“In this highly fictionlaized, and sympathetic, account of Monet's life and the muse that inspired his greatest work, Cowell imagines the life and circumstances surrounding Monet and his contemporaries known as the Society of Anonymous Artists that brought life to a new movement, Impressionism. Cowell traces the cycles of the artists' lives from the stereotypical "starving artist" to a time when a request to stop the trains in order to paint them would be granted, giving the reader a glimpse into the artistic soul that is willing to live on the brink of existence.
I really struggled with rating this book. In my opinion, the writing is mediocre, but more than that,
*******Spoiler Alert*********
I took issue with Cowell's, at least admitedly, imagined indiscretions between Camille and Bazille. Based on the type of friendship that is so well documented between Bazille and Monet this was a stretch for me. I understand the inspiration for the novel came from Cowell pondering what would cause Bazille to join the fight in the Franco-Prussian War. I didn't care for this choice.
******End of Spoiler Alert********
So, I settled on four stars for purely emotional reasons. Art history was a major part of my education growing up and I have always been intrigued by the lives of these artists. It was simply fun imagining it with Cowell. Sometimes it is ok to read things simply for fun. I have always had a special affinity for Renoir and came away loving him even more. I did feel like Cowell captured the essence of these young artists and the challenges they faced as they focused on a new way of presenting art. A good example is the quote found on page 74, "When will the people ever see that good art is living and real, intimate, not grand? That real beauty is ordinary life?" I also thougth Cowell did a good job of presenting the stories surrounding Monet's most famous work.”
Regina L wrote this review Sunday, February 12, 2012.
(
reply |
permalink )
