorse publishing for an e-copy of this novel. This was released March 2021. I am providing my honest review.

I am so glad that I did not abandon this book as I had dearly wanted over the first quarter of this book. I had images of figuratively throwing this book against the wall. However there was this lovely prose that compelled me to keep going and I am so very glad that I did.

I went into this expecting a historical fiction that involved the relationship triangle between Ivan Turgenov (famous Russian writer), Pauline Viardot-Garcia(opera singer and sister of Maria Malibran) and her husband Louis Viardot(writer and art critic). This was not to be ! The characters were not at all well etched. Superficial sketches at best. The relationships were presented with an overwrought, hysterical quality that lacked substance or even believability. This improved a bit as the novel progressed.

Two qualities however saved this read. Firstly ( and most importantly) was the absolute loveliness of the author's prose...light, frothy and descriptive of time, environments and events. The writer has excellent facility with creating atmospheres and cinematic ambience to satisfy all the senses.
The second, was shifting my expectations. I decided to read this as (pretty good) romantic melodrama. Once I was able to do this I was (somewhat) able to put aside the very major flaws in characterization and interpersonal dynamics.

I would definitely read more by Ms. Davidow as her prose is a delight. I sincerely hope that she works diligently in adding complexity to her characters and believability to relational aspects. This might have been a substantial work of literary historical fiction rather than a fairly good romantic melodrama (especially when writing about highly esteemed artistic figures).

[Annette · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story brings “life love affair of two great artists - the famous Russian author, Ivan Turgenev, and the celebrated French opera singer, Pauline Viardot.”

Saint Petersburg, Russia, 1843. Ivan Turgenev, Russian aristocrat, is mesmerized with the opera sensation Pauline Viardot. When they meet in person, their reciprocated love turns into a life love affair. Through following decades, he pursues her across the countries.

France. Louis Viardot is a “respected art historian, a translator and a scholar.” He is much older than Pauline and hoped that his unfailing kindness would make Pauline love him with time. With Pauline’s success and growing number of younger admirers, he takes a different approach. He accepts Ivan in order to make Pauline happy which also feeds her success.

Pauline Garcia Viardot is the sister of the immortal soprano and daughter of the great Spanish tenor and composer. There was a time when she felt being in the shadow of her sister, but no more. Now, she enjoys her own success.

As the story goes back in time in flashbacks, it reveals Pauline’s background and her family, how she got married to Louis and how he helped to pave her career. We don’t get to know Ivan as much and that’s what I was looking forward to.

Ivan’s mother is indecently rich by the highest measure in Russia which is the number of souls one owns. She owns six thousand serfs. “At her manor house in Spasskaye, she sits on a throne, ringing bells and giving orders.” While being berated by his mother for resigning his respectable position at the interior ministry, he hopes to take up writing. He is outspoken for the rights of the serfs. His kindness and his genius are shown briefly. I wished more for that, showing who he was. There are some mentions of how his writing is progressing, but those are just brief mentions.

The character of Pauline is well developed. We get to know her career’s rises and falls and her singular passion for her art is well-expressed.

The historical background is more of a remark. We don’t get to feel the tumultuous time during which they lived.

The prose is beautiful. The expressions of love are intensely passionate and that’s what I’d say represents the time period. How they expressed themselves. The story explores the relationship between following one’s passion for career and for love which is a complex matter. The story has a good flow with steady pace.

P.S. Buddy read with Beata https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Source: ARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Joan Happel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fascinating look into the lives of the opera singer Pauline Viardot and the writer Ivan Turgenev.. This fictionalized account was well-researched and excellently plotted. A classic love triangle between the two protagonists and Pauline's husband Louis. The novel contains beautiful prose, and gives the reader a sense of time and place. The class struggles in Russia as well as the revolutions in France are strong minor plot lines, to this tale of unfulfilled romance and the struggles of loyalty over longing.

This story will appeal to lovers of historical fiction, as well as Russian literature and opera. A wonderful introduction to the lives of these to historic figures.

