On the HahaFiction shelf
Sacré Bleu: A Comedy d'Art
In 1890, Paris baker and aspiring painter Lucien Lessard has two troubles: his elusive muse Juliette and the suspicious death of Vincent van Gogh. With Henri Toulouse-Lautrec, he follows the trail of a paint dealer whose extraordinary blue pigment has passed through some very famous studios.
From the author’s blurb
“part mystery, part history (sort of), part love story”Read the full description at Christopher Moore’s official book description
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What makes it funny?
Moore lets revered painters behave with very little reverence. Publishers Weekly singles out the invented anecdotes about the great masters and the combination of verbal wit and slapstick. Readers in book groups enjoy the history, mystery and love story sharing the same canvas.
The comedy at work
The art-history setting gives Moore famous reputations to puncture. Lucien’s investigation takes him among painters whose love affairs and encounters with the Colorman complicate their artistic achievements.
Try this if…
An art-world mystery for readers who enjoy historical figures behaving badly and a comic detour through the Impressionists’ studios.
Good to know
Expect bawdy language and modern slang in nineteenth-century France. The official book page reproduces a review that found the slang jarring.
More funny historical mystery
Sources & further reading
- Author: description and editions
Author commentary
- Reader discussion
Reader discussion
- Publishers Weekly review
Review
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