Girl Reading by Katie Ward and when I got it home I couldn't resist opening it up and reading a few pages. Only, once I started, I couldn't stop. This book combines two of my favorite things: Art and Reading. Each chapter tells the story of the woman behind 7 different works of art. It is also a journey through time, the first woman's story taking place in 1333, the last in 2060. At first, none of these stories appear to be connected...until you get to the last chapter. Then it all comes together in an unexpected way.I recently purchased my own copy of
Katie Ward is an amazing author. Her writing will definitely keep you reading. It's hard to choose a favorite story line, but one of my favorites is the second one that revolves around the painting Woman Reading by Dutch artist Pieter Janssens Elinga; it's really the story of his deaf maid, Esther, and her place in the artist's household. But all of the women in this book, and their stories, are equally memorable. I really like that Girl Reading isn't formulaic or predictable. In fact, I think it's this book's uniqueness that I love most of all.
 |
| Pieter Janssens Elinga -- Woman Reading, 1668 |
Love unique books like that, especially the ones you can't put down!
ReplyDeleteThey are the ones I usually end up buying and then trying to squeeze onto my already crowded book shelves. But this book is definitely worth the space.
DeleteOh wow, I'm not familiar with book but I will hunt it down! The Girl with the Pearl Wearing was the first arty book I read and I adored it.
ReplyDeleteI liked The Girl With the Pearl Earring, too!
DeleteIt is wonderful, and now I am so tempted to read it all over again.
ReplyDeleteRereading a good book is one of my favorite things; I just usually have too many "new" books laying around that I need to read first.
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like a great book, the story behind the paintings always make the paintings more beautiful.
ReplyDeleteThe one by Elinga is amazing. (being Dutch, this painting speaks to me immediately)
Kind regards,
It is a great painting!
DeleteLove the Elinga painting...I hadn't seen it before. I have enjoyed other books that are art-themed, (Girl With a Pearl Earring, Luncheon of the Boating Party), so I am looking forward to trying this one. Thanks for the recommendation.
ReplyDeleteI've never heard of this one, but it sounds just like one I'd enjoy. Will be searching it out, thanks for sharing your thoughts on it!
ReplyDelete