Readers will be transported to the vibrant art scene of late nineteenth-century Paris in this richly textured portrait of the relationship between ...
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Apr 14, 2009
This is a lovely, meditative book written from the point of view of Mary Cassat's dying sister Lydia as she poses for several paintings over some years. It's quiet, but I found it quietly compelling. Does art make one immortal? Is that any consolation for death? The book also looks at Mary Cassat's unorthodox romantic relationship with Edgar Degas, and the choices she makes in order to remain an artist and a relatively independant woman. Finally, the relationship between the sisters is moving, o
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Jan 04, 2009
Tara
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I find many books these days start off with great first chapters that have obviously been workshopped/edited to death, then the rest of the book never quite measures up. This is one book I found that started off slowly and roughly (it's a bit fragmented and the author seems to be trying to get in all the facts she researches), but the story slowly builds and the characters come to life and Chessman's views on life, mortality, illness, love, and art are delivered in simple but compelling prose. Y
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Mar 31, 2009
Melanie
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Mary Cassatt is one of my guiding angels. Her paintings of women writing letters, drinking tea, reading, and doing needlework illuminate a life I often imagine for myself - a life surrounded by quiet beauty and the leisure to appreciate it.
Harriet Scott Chessman, the author of Lydia Cassatt Reading the Morning Papers, has gone beyond the escapist dream by bringing the reader into the life of Lydia Cassatt, the frail older sister who posed for many of Mary Cassatt's best-known paintin More...
Harriet Scott Chessman, the author of Lydia Cassatt Reading the Morning Papers, has gone beyond the escapist dream by bringing the reader into the life of Lydia Cassatt, the frail older sister who posed for many of Mary Cassatt's best-known paintin More...
Apr 12, 2011
Greg
rated it: 
A friend who is an English professor recommended this book to me. We play in a local symphony together so we already share an artistic link and have also shared a few book/music recommendations with each other (me, more music to him; him, more books to me). He teaches the book and showed me his copy filled with annotations and was very excited about it (he was obviously on the umpteenth re-read). Throughout I was very resistant to the writing style, and to be honest I still don't think I will ev
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Oct 25, 2010
Bethany
rated it: 
Eh.
I really hate it when I get excited over a book and then it bores me senseless. That's what this one did. Bummer.
Usually, when I write a review, I say something along the lines of "it was well written but.." and usually, what I mean by that is "I didn't really like it much, but I understand what the author was trying to do.." or something to that affect.
In the case of this book, I understand that the author was writing a fictional work about t More...
I really hate it when I get excited over a book and then it bores me senseless. That's what this one did. Bummer.
Usually, when I write a review, I say something along the lines of "it was well written but.." and usually, what I mean by that is "I didn't really like it much, but I understand what the author was trying to do.." or something to that affect.
In the case of this book, I understand that the author was writing a fictional work about t More...
Jul 28, 2009
Holli
rated it:
A lovely, meditative book about the relationship between Mary (painter) and Lydia (model) Cassatt. I read the book in one sitting, in the car on the way home from a very active and people-filled vacation with my husband and sons. Reading it was like a mini-retreat, a nice soothing transition back into my work-a-day life. Sort of a "Calgon, take me away" experience. The sister relationship reminded me of Jane and Cassandra Austen, and the references to drinking tea, crocheting, embro
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Jun 10, 2010
Brenda
rated it:
Like Tracy Chevalier’s _Girl with a Pearl Earring_, Harriet Scott Chessman’s _Lydia Cassatt Reading the Morning Paper_ is an ekphrastic tribute to the luminous potential of portraiture.
“Looking at the painting, I see a woman, clothed in pink and white, the white (my dress’s lace) making a brilliant cloud around her neck, and again at the opening of her sleeve, with a tumult of color (the hyacinths) around her head. I bend closer to the woman’s face, her chin half-hidden in the wh More...
“Looking at the painting, I see a woman, clothed in pink and white, the white (my dress’s lace) making a brilliant cloud around her neck, and again at the opening of her sleeve, with a tumult of color (the hyacinths) around her head. I bend closer to the woman’s face, her chin half-hidden in the wh More...
Nov 29, 2009
Patty
rated it:
One of the problems with purchasing fiction for a public library is reading all the reviews. Usually after I have done an order with about 50 titles I want to read at least 20 of those books. I am an omnivore - there are few areas of fiction that I won't try. So my to-read list could be seriously large.
However, my solution is to try to forget all those new titles and concentrate on those that made it to my reading list. I always hope that if a book is really good, it will come to More...
However, my solution is to try to forget all those new titles and concentrate on those that made it to my reading list. I always hope that if a book is really good, it will come to More...
