I was sent an advance copy of Rembrandt's Promise by Barbara Leahy to read and review by NetGalley. I requested this novel as I really enjoy reading historical fiction and this book did not disappoint. Told from the viewpoint of protagonist Geertje this story is full of description (without being overblown) and captures the essence of 17C Netherlands. The reader can really immerse themselves in the various aspects of Geertje’s life and I found I was really rooting for her all the way. Apparently based on a true story, this is a must read for lovers of this genre.

This is a very involving story. It reminded me of reading Heidi as a kid. Set in a country I knew nothing about and at a time I've little knowledge of. Unlike so many books it is not at all obvious this character will end up with that one. The Netherlands tourist board must cringe at how odiferous the famous canals are. Their famous artist is such a lying louse too. It seems strange there should be such strict moral censure when Amsterdam is now known as free from any sexual restrictions.
It isn't a happy story but nor is it all black. It is, however, engrossing and a window on a world we would never see now.

I’ve noticed a trend for historical fiction about painters and painting currently, and Barbara Leahy’s debut, Rembrandt’s Promise is a welcome addition. The story is inspired by real people - Geertje, a widow suddenly out of work is recommended a position in Rembrandt’s household as a nursemaid for his young son. Tragedy soon strikes the family as his beloved wife weakens and then dies from tuberculosis.

Geertje’s devotion to her ‘master’ is soon exploited as they embark on a love affair, but Rembrandt’s promises do not hold, and the reality for an impoverished widow and her tarnished reputation in seventeenth-century Amsterdam is not bright.

Expect the usual indignation at the patriarchy, but some interesting detail about the court system, for good and ill.

I thought that the exploration of loyalty was dealt with nuance, as so many characters teetered along the tightrope between financial stability and abject poverty, and how that desperation to survive can push people into difficult and dangerous situations.

Despite some character’s total lack of moral compass (is it ok to say I hate Rembrandt and the spineless Pieter??), Geertje’s tactless cousin and the other staff of Rembrandt’s house stood out for me with their steadfast resolve to ensure Geertje survives.

Thank you so much to @bonnierbooks_uk for this #gifted advanced copy of Rembrandt’s Promise, which is out now!

The Netherlands 1642. The cold and damp are the first thing you feel. It makes you shiver. In this cold, widow Geertje must leave her brother Pieter's house in Edam and make her own living now. It's time.
He has found her a position with a painter in Amsterdam. A good position he said, and warns Geertje not to lose it !
Geertje's work takes her to the home of an artist, his dying wife and their only child. It's a sad place where laughter is unwanted.
Geertje begins to falls for her master, and soon after the death of her mistress, they become lovers.
However Geertje finds herself torn between the man she loves and the scheming of her brother.

I was drawn to this book for 2 reasons, my love of histfic and my Dutch family. I knew I would love this book and I was not disappointed! It's so rich, vibrant, colourful and vividly described. You can touch this world through its stunning narrative, you feel part of a world that has been painted for you. The characters are simple people though their lives complicated by love, loyalty, grief and deception.
Thank you netgalley and Barbara Leahy for the opportunity to read this book. I truly loved it !

Wonderful story of Geertje who is brought to Rembrandt’s house to look after his wife who unfortunately dies. But then Geertje has an affair with him but even though there are promises it doesn’t end well. He tires of her and she ends up being committed. Based on a true story

Geertje is a widow and dependent on her brother to find her respectable work. He has contacts in Amsterdam and gets Geertje a job in the home of an artist. Looking after the son of the house, she finds herself drawn to the Master and also to his sick wife. After the death of the latter, Geertje becomes the lover of the Master and is promised that he will marry her. However fate has another ending in store.
This is a solid enough piece of historical fiction which is actually most interesting because it is based on a true story. Rembrandt did have affairs with a couple of maids of his household and this was scandalous in the pious Amsterdam of the Golden Age. I did enjoy the story and the details of household life, the sense of time and place is excellent.

