The Muralist

Questions About The Muralist

by B.A. Shapiro (Goodreads Author)

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Answered Questions (3)

I started reading this novel with some enthusiasm, but as I went on I discovred so many weak points. The characters are not developed, the writing is sometimes very dull. I think I'm going to drop it or will it develop into something unexpected?
Craig Lore No. It never develops into something interesting or unexpected. The weak points multiply and build on each other. The historical insights are not wort…moreNo. It never develops into something interesting or unexpected. The weak points multiply and build on each other. The historical insights are not worth picking out of the overall mess.
I finished this book because it is for my book club. But if it were not, I would seriously have considered throwing it away--and I very seldom choose not to finish a book. (less)
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Was anyone else 'unsure' if Alizée was a character based on the 'rumor of a real person' - or the rumor of the 'missing link' in art - which links Realism with Abstract Expressionism? I had to stop reading and do some digging to see if perhaps there was such a person, in the 1940's AND in Mark Rothko's life
Janet Rochester In her author's note at the end of the book, Shapiro says Alizée is "completely imagined," and that Krasner, Rothko, et al "created the first true Ame…moreIn her author's note at the end of the book, Shapiro says Alizée is "completely imagined," and that Krasner, Rothko, et al "created the first true American school of art, Abstract Expressionism, although there is no hypothesized missing link in its evolution." (p 116 in my hardback edition)(less)
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I absolutely loved this book! I learned so much sad American history about our reluctance to enter WWII and so much about the WPA. Please give it a chance! I can't think of many other books in which Eleanor Roosevelt is a character ... are there any?
George Stenger Eleanor Roosevelt: In Her Words by Nancy Woloch is excellent non-fiction. Also, No Ordinary Time by Doris Kearns Goodwin has a lot of great informatio…moreEleanor Roosevelt: In Her Words by Nancy Woloch is excellent non-fiction. Also, No Ordinary Time by Doris Kearns Goodwin has a lot of great information on Eleanor although the main focus is FDR. I love Eleanor Roosevelt and she is my favorite woman in American history.
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