Mar 10, 2011
Krystle
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Normally, when I read books that are assigned for class, I either deeply abhor them or find a mutual ground between tepid liking or a give or take blasé attitude. But this one I loved, it's beautiful. For such a short book I found a lot of subtle depth throughout the pages. The most fantastic thing about this story is the author's writing. It's gorgeous; poetic and highly lyrical, the sentences were a symphony that had me captivated from start to end.
I love how the author plays with th More...
I love how the author plays with th More...
Apr 16, 2009
Bridget
rated it:
I remember reading a review of this book when it was first published a few years ago, and thinking that I really wanted to read it. Then I promptly forgot all about it. So when I was at the local branch of the public library trolling for titles and saw it, I happily grabbed it from the shelf.
A work of historical fiction, Chessman has created a small, intimate look at a three-year period in the life of artist Mary Cassatt (called “May” by her family) and her parents and older sister More...
A work of historical fiction, Chessman has created a small, intimate look at a three-year period in the life of artist Mary Cassatt (called “May” by her family) and her parents and older sister More...
Jul 03, 2010
Staci
rated it:
I was browsing the library shelves and for some reason the title of this little book instantly got my attention. I knew absolutely nothing about the American impressionist painter Mary Cassatt before this book, but after finishing this one the other day, I want to know more!! One of the main highlights in this book are the 5 pictures of various paintings that include Lydia, Mary's sister and beloved model for many of her paintings. Just knowing that the person in the painting was Mary's sister m
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Dec 22, 2010
Shauna
rated it:
This was a sweet little novel, more contemplative than substantial. It focuses on four different paintings by Mary Cassatt in which her sister Lydia is the model. Lydia is the narrator of this story, and she meditates on art, including the art of modeling, life and illness, children, the role of women (especially those with aspirations such as her increasingly famous sister). There is a looseness to the story, imitative of Cassatt's brushstrokes, suggestive, descriptive, sketchy. Chessman pr
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Sep 18, 2010
Karen
rated it: 
Finished the book today. Lovely little book about the two Cassett sisters, Mary and Lydia. Lydia was the older sister, but very ill with Bright's Disease, which seems to be a kidney disease that is terminal. She was the model for many of Mary Cassett's paintings. It was very emotional to read about their relationship, knowing Lydia was dying. Mary was involved with Degas and he is woven throughout their story, even though he sounds like a bit of a scoundrel. I was surprised to read that he
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Apr 07, 2010
Wendy
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What an amazing inside look at painter Mary Cassatt through the eyes of her deathly ill sister, Lydia. Each chapter represents a different painting in which Lydia was the model. The authenticity of character was stunning. I read it in one sitting and was totally mesmerized. Harriet Chessman, the author, and I went to high school together, and I was so proud of her accomplishments as a writer. I should have worked harder in school, but doubt many people no matter how much education could eq
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Jul 26, 2010
Bonny
rated it:
I finally received a copy from our library. This seems to have been a popular book to reserve lately. It's taken about 2 months for me to get it. It's a small book so I imagine I'll probably finish it today.
It's a glimpse into the life of Mary Cassatt, the painter, and her sister, Lydia. Light but informative reading of the times and her contemporaries - the Impressionist painters many of whom were friends with Mary.
It is also very poignant because it is written in Lyddy More...
It's a glimpse into the life of Mary Cassatt, the painter, and her sister, Lydia. Light but informative reading of the times and her contemporaries - the Impressionist painters many of whom were friends with Mary.
It is also very poignant because it is written in Lyddy More...
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Sep 18, 2008
Kathy (Bermudaonion)
rated it:
I wasn’t familiar with Harriet Scott Chessman until I won an autographed copy of Lydia Cassatt Reading the Morning Paper and now I find myself wondering why. In a word, this book is delightful. The writing is artistic and the photos of Mary Cassatt’s paintings that are featured are stunning. This book is a fictional account of the relationship between the American Impressionist artist Mary Cassatt and her sister Lydia. It is set in France in the late 1800’s and focuses on five paintings Mary
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Aug 25, 2008
Iamshadow
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This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers.
To view it, click here
Apr 14, 2009
Bethany
rated it:
Eh.
I really hate it when I get excited over a book and then it bores me senseless. That's what this one did. Bummer.
Usually, when I write a book, I say something along the lines of "it was well written but.." and usually, what I mean by that is "I didn't really like it much, but I understand what the author was trying to do.." or something to that affect.
In the case of this book, I understand that the author was writing a fictional work a More...
I really hate it when I get excited over a book and then it bores me senseless. That's what this one did. Bummer.
Usually, when I write a book, I say something along the lines of "it was well written but.." and usually, what I mean by that is "I didn't really like it much, but I understand what the author was trying to do.." or something to that affect.
