I read "Girl in Hyacinth Blue" by this author a couple of years ago and really loved it. I always wanted to read something else by her. Now, I came across this book and it's about a female paper from the Baroque period. I had never heard of Artemisia Gentileschi even though I love art. Typical, women are never acknowledged much.
To start, I really like the note by the author. She mentioned that any work of fiction about history or a historical character ist still a work of imagination, not of reality. Based on known evidence, she spins her story. She used actual works of the artist and actual occurrences. I loved that.
Her style or writing is very vivid. Her descriptions are very detailed. We could see how people at the time lived, what were their hopes and fears. How did the church impact their lives?
Through this novel, I got to know a wonderful woman, a keen and gifted painter who struggled with the constrictions of the time but who nonetheless created some beautiful art.
I will look for more books by Susan Vreeland. Let me know if you've read one.
From the back cover:
"From extraordinary highs - patronage by the Medicis, friendship with Galileo and, most importantly of all, beautiful and outstandingly original paintings - to rape by her father's colleague, torture by the Inquisition, life-long struggles for acceptance by the artistic Establishment, and betrayal by the men she loved, Artemisia was a bold and brilliant woman who lived as she wanted, and paid a high price."
Like you, I've read The Girl in Hyacinth Blue, but have not read any other novels by Susan Vreeland. I do have a copy of Clara and Mr. Tiffany by Susan Vreeland in my massive 'tbr' pile. I'm not sure when I will get to it though.
ReplyDeleteI will certainly see it, when you get to it, Lisa. I'd be interested to read more of her.
DeleteI enjoyed Luncheon of the Boating Party by her. I have several other of her books on my TBR list. Thanks for reminding me about this author!
ReplyDeleteOH, that sounds good, Lark. I'll try to put that on my next book order.
DeleteSounds like a great new author to me, thanks for presenting this book
ReplyDeleteOoooh, you haven't read anything by her, Emma. I am sure you will like her. I really recommend you start with The Girl in Hyacinth Blue.
DeleteI have not read this book, but read about Artemisia somewhere. Maybe it was a review of this book from The Seventeenth Lady blog. Interesting character and I have to read more about her.
ReplyDeleteI also liked "The Girl ..." very much. The authors name has definitely slipped my mind. It will be a promising book for sure.
I loved The Girl ... very much, as well, that's why I wanted to read something else by her. And this will not be my last. Thanks, Lisbeth.
ReplyDelete