Title: I Am Rembrandt’s DaughterAuthor: Lynn Cullen
Publication date: 2007
Number of pages: 292
Genre: Young Adult historical fiction
Geographical Setting: Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Time Period: 1660s
Series: N/A
Plot Summary: Cornelia van Rijn’s mother has died of the Plague. As the daughter of the famous Rembrandt, one would expect to be living the life of a wealthy and prestigious young woman. This is not the life Cornelia has been given. Rembrandt is going mad and refuses to paint what will please the wealthy patrons. The budding friendship with the well-to-do and handsome Carel begins to stir passion in Cornelia’s heart. But the Westerkerk bells that toll death begin to ring again—and family secrets best kept hidden may come to light.
Subject Headings: the Plague, painters, father/daughter relationships, illegitimate children, adultery, gender roles, poverty, artist-as-genius, coming of age.
Appeal: story based on real characters; flashback chapters; descriptions of some of Rembrandt’s paintings and novelist’s imaginings behind their depictions; love triangle; fictional telling of Rembrandt’s daughter about whom very little is known.
If you liked I Am Rembrandt’s Daughter, you might enjoy: Katherine Sturevant’s A True and Faithful Narrative (historical fiction, takes place in London 1680s). Tracy Chevalier’s Girl with a Pearl Earring. Shannon Hale’s Book of a Thousand Days.