In the case of this book, I understand that the author was writing a fictional work a More...
Feb 17, 2012
Pia/F. P.
rated it:
Normally, I'm not a fan of about-a-real-person fiction written without the real person's consent. I mean, writing a fantasy (because it is a fantasy) book from a real person's perspective, containing the real person's supposed inner thoughts--that takes hubris.
Nevertheless, I think this is a special book. It's very moving and very, very sad. While reading, I tried to forget it was supposed to be about real people and remember that it's more a fantasy related to real people.
Nevertheless, I think this is a special book. It's very moving and very, very sad. While reading, I tried to forget it was supposed to be about real people and remember that it's more a fantasy related to real people.
Jan 19, 2012
Jen4short
rated it:
I read this book yesterday. It's a short little book so it's an easy read. Didn't particularly care for it. I chose to read it because I love the artwork of Mary Cassatt and this was supposedly about her relationship with her dying sister. If I were to choose one word to describe it, I would choose "angst." It really is all about the turbulence of spirit in Lydia, Mary, and Edgar Degas. And it's about death. I'm afraid I can't recommend it.
Oct 18, 2011
Carole
rated it:
Although an interesting idea - to fill in the story behind 5 pictures of Lydia Cassatt by her sister Mary Cassatt, the impressionist painter - the resulting novel is very short & slight, more like a short story. My overall impression is that this is like an impressionist painting - repetition intended. It was enjoyable for an afternoon's reading but did not have the depth to projece a book club discussion.
Dec 03, 2008
Megan
rated it:
I never would have chosen this book on my own, but I really liked it. It was a very different book, a quick read, and very interesting. It is fiction but reads like an autobiography. Some people in my book club got way more out of it (got similes, etc. that I didn't get)but for reading's sake, I really liked it. (Traditionally,I read to be entertained, not to learn anything).
Jan 20, 2009
Nell
rated it:
Fictional but based on fact, the story of the close relationship between Mary (May) Cassatt and her sister Lydia, older by seven years, in late 19th-century Paris. Lydia has entered her final illness and tries to find meaning in a life she knows will be cut short, though her family resists believing it. May especially cannot face losing her muse. Deeply touching.
Dec 07, 2011
Toni
rated it:
I usually am bored with books described as "lyrical," but this was a good one. I'm glad I didn't notice that word was used in some of the reviews or I never would have picked it up. The short novel provides some atmosphere and backstory to Mary's life and career, the impressionist movement and the times. Lydia was Mary Cassatt's sister and model.
Oct 14, 2010
Thaisa
rated it:
A spare and beautiful story about the sister of a famous painter--someone in the shadows and yet, in many ways *not* in the shadows. A careful observer of herself and of other people. Harriet Scot Chessman manages to bring the person in the painting to life--indeed, to paint her with language. Simply lovely.
Jan 15, 2010
Leslie
rated it:
3.5. A small but lumminous book--Mary Cassatt's sister telling about the paintings she sat for. Lydia C. was suffering from Bright's disease at the time--the kidney disease my aunt Hadi's sister died from. You can see the progression of the illness in the paintings. There are some wonderful, sad but lovely,passages.
Apr 14, 2009
Maud
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This is a beautifully written book that explores the relationship between sisters-- the love, of course, but also the jealousy, the competitiveness, and the intimate knowledge sisters have of one another. A story that is all the more compelling because of the art work that immortalizes both Mary and Lydia Cassatt.
Feb 01, 2011
Carol
rated it:
I enjoyed the tender portrait of Mary Cassatt provided by her ailing sister Lydia. The combination of the imagined stories behind five of Cassatt's portraits and the portraits themselves made this a delectible read. Cassatt's relationship with Degas is explored delicately. I wish I knew more.
May 22, 2011
Sarah
rated it:
Another "still, small voice"...
What an exquisite, little book! Not only does it perfectly capture the atmosphere of Cassatt's paintings, it resonated with me on a personal level. The narrative is profoundly moving. The prose is fresh, crisp, bright and lovely. I can't wait to read more from this author.
I adore this book so much, I wish I'd written it.
What an exquisite, little book! Not only does it perfectly capture the atmosphere of Cassatt's paintings, it resonated with me on a personal level. The narrative is profoundly moving. The prose is fresh, crisp, bright and lovely. I can't wait to read more from this author.
I adore this book so much, I wish I'd written it.
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Jun 08, 2010
Marion
rated it:
This book really touched me with its poignant portrayal of sisterly love in the midst of a terminal illness. It also reveals the nature and character of each sister, one a famous artist who defines herself in opposition to the prevailing mores of the times and her well to do family, while the less famous Lydia, lives within a contemplative meditation of her ultimate demise. I especially enjoyed listening to the author read this book on CDs.