Thanks to Skyhorse Publishing and NetGalley for the e-ARC

[Bandit · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve recently read and really enjoyed Dostoevsky in Love, an excellent biography of one of the world’s greatest authors. So I wanted to revisit that world and this book seemed like a great opportunity to do so, despite the fact that normally I don’t go for fictionalized real life romances. There just seems to be something lightly exploitative and salacious about that interest, something born right out of the culture’s pervasive obsession with celebrities and their love lives. I mean, I’d prefer a proper biography, heavy reliant upon facts that a juiced up love story heavily reliant upon speculation, but it isn’t a sort of strict prohibitive mentality and so when I found this book on Netgalley, I decided to check it out.
Turgenev is a character only peripherally mentioned in Dostoevsky in Love, though he is, of course, one of his country’s literary giants and very much deserving of his own book. Though to be fair, here he is more of a second fiddle or, more precisely, one side of a love triangle. The leading role belongs to Pauline Viardot, an extraordinary opera singer of her time, in addition to being a composer and music teacher in her own right. Because operas, at least performed at that time, aren’t preserved and passed down like books, present day recognizes Turgenev and has all but forgotten Viardot, but in their own time their fame was at the very least comparable with Viardot quite possibly eclipsing his. But this isn’t really a story about fame, it’s about love, a love between famous people, sure, but still…
And so…one evening a young dashing Turgenev goes to the opera and becomes positively obsessed with its 21 year old star, Viardot, who was no one’s idea of a great beauty as the novel so exhaustively highlights the portrait on the cover is an artistic enhancement much like apparently so many of the time were), but had that certain something, that je ne se quois of ugly sexy that you can only apparently find in the more refined areas of Europe. And from that day one, Turgenev’s fate is decided, he will follow Pauline wherever she goes, despite her being married and having a child, despite propriety and gossip mills and reason. Eventually, he’s enter into a semi functional menage a trois style marriage with her very reluctant much older spouse and her, the eponymous unofficial marriage that had two people on paper and three in real life. It’s a very peculiar relationship, all the more so for having been sustained for so many years, despite the fact that a triangle, while a perfectly good shape for great many things (A frames, pizza or pie slices, etc.) is absolutely no shape for a relationship.
Essentially, the entire thing operated on duty, love and patience. Which is to say Louis Viardot adored his much younger wife and indulged her every whim, however reluctantly. Pauline Viardot had an enormous responsibility of duty to Louis and would never leave him, but also had a passionate love for her Jean as they’d call Ivan Turgenev, so she’d have him whenever her guilt permitted her. And Turgenev was just so in love that he learned to live with the arrangement where the best option was by definition second best. Also, apparently he was so charming and likeable that he became great friends with Louis, they’d go hunting together, in fact, work on translations together. In fact and this might be one of the craziest things about the entire already pretty wild arrangement), for stretches of time Turgenev actually lived with the Viardots and depended on them financially. Oh yeah, and he loved their kids too, and some of them might have been his and no one ever talked about it. In fact, when he discovered he had a bastard daughter with a serf, he sent that girl to Viardots to raise. And sure times were different back then, but what the actual f*ck? Seriously?
So yeah, it was a grand affair and it went on for a grand long time too. I don’t want to give away the plot, but the plot are facts, the dates are known. The love affair might have been somewhat of a stretch, extrapolated from some surviving letters and powered by much supposition, but it’s a good story, so why not.
Facts are…Pauline Viardot was a great talent and on a personal level she managed a very long (for that era especially) life and died at the ripe old age of 89, leaving behind music, children, grandchildren and a legend.
Ivan Turgenev died at 64, leaving behind a most excellent literary legacy. The man came from wealth, but has always advocates the liberation of serfs, not to mention other social reforms. The ups and downs of his career and personal life saw him reviled and revered, both, had him confined and widely praised, hated and respected for his outspokenness and criticism of his country’s politics. Born to be a typical well educated but ineffectual dandy of his day, over the years he became a power to reckon with, creating for himself a literary platform from which to speak and he was listed to indeed. It is said that his words had even had the effect on the czar himself when he finally freed the serfs.
Theirs was (allegedly) a romance for the ages. One with a very sad ending, but nevertheless or maybe made all the more poignant by it, a grand romance.
The book does it justice, as much as such a thing is possible. It’s well written, it doesn’t go over the top in many places when it so easily might have and it brings to live a fascinating time and place in European culture and politics. And so, despite my misgivings about the genre, I did enjoy reading this one quite a lot. For fans of historical fiction with a romantic angle. Recommended. Thanks Netgalley.

