Book review - I Am You

A huge thank you to Anne of Random Things Tours and Firefinch Publishing, I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review and received no payment.

* Apologies if this post is set out a little weird—I am posting it via my phone instead of laptop! 

I Am You by Victoria Redel 

A fascinating reimagining of the lives of two female painters, Maria van Oosterwijck and Gerta Pieters. Told from Gerta’s perspective, we follow her journey from the age of eight, when she is forced to disguise herself as a boy and sent to work for Maria’s wealthy family. When Maria sees through Gerta’s ruse, she insists Gerta accompany her to Amsterdam and help her enter the elite, male-dominated art world.

While Maria rises through the ranks of society as a painting prodigy, Gerta makes herself invaluable in every way: confidante, muse, and lover. But as Gerta begins to step into her own talents, their relationship—and their lives—begin to fracture…

Despite both women being hugely talented, they face significant limitations in their profession due to their sex. I particularly enjoyed the exploration of Gerta’s feelings towards her gender and sexuality.

My favourite parts of I Am You were the gorgeous descriptions of artistic techniques, especially how pigments were used to create paints and inks. It was fascinating to read.

The relationship between the two women is deeply toxic, yet compelling. Gerta’s devotion to Maria borders on obsession, while Maria uses her status and talent to her advantage, fully aware that Gerta will do anything for her.

The book left me wanting to learn more about the real lives of Gerta and Maria—although there is very little surviving information about them, which makes this fictional reimagining all the more intriguing.

The author paints (excuse the pun) a vivid picture of life during the Dutch Golden Age, immersing the reader in both the artistic world and the social constraints faced by women at the time.

I Am You is a thought-provoking novel that I would recommend to those of you who enjoy historical fiction, art, explorations of gender and sexuality, and complex, character-driven stories.

Also, side note, how stunning is the front cover, which features Maria van Oosterwijck’s work? 

I Am You is out now! You can find your own copy here.

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