Seeking peace after the devastating political explosion of the Commune comes hard on the heels of grueling of the Franco Prussian war, Edgar Degas lea...moreSeeking peace after the devastating political explosion of the Commune comes hard on the heels of grueling of the Franco Prussian war, Edgar Degas leaves Paris to visit his relatives in New Orleans, only to find conflicts as intensely wrenching as the ones he’s fled. In the punitive aftermath of the Civil War, the North oppresses the South, and whites continue to oppress the blacks. Ironically, for many of the gens de coleur, life was better before the slaves were freed. The political backdrop is fascinating, as are Degas’ family conflicts, but the heart of the novel is the examination of a troubled painter seeking new inspiration in an exotic landscape and a fascinating woman. This is a marvelous book offering a unique look at Degas. Impeccably researched and emotionally compelling, its complex themes are vividly rendered in lush, poetic prose that captures the Impressionist world of the artist.(less)
Mary Burns’ subtle and evocative ronde follows several of the subjects of John Singer Sargent’s portraits as they muse on their relationship with the...moreMary Burns’ subtle and evocative ronde follows several of the subjects of John Singer Sargent’s portraits as they muse on their relationship with the elusive artist. The cleverly constructed story ebbs and flows in its intensity, but is always fascinating as the vignettes interweave in a mysterious dance. The elegant prose captures the era, the challenges of the artist’s work, and the pining hearts of many of the subjects with equal ease. Finally Sargent himself remains something of an enigma while the other characters are beautifully, often poignantly, illuminated.(less)
Told with an elegant, stripped down simplicity, this story of abiding love and newly discovered friendships is deeply moving. The Persecution of Mildr...moreTold with an elegant, stripped down simplicity, this story of abiding love and newly discovered friendships is deeply moving. The Persecution of Mildred Dunlap by Paulette Mahurin, depicts a small town in Nevada in the year 1895, shaken by events far beyond its borders and stirred up by malicious hypocrisy and bigotry. The chapters are graced with a quote by Oscar Wilde, and his trial and imprisonment is the main historic event that mirrors the conflicts within Mildred Dunlap’s town of Red River Pass. But the Dreyfus Affair is just beginning, and the hatred of Booker T. Washington is brought into play as well. While details of the background events are brief background, they provide historic color that interweaves with the already taut threads of the lives of the protagonists. The historical setting is interesting, but the main story is the internal conflict and growth of Mildred, Edra, Charley, and Gus, the quartet of sympathetic and complex main characters who must reshape their lives to meet a changing world. We care for them all and hope for their triumph against both the external forces at work against them, and the conflicts eating away at their spirits from within. The novel is a beautiful fusion of tender and raw emotion, dealing with issues still alive and kicking after more than a century.(less)
Artifact by Gigi Pandian is a winner, a charming, deceptively effortless blend of romantic suspense, mystery and adventure. The pacing is terrific, th...moreArtifact by Gigi Pandian is a winner, a charming, deceptively effortless blend of romantic suspense, mystery and adventure. The pacing is terrific, the plot delightfully convoluted, and characters distinctive. I’d consider it primarily romantic suspense since the focus is on the romantic triangle-one corner is pretty wobbly, still the emphasis is on these characters' interplay. While all the suspects are fairly presented, as a mystery fan I’d have appreciated a bit more time and detail to play with to see if I could guess who done it. This is a quibble, as the brisk pace swept me along and kept me wondering what happens next. While not my preferred dark and twisty read, this bright offering is highly entertaining.(less)
Tanglevine is both an enthralling read set in a unique and gorgeously realized world. This poetic novel skillfully interweaves elements of fantasy, m...more Tanglevine is both an enthralling read set in a unique and gorgeously realized world. This poetic novel skillfully interweaves elements of fantasy, mystery, and the paranormal. The setting is post- apocalyptic, though most apocalyptic grunge has long since been reclaimed by nature. Jihan, dashing, arrogant, ambitious member of the ruling class of the dominant Domene culture creates an opportunity to revive his family’s diminished fortunes in the Domed city’s subjugated Bluegrass country, a society of quaint nature worshippers Jihan’s sure he can exploit. But on arrival his political machinations are snared in an unforeseen problem he’s expected to solve. A Domene tax collector has disappeared in an out of the way town no one wants him to visit. Determined to make good use of the locals, he hires the intriguing caravaner Windland to take him to Tanglevine. The journey through the woods to the ramshackle and oddly sinister town is beautiful in itself, the descriptions of nature lyrical. But the deeper Jihan moves into the world, the deeper he’s drawn into its mysteries, where nothing and no one is what they seem, not the elusive, subtly mocking Windland, nor the beautiful dancer Jihan desires. Jihan wants to deny the magic invading his reality, but every denial entangles him deeper in the spell’s power. Shannon effortlessly combines lush, evocative description with the varied voices of her characters, rough-hewn or erudite. Tanglevine is the first of a promised trilogy and I eagerly await the next adventure. (less)
This was a very compelling read. I really liked the lead character - all the characters. And the author is great at the judiciously chosen description...moreThis was a very compelling read. I really liked the lead character - all the characters. And the author is great at the judiciously chosen description, especially of the environment be it rural or urban. I did find the ending a bit much, but I favor solid over super twisty, and this was super twisty. I'll definitely follow this series and see how it develops.(less)
I had a weird experience with this book. Trying to be objective after an unpleasant experience with it, my opinion is that the author considers himsel...moreI had a weird experience with this book. Trying to be objective after an unpleasant experience with it, my opinion is that the author considers himself to be more clever than he actually is, and the book too pretentious. I loved The Name of the Rose. This doesn't come close to that, but is in the same "weird historical" subgenre. It's unusual and has some interesting stylistic flourishes. Fairly early, I began to find the book a bit irritating, but still very intriguing. The more that certain facets of what was happening became elements in surreal creation of the the mystery, the more difficult it became for me to care, though it was unusual enough for me to perserve. The detective, who was not particularly vivid, became cardboard. It was the language that was vivid. Unfortunately too vivid. There was one of the most merciless descriptions of torture I've read, the torture of a tiny bird (cruelty to animals gets me where I can read, and write, very brutal stuff done to humans). The scene was about a page, not so much detailed in the torture, but devastating in the bird's reaction. It still haunts me. I skimmed the rest of the book and read the ending. I always tend to worry when animals appear in dark mysterious that they will be one of the victims. So. Probably my real rating is two stars, but I do appreciate the book tried and at least partly succeeded with a highly unique concept.(less)
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