Wednesday, February 3, 2010

Upcoming Release: Claude & Camille: a novel of Monet by Stephanie Cowell

Pub. Date: April 06, 2010
Format: Hardcover, 352pp
Pre-Order: Barnes and Noble
 
Synopsis: (From the Publisher)
Behind every great artist stands a woman driving him to inspiration, aspiration, and desperation, according to Cowell (Marrying Mozart), who bases her latest novel about an artist and his muse on the life of Claude Monet. Beautiful bourgeoise Camille Doncieux leaves her family and fiancé for Monet, whom Cowell depicts early on as a rebellious young man trying to capture in his paintings fleeting moments of color and light before he matures into the troubled genius whose talent exceeds his income. In an art world resistant to change, Camille remains Monet's great love as he and fellow unknowns Renoir, Pissarro, and Bazille struggle to make ends meet, but, eventually, parenthood, financial pressure, long separations, career frustrations, and romantic distractions take their toll, and even after Monet finally achieves commercial success, the couple still faces considerable difficulty. While glimpses of great men at work make absorbing reading, it's Camille who gives this story its heart. A convincing narrative about how masterpieces are created and a detailed portrait of a complex couple, Cowell's novel suggests that a fabulous, if flawed, love is the source of both the beauty and sadness of Monet's art.
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 Stephanie Cowell is the author of four other Historical Novels including Marrying Mozart. Visit her at: http://www.stephaniecowell.com/
 

9 comments:

Jennifer said...

This novel sounds quite intriguing and is being added to my reading list. Thanks!

Anonymous said...

I've been looking at this - promises to be very good :)

Ash said...

I. Want. To. Read. This. Book.

Yes that was so necessary because I am really looking forward to this!

Shweta said...

Fiction based on an artist's life is always interesting.Thanks for showcasing this book

Stephanie Thornton said...

This one sounds great! I'm always interested in historical fiction about great artists. I don't believe I've seen one on Monet before.

Elizabeth said...

Great review! I am always haunted by the portrait of Camille on her death bed. How tragic she never got to partake in the success after living through the heartache!

Dana said...

This book sounds great! Monet is probably my favorite artist, so I'd love to read a book where he features so largely. Thanks for the great review!

The romantic query letter and the happy-ever-after said...

I've been hearing quit a bit about Claude lately so I'll absolutely take a look for I'm a fan of his art.
Warm regards,
Simone

Jenny said...

I'm visiting from Friday Follow. What an informative site. I have a few friends who adore this style of writing...I'll be sending them the link. When I have time to read I've been working my way through the Caldecott Winners books. It's been interesting.