Review: "The Dream Lover: A Novel of George Sand" by Elizabeth Berg

This is an intriguing fictional story about a woman who was an individualist and maverick. Her given name is Amantine-Lucile-Aurore Dupin, better known as the author, George Sand. Her father died at an early age and she was eventually raised by her fraternal grandmother on her estate at Nohant. In her early years, she longed for the love of her mother. This was the beginning of her search for a lasting love that took her through many lovers. She began her literary career with a corroboration with her first lover, Jules Sandeau. They published under the pen name of Jules Sand. She wrote her next novel by herself and then adopted the name George Sand which she used throughout the rest of her life. She sometimes dressed in men’s clothes because she found that men got more respect. She also used tobacco which was frowned upon by society.

Ms. Berg brought George Sand to life for me. The story is told in the first person by George herself. The narrative is kept interesting by switching back and forth from present to the past. To keep from being confusing, each chapter begins with the month, year and place. Her life is filled with drama and heartache. This is based on fact, but Ms. Berg was able to supplement the story because the true history of Sand is sketchy.

This is a great story to read! I only had a passing interest in George Sand, I even assumed it was a man. She is definitely a woman ahead of her time but she was also tortured by her search for love. She was courageous and lived life on her own terms. This book definitely brings Sands to life!!

This book was requested and reviewed for NetGallery.