The Dream Lover

A Novel

By: Elizabeth Berg

Narrated by: Emily Sutton-Smith

A passionate and powerful novel based on the scandalous life of the French novelist George Sand, her famous lovers, untraditional Parisian lifestyle, and bestselling novels in Paris during the 1830s and 40s.

This major departure for bestseller Berg is for listeners of Nancy Horan and Elizabeth Gilbert.

George Sand was a 19th century French novelist known not only for her novels but even more for her scandalous behavior. After leaving her estranged husband, Sand moved to Paris where she wrote, wore men's clothing, smoked cigars, and had love affairs with famous men and an actress named Marie. In an era of incredible artistic talent, Sand was the most famous female writer of her time. Her lovers and friends included Frederic Chopin, Gustave Flaubert, Franz Liszt, Eugene Delacroix, Victor Hugo, Elizabeth Barrett Browning, and more.

In a major departure, Elizabeth Berg has created a gorgeous novel about the life of George Sand, written in luminous prose, with exquisite insight into the heart and mind of a woman who was considered the most passionate and gifted genius of her time.

©2015 Elizabeth Berg (P)2015 Brilliance Audio, all rights reserved.

Beautiful Dreamer...

If you could sum up The Dream Lover in three words, what would they be?

STRENGTH, PASSION, COURAGE

Who was your favorite character and why?

GEORGE, OF COURSE (who else?)

Which character – as performed by Emily Sutton-Smith – was your favorite?

GEORGE??? This is who the book is about!

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

NO, JUST HAPPY TO SEE SHE IS FINALLY BEING ACKNOWLEDGED.

Any additional comments?

EXCELLENT READ, A VERY INTERESTING WOMAN IN HISTORY, WHO, IF YOU HAVEN'T COME ACROSS YET IN YOUR READINGS, IT'S TIME TO NOW!!!!
READ IN AN EVENING, THE BOOK JUST SEEM TO "FLOW..."

Amazing book

I recently had the pleasure of reading "The Dream Lover" and I can't help but overflow with joy as I write this review. This book is an absolute gem that effortlessly transports you into a world of enchantment and imagination.

From the very first page, I was captivated by the beautifully woven narrative and the vivid descriptions that painted a picture so clear, it felt like I was right there alongside the characters. The author's ability to bring historical figures to life is truly remarkable, and I found myself completely immersed in the story.

"The Dream Lover" is a celebration of love, passion, and the pursuit of one's dreams. The protagonist's journey is filled with ups and downs, triumphs and heartbreaks, and it resonated with me on a deep emotional level. The way the author explores themes of identity, self-discovery, and the complexities of relationships is both thought-provoking and inspiring.

What truly sets this book apart is the author's lyrical and evocative writing style. Each sentence is crafted with such care and attention to detail that it feels like a work of art. The prose flows effortlessly, making it a joy to read and lose oneself in the pages.

"The Dream Lover" is a true masterpiece that will stay with me long after I've turned the final page. It is a testament to the power of storytelling and the beauty of the human spirit. I wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone seeking a spellbinding tale that will leave them feeling uplifted and inspired.

Just can't get through it

Would you say that listening to this book was time well-spent? Why or why not?

I usually love Elizabeth Berg but try as I might, I cannot get through this book. My mind wanders, I had trouble keeping track of the characters and the era. I restarted the book from the beginning 3 times and still I can't get through it. Perhaps I will try it in print.

What was your reaction to the ending? (No spoilers please!)

Couldn't get to it.

Was The Dream Lover worth the listening time?

No

The Dream Lover

A beautifully written, poetic story about a woman who chose her destiny and lived life to the fullest. Thoroughly enjoyable, if you enjoy historical novels this is the one to read.

Well written, but the story was boring

I think the title of this book should be "From the frying pan into the fire" or "Looking for love in all the wrong places". I was exhausted reading about all the various love affairs and bad choices made. It did not inspire me to read any of George Sand's books. but I do like Elizabeth Berg. She is a good writer. that's the reason I gave this book a four. She couldn't help it that the subject's life was so dismal. I applaud her for trying to make it interesting.

George Sands of Dream Lover-Bold and Beautiful

I did not know of George Sands. Now I have listened and been taken alongside her life. The story just flowed and unfolded. It was warmly narrated as I felt the teller was relating the quite emboldened woman's antics just to me. Quite a story! I enjoyed knowing about her relationship to Frederick Chopin.

Elizabeth Berg writes Another Winner

This is not Elizabeth Berg's regular style but I loved it as I have loved everything she has written. I listened to most of it and read a little. The Audible version is outstanding.

Better than I expected from other comments.

I read critical reviews about the narrator, but the story was in first person about George Sand, who described herself in the book as having a flat and unemotional voice. I decided the narrative was perfect for the character.

A Worthy Few of an Artist

I devoured this book. I haven't read Sand's books, but I've been intrigued by her for a long time. I'm practically devout on Chopin, so it was interesting to read her side of the story.

This was a well done, imaginative look into how it all could have happened, I felt like a fly on the wall. This book is an excellent example of show / don't tell. Glad I didn't wait too long to read it.

Even today, I see women hesitating, holding back, doing and saying what is "expected" rather than what is in their hearts, simply because they are afraid. I'm astounded and amazed at Sand's bravery. I'm in love with the French, yet again. They completely embraced her. And the author clearly gets the inner turmoil of the writer/ artist. Oh to have been in that set, and to write to that music live.

I'm not much of a Balzac fan, but Hugo is near the top of my list. Guess I need to read Sand to see if what they say is true.

Impressive, delightful, engrossing

A well researched and well written historical novel! Fascinating and educational. Now I want to read her novels