[Andrea Wenger · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a difficult book to review, because it doesn't fall neatly into a particular genre. It's neither a novel nor a biography, but instead blends elements of both. It doesn't have a the narrative thrust of a novel. Instead, like a biography, it follows the course of the main characters' lives. But it paints fictional scenes and delves viscerally into the characters' emotions in a way a fact-based biography cannot.

If you expect a novel, you will likely be disappointed. But that doesn't take away from the achievement of this book. The research and care that went into constructing this story are significant. It's an engrossing look at the passions and accomplishments of two exceptional artists who should not be forgotten.

Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.

[Jean-Luc · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ivan Turgenev's tragic love for the beautiful & talented French Mezzo Pauline Viardot-Garcia is at the centre of this exquisitely well written novel. To my humble opinion it's simply historical fiction at its best!

Pauline Viardot-Garcia was one of the greatest opera singers of the 19th century. Her husband Louis Viardot was a well known theater manager in Paris, a power couple on the Parisian musical scene. For Turgenev it was love at first sight on their first encounter. Smitten from the beginning by Pauline's passionate nature & musical gifts, she embodied for him the feminine & cultural allure of the period. He fell in love with the well mannered opera singer, a pan European cultural force living in Paris. Unable to live without her, Turgenev ended up moving in with Pauline & her husband Louis, their entangled lives a "ménage à trois" that will transformed European culture & became an important presence on the the Parisian cultural & intellectual world.

Joy Davidow has written a magnificent fictional account of their extraordinary relationships to be enjoyed without moderation.

Many thanks to Netgalley and Arcade Publishing for the opportunity to read this wonderful novel prior to its release date

[Émilie Weidl · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

Davidow provides a beautiful depiction of the love affair between the renowned French opera singer Paulina Viardot and the famous Russian writer Ivan Turgenev. This novel spans many decades and takes the reader to many countries across Europe.

Having never read much about either of these personnages, I enjoyed learning about their impact on 19th century Europe. I also love reading books that show just how tightly the art community was woven in the past. While we are used to seeing artists of various backgrounds congregate at awards shows and other events, I always love seeing Charles Dickens hanging out at operas with Chopin and other famous artists from the era.

This book is not for everyone. It is almost entirely character driven. If you need a page-turning plot instead of beautiful prose, this is not for you! However, if you love beautifully-written character driven historical fiction, do pick this one up!

Personally, I really enjoyed this book, but I could have done with a bit more plot. I might have loved this one had I known more about the two main characters going in.

Thank you so much to Netgalley and the publisher for the free copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Larry · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting read for one who normally doesn’t read Historical Fiction, but drawn and intrigued by the premise that there is something new to learn about the life of Ivan Turgenev, one of my favourite authors. Much has been speculated as to the relationship between Turgenev and Ms. Viardot but no one can ever doubt the intensity and longevity of the relationship. Those who pigeonhole it as platonic relationship are probably delusional. This novel takes the position is was an “Unofficial Marriage” and the published letters between the two provides ample evidence that this is a reasonable supposition.
Overall, there were times in the first half of the book the narrative was glacial in its progress, and on several occasions I was tempted to DNF. I was glad I persevered as the second half (Post Baden-Baden reconciliation) was well handled where the writer showing her skill and story telling was truly engaging and held ones interest. Worth the read if one can simply outlast the ponderous first half which reads more like a dry history lesson than a work of fiction, so pleased such a great story was redeemed in the second half.

