A Trick of the Light (Chief Inspector Armand Gamache, #7)

by Louise Penny

“Do you remember all your reviews?” asked Clara. “Only the bad ones.” “Why?” Ruth turned to look at her directly. Her eyes weren’t angry or cold, not filled with malice. They were filled with wonder. “I don’t know. Perhaps that’s the price of poetry. And, apparently, art.” “What d’you mean?” “We get hurt into it. No pain, no product.” “You believe that?” asked Clara. “Don’t you? What did the New York Times say about your art?” Clara searched her brain. She knew it was good. Something about hope and rising up. “Welcome to the bench,” said Ruth. “You’re early. I’d have thought it would take another ten years. But here you are.” And for a moment Ruth looked exactly like Clara’s portrait. Embittered, disappointed. Sitting in the sun but remembering, reviewing, replaying every insult. Every unkind word, bringing them out and examining them like disappointing birthday gifts.