A stunning novel that focuses on the women in Rembrandt's household. The main character is Geertje, nursemaid to Rembrandt's young son, Titus, but she becomes infatuated with Rembrandt and they begin an affair. Geertje is warned that he will not keep his promises to her but she continues to believe him when he says he will always be true to her. The book is beautifully written and I was moved by Geertje's story and its inevitable ending. The evocative descriptions of 17th century Amsterdam at the time of the Dutch Golden Age made me feel I was right there with Geertje.
This book is for all lovers of historical novels, especially those involving art. If you loved Tracy Chevalier's 'Girl With A Pearl Earring' you will love Rembrandt's Promise. Many thanks to NetGalley and Bonnier Books for the opportunity to read and review this book.

Set in the Dutch Golden Age, Geertje is sent to Amsterdam to work in Rembrandt's House as a nursemaid to he and Saskia's son. It has outstanding description of the sights and sounds of Amsterdam. The writer focuses on the experience of the women in Rembrandt's household, and how those women were subject to the whims of men. An intriguing novel which I would recommend to anyone planning a visit to Amsterdam where you can still visit Rembrandt's House.

Sent to Amsterdam by her brother Pieter for financial gain, the truth of the arrangement we never learn, Geertje is engaged as the nursemaid to Titus, son of Saskia and Rembrandt. Geertje loves Titus and is very kind to Saskia, who dies not too long after her engagement.
Geertje is infatuated with Rembrandt and it is not long before they begin an affair, with him promising to be true to her always. The few people close to Geertje try to warn her but she ignores them. It is interesting that she continues to refer to him as the Master and Sir, which does not fit with their closeness.
As time goes on and he tires of her, Geertje faces many trials and tribulations.
So well written, mindful of the time, and the descriptions so well portrayed you can visualise her life.
Encouraged me to look up Rembrandt's paintings and his life. Obviously well researched.
Look forward to more by this author.
Many thanks to Netgalley/Barbara Leahy/Bonnier Books UK for a digital copy of this title. All opinions expressed are my own.

Thank you NetGalley and Bonnier Books UK for this eCopy to review

As I turned the final page of Rembrandt's Promise, I found myself deeply moved by the tragic yet empowering tale of Geertje Dircx. The story takes us to 17th-century Amsterdam, where Geertje, a struggling widow, becomes a nursemaid in Rembrandt van Rijn's household. What starts as a position of servitude soon evolves into a passionate love affair, as Geertje becomes the artist's mistress.

Through Geertje's eyes, we witness the highs and lows of her relationship with Rembrandt—a man of incredible talent but also deeply flawed. The novel paints a vivid picture of their fiery romance, marred by jealousy, betrayal, and societal pressures. Geertje’s fierce determination and unyielding spirit were both heart breaking and inspiring. Despite being wronged by the man she loved, she fights to reclaim her dignity in a world where women have little agency.

Barbara Leahy’s writing transported me to the bustling streets and shadowy corners of Amsterdam during the Dutch Golden Age. I could almost hear the sounds of the marketplace and feel the oppressive weight of judgment that Geertje endured.

I thoroughly enjoyed the story’s immersive historical detail and Geertje’s emotional journey,

Rembrandt's Promise transports you back to 17th century Amsterdam as we follow the story of Geertje. Geertje has been employed as part of the household staff at Rembrandt's property and, following the death of his wife Saskia, finds her feelings for her master quickly growing.

The writing is very descriptive and Leahy really brings to life the sights, sounds and smells of the city. It's very easy to get lost in the moment and the experiences of Geertje are very easily imagined.

As was the case in the 17th century , being a widow very much left Geertje at the mercy of the men in her life. In particular, her brother Pieter who originally orchestrated the move to find employment with Rembrandt.

The feminist overtures very strongly and quickly come through though as Geertje forms a strong bond with other household staff and the link with her cousin remains strong despite their quarrels.

