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.

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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.