[Courtney · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars

I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

An Unofficial Marriage intrigued me because it was about historical figures I wasn’t familiar with before. However, I found it a difficult book to engage with. While I don’t think knowing more of the background would have benefited, I felt largely distant from the characters, never fully connecting with them. As such, while the story is meant to be emotionally moving, I just never felt that.

The writing style also feels a bit too complex and dense, likely playing a role in my struggle to connect. I did feel Davidow’s expertise come through in conveying a sense of place, especially as I could easily contextualize these characters within the larger world events going on around them, but as it is a love story, it never felt about them.

This book is fine and likely will find an audience in those looking for more literary historical fiction. The style just wasn’t for me.

[erin · Rating 3 out of 5]

An Unofficial Marriage is a glimpse into the 19th century European literati as seen through the longstanding friendship (and eventually relationship) between Russian author Ivan Turgenev and French-Spanish opera singer Pauline Viardot. The scope of this book is wide, as it follows the various tours and travels of these two formidable characters. It is a very character-centered novel — especially impressive considering Pauline and Ivan are not just imaginations, but were real people.

3/5: I enjoyed following the characters across many locations — Paris, Baden-Baden, London, etc — and the immersing myself in the life of the 19th century intelligentsia. I did not find this book stunning or unforgettable, just a well-researched, unique work of historical fiction.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Beverly Steele · Rating 3 out of 5]

Joie Davidow's An Unofficial Marriage dives right in to the love story of Pauline Viardot-Garcia and Ivan Turgenev in 19th Century Europe. Within the first few pages, you get a sense that Ivan is completely enamored by Pauline - and thus their story progresses. As successful historical fiction should do, you feel yourself transported to that time period in Europe as you follow along with their travels and see how their relationship grows and changes.

Going into this novel, I had never heard of Ivan and Pauline. Davidow did a good job of building the backstory of these real figures from history so that the reader did not need any prior knowledge to enjoy their journey.

That being said, it had a hard time keeping my interest. I give it a 3/5 - I just don't think the writing style is my cup of tea.

Thank you to NetGalley for this copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Charlie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fiction based on historical figures, with negligible references to writings or records of Viardot and Turgenev. While it is unclear the accuracy of the accounts, the story is well written, even if a bit redundant. If you are an aficionado of either these artists or 19th century Europe, this is a good read.

[Janelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was slow to start & I almost gave up on it, but I'm glad that I continued on with the story. Historical fiction is one of my favorite genres and I love to see a story unfold with characters based on real people.

The love triangle of this story is unlike any other. Two men vying for the affection of Pauline, one her love and the other her husband, both so understanding of each other's relationship with her. It was heartbreaking and commendable at the same time.

If you are a fan of historical romance and don't mind a slower pace throughout the story, this is for you.

[Sirena]

I received this book as an ARC through Edelweiss+. Unfortunately, I didn't like it at all. The writing style is too flowery, characters unbeliveable and story too rushed. I DNF-ed it. ☹️

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

See my review at Reading World

[Barbara B. Sulier · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting account. A bit slow and tedious at times but I felt it was worth reading about 2 writers and stars

[Janet · Rating 2 out of 5]

A superficial rendering of these characters left me wanting to learn more; but, alas, it wasn't to be.
Magnificent prose!

[Glow · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you love classical music and historical fiction, this is the book for you!

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

I want to thank Netgalley and the author for gifting me the ebook. A good books about historical figures. It was very interesting.

[Amanda | District Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

An intriguing look into a unique relationship between two famous people of their time. I hadn't heard of either Turgenev or Viardot before, but I'm a huge history buff and loved learning about this time period and the effect their work had on their time...and that their romance had on their careers. Davidow had a deep knowledge, especially of opera, that bled through, and I thought she did a good job of making a niche topic very interesting. Her prose takes what would be (sometimes) a boring topic and made it light and romantic.