I find the ending quite beautiful, whilst I don't want to spoil anything for readers it is very much a testament to what true solidarity can achieve.

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher Bonnier Books/Eriu and to Love Book Tours for the ARC, it has not affected my honest review.

Release date: 27th March 2025 (UK)

TW: terminal illness, rape, death, misogyny, institutionalisation, references to child death and pregnancy

1642, the Netherlands. Grieving the loss of her husband and stillborn child, Geertje Dircx must leave the countryside of Edam and travel to Amsterdam to find respectable work appropriate for a widow on the insistence of her brother Pieter. Once in the vibrant and toiling city of ambition and work, Geertje takes a role in the home of a painter, caring for his newborn son, Titus, and his increasingly sickly wife, Saskia. This painter is Rembrandt. Growing close to Saskia, Titus, the other servants and a friendly shoe maker, Geertje begins to see a future for herself in Amsterdam. However, after Saskia dies, Geertje makes the mistake of growing close to Rembrandt, despite her friends’ warnings. Soon enough a passionate affair starts and he promises to marry her, no matter what Saskia’s will might insist on, but this promise- and Geertje’s devotion- leads to devastating circumstances when Geertje is replaced by a younger woman.

Based on the true story of Geertje Dircx and her experiences with Rembrandt, Barbara Leahy pulls the reader into the world of 1640s Amsterdam, leading us through the crowded, stinking streets and into a household of an artist who will one day be legendary. One thing I loved about this book is that though he features, Geertje never refers to him by name. Long depicted unfairly and one note by history, Geertje here is a rich and complex character with her own wants and desires, making mistakes and being forced to depend on men who control everything. This Rembrandt is not a hero and I found it to be deeply effective how the entire world remembers his story but not Geertje. Her experiences of Amsterdam and Edam are vivid, you can almost imagine them, and the things she goes through after her name is ruined are horrible. This is a woman who lived with Rembrandt for six years but has never been remembered for who she was- this book tells a different story, one of a world dictated by men and where women are powerless even in courts, but it’s also beautifully starkly written, the descriptions of the painting processes and the relationships are gorgeous. I’m so glad I read this book and that I now know about Geertje Dircx because she is so important.

I really like these historical novels that look at small incidents in bigger characters in history. "Rembrandt's Promise" by Barbara Leahy focusses on Geertje who is brought in to look after his son and when his wife dies, she becomes close to him and eventually becomes his mistress. Like the title suggests, he promises her lots of things but very quickly forgets her when the new maid arrives. A tale of revenge, justice and highlighting those that may be forgot in history otherwise.

Rembrandt's Promise by Barbara Leahy is a deeply moving and haunting historical fiction that brings to life the true, tragic story of Geertje, a woman wronged by the renowned Dutch painter Rembrandt. Set in the vibrant world of 17th-century Amsterdam, during the Dutch Golden Age, the novel immerses readers in a tale of love, betrayal, ambition, and revenge.

Geertje, a widow from Edam, enters the opulent world of Rembrandt as a nursemaid and soon finds herself drawn into a passionate affair with the master of light and shadow. As their relationship deepens, Geertje becomes more entangled in Rembrandt’s world, even as her friends warn her of the consequences. But despite the overwhelming power of her emotions, Geertje’s devotion to Rembrandt brings nothing but heartbreak and devastation. The painter, who is portrayed not as a romantic figure but as one driven by spite and cruelty, uses his power and influence to ruin lives, particularly Geertje’s. The book paints a portrait of Rembrandt as morally corrupt, ruthless, and manipulative—a far cry from the revered artist he has come to be remembered as.

The novel’s exploration of Geertje’s character is particularly compelling. Unlike the historical portrayal of Geertje as money-hungry and deserving of her fate, Leahy presents her as a more sympathetic, complex figure. She is not without flaws, but her vulnerability and strength in the face of overwhelming betrayal resonate throughout the story. The men around her, particularly her brother, are depicted as toxic and manipulative, further exacerbating her pain. The relationship between Geertje and her brother is a particularly painful one, full of manipulation and betrayal, which she is unable to escape, despite her awareness of the toxic nature of their bond.

