Ella hopes to become both a midwife and a mother, but her plans unravel as she discovers her link to Isabelle, and her ancestor's shocking fate. Four centuries later, Ella Turner moves to the French village of Lisle-sur-Tarn and finds her dreams are haunted by the colour blue. As religious fervour sweeps 16th-century France, Isabelle's striking likeness to the Madonna puts her in danger when her village is enraptured by new Protestant doctrine. Midwife Isabelle du Moulin is marked as different, by both her red hair and her love for the Virgin Mary in her rich blue robes. Excellent' Time Out 'A beautifully crafted story shot with vivid colours' The Times 'An intriguing and poignant read' Sunday Express 'Such an achievement for a serious writer that you feel it deserves an award' Independent She was called Isabelle, and when she was a small girl her hair changed colour in the time it takes a bird to call to its mate. Old ways follow them there, however, and Isabelle's final shocking fate lies undiscovered - until Ella Turner's arrival four centuries later…įind out more about the historical background, what inspired me to write it, reviews, reading group guides and more.'A triumph. Bartholomew in Paris sends waves of persecution throughout France, and the Tourniers are forced to flee their home near Le Pont de Montvert for a new life in the Swiss town of Moutier. When she becomes pregnant, she has no choice but to marry into the powerful Tournier family. Ella’s research takes her to the Cévennes, isolated mountains in the south and the birthplace of the Tournier/Turner family.ġ6th-century peasant Isabelle du Moulin, known as La Rousse for her red hair, is suspected of witchcraft and tormented for her association with the Virgin Mary even after she and the rest of the village have converted to the “Truth” – the new Protestantism as preached by Calvin’s ministers.

Isabelle lives in a small town in 16th century France during a time of great religious strife.

Haunted by sleepless nights, bewildered by her unwelcoming neighbors, Ella tries to forge a bond with her new home by investigating her French ancestors, with the help of seductive librarian Jean-Paul. Detailed Review Summary of The Virgin Blue by Tracy Chevalier Detailed plot synopsis reviews of The Virgin Blue Ella Turner and Isabelle du Moulin are relatives, but their lives take place centuries apart. Instead she is disrupted by less-than-idyllic village life and strange dreams of the color blue.

When American Ella Turner moves with her husband to Lisle-sur-Tarn, a small town in southwestern France, she hopes to qualify to practice as a midwife as well as to start a family of her own.