A train, a few artists and many secrets whispered like gossip in a newspaper. A Gossip Girl set in late 19th-century Paris, where art, love, drama and mystery intertwine on every page. From bestselling author María Reig, a fascinating story that transports us to the heart of a brilliant era.
In late 19th-century Paris, the famous writer Guillermo Bogarín has spent months preparing a train tour through Europe’s main cities with a select group of intellectuals and artists. Although all boast about their eagerness to explore the world during those two months, the truth is that each traveler hides a secret motive for the trip. Bogarín didn’t invite them by chance. To everyone’s surprise, the findings of their journey and the secrets of each member are published in Le Petit Journal, in a new section titled “The Ten of Bogarín”, generating conflict among them…
Each chapter is accompanied by a piece of music, making the novel a true classical music selection. María Reig addresses universal themes such as the need to face one’s fears, the importance of taking control of one’s life, and the consequences of our decisions. She does so from different points of view, since each traveler is completely different in profession and personality: Jacobo Figueroa, a depressed Spanish architect; Juan Álvarez-Caballero, an ambitious Spanish businessman and Jacobo’s friend; Ferdinard Mercier, a French impressionist painter; Jeanne Leroy, a Parisian theatre entrepreneur traveling with her sixteen-year-old nephew, Henri Collet; Countess Karimova, a Russian aristocrat mourning the loss of her son; and Geneviève Dupond, a French music entrepreneur accompanied by her protégée, Clara Balaguer, a young Spanish violin virtuoso. In one of their first stops, they meet siblings Gustav and Thesi Pitcher, who join the group.
At first, as they travel through Italy, the atmosphere is relaxed and fun, and some begin to form friendships and even romantic bonds. But as the newspaper revelations emerge, everything becomes more complicated. One example is Clara, one of the main characters, whose past love made her mentally unstable—something that comes to light just as she’s growing close to Jacobo. Or Juan, whose article hints at his attraction to men. It becomes clear: someone among them is leaking information.
After discovering that the Pitcher siblings were actually con artists, the truth is revealed: the one leaking information to the newspaper was Henri Collet, the young teenager, who for some money had publicly sold the lives of his travel companions. Henri is cast out by his parents, uncertain if they will ever forgive him.
After these revelations, the group returns to Paris, where, if the adventure has served any purpose, it’s to bring Jacobo and Clara closer together. But fate sadly has other plans… Clara is unfortunate enough to be at the café where anarchist Émile Henry (a real historical figure) carries out a bombing attack, and the girl is killed instantly.
Everyone hears the news and grieves the violinist’s death—especially Jacobo. But little by little, thanks to Clara’s memory and what he felt for her, he finds the courage to fight for the life he wants. He leaves for the United States, with the sound of the violin still echoing in his ears.
RELEVANT INFORMATION: A Violin Played in Paris is a dramatic novel that blends romance with melodrama and mystery. It recalls Agatha Christie for its ensemble cast gathered in a single setting, but also Bridgerton and even Gossip Girl for the presence of a media outlet exposing their secrets. The novel explores many themes, but one of the main ones is undoubtedly the hope that comes after grief, the possibility of moving forward despite hardship. Other key themes include love (romantic, familial and friendship) and the passion for music and culture.
Author María Reig specializes in historical fiction. She self-published her first novel and achieved notable sales success. Across all her novels, she has sold over 100,000 copies.
Critics and reviews say:
“A tremendously entertaining novel, where the ensemble cast adds intrigue to the plot while the historical setting provides a backdrop for a story you’ll read in one sitting.” – AhoraQuéLeo
“It’s amazing how María Reig can transport you through time.” – La Casa del Libro
“It’s also very interesting to discover how the concept of tourism, as we know it today, began to take shape during this era.” – La Casa del Libro
“Through its wide cast of characters, the story is a faithful reflection of the intellectual and cultural diversity of the time, highlighting the transformations occurring in society.” – Goodreads
AUDIOVISUAL POTENTIAL: TV Series, Miniseries, Film, TV Film.
AVAILABLE LANGUAGES: Spanish.
Adquirir los derechos
Para ponerte en contacto con nosotros completa el siguiente formulario y te responderemos en breve.