Leahy’s writing is both lyrical and chilling, capturing the darkness and light that exists not only in Rembrandt’s paintings but also in the characters’ lives. The historical setting is brought to life with vivid detail, and the book’s themes of loss, feminism, and redemption are woven seamlessly into the narrative. The novel is a powerful commentary on the lengths to which men, particularly powerful men, will go when they feel their egos have been bruised or thwarted.

Rembrandt's Promise is a stunning debut that masterfully blends historical fiction with deep character exploration. It offers a fresh and sympathetic perspective on a woman whose story has long been overshadowed by the men in her life, providing a compelling and dark tale that will captivate fans of historical fiction and those interested in exploring the complexities of love, power, and revenge.

3.5/5.

Read more at The Secret Book Review.

A chilling tale of love and revenge, and of the cruel lengths men will go to if they feel thwarted.

Inspired by the true tale of Geertje, wet nurse and then mistress of the painter Rembrandt, this book seeks to show a more sympathetic side to Geertje than history has afforded her. Remembered as ugly, money hungry and deserving of her fate, instead this book paints her as a more three dimensional character - if anything, it is Rembrandt, who in this is always referred to as 'the master' even during the height of their affair, is the ugly one. Ugly in morals, ugly in soul, he has no issue with ruining lives if he decides. Even once he has taken his revenge on various characters throughout the book, his spite drives them deeper into pain, chasing them. This is not a man to be crossed.

All the men - bar Otto - in this story are horrible, her brother most of all. Every time he appeared in her life, he made it worse, and yet she had no choice but to allow him back, time and time again. Their relationship was toxic, and although she was able to acknowledge that he scared her, it still didn't change the fact she needed him. Or the hurt upon his betrayal.

A stunning book of darkness and light, like the masters paintings themselves.

Rembrandt’s promise is an engrossing novel inspired by a true story. Geertje works as a maid looking after Rembrandt’s son, Titus. After the death of his wife she becomes Rembrandt’s mistress but when a new maid arrives the painter quickly tires of Geertje and she is told to leave. Geertje does not take this betrayal lightly and takes Rembrandt to court for breach of promise.
The novel is written beautifully and takes you to the Dutch Golden Age, highlighting the way women were so reliant on men whether they be employers, husbands, fathers or as in this case brothers. Working conditions and the parallel lives of those with and without money are brought to life. It is moving to see how Geertje deals with betrayals from both Rembrandt and her brother and how strong female characters such as her Aunt can still have influence even in such a male dominated world.
I very much enjoyed Barbara Leahy’s novel and would definitely recommend it

Loosely based on the true story of a widow called Geertje Dircx from Edam who at the behest of her brother Pieter gets a position in the house of painter Rembrandt Van Rijn and his wife Saskia as nursemaid to their son Titus. It’s 1642, the Dutch Golden Age, and life in Amsterdam is very different to Geertje’s married life. A new author for me and I did enjoy her writing.

Briefly, Geertje becomes close to Saskia who is in poor health which means Titus spend most of his time with Geertje. She is also friendly with the other maid and in time the cook, but Rembrandt seems distant. After Saskia’s death Geertje and Rembrandt become closer, and eventually she becomes his mistress. However, when a new maid Hendrickje is employed she soon catches Rembrandt’s eye. When she is told to leave Geertje isn’t prepared to taken her banishment sitting down and she turns to the law for justice.

The treatment of the staff in Rembrandt’s house, and women in general at this time, was pretty terrible. Rembrandt himself wasn’t a pleasant man, completely self centred although he clearly adored Saskia, and to some extent Geertje. But the person I most despised was Pieter and I felt like shouting at Geertje to open her eyes and see how he was using her. I loved Geertje’s aunt, what a wonderful woman. A dark and emotional historical novel and one I very much enjoyed.