What is the power of art in the face of death? In The Art Lover Carole Maso has created an elegant and moving narrative about a woman experiencing (and reliving) the most painful transitions of her life. Caroline, the novel's protagonist, returns to New York after the death of her fatherostensibly to wrap things up and take care of necessary "business"where her memory and imagination conspire to lay before her all her griefs and joys in a rebellious progression. In different voices, employing a collage-like fragmentation, Maso gently unfolds The Art Lover in much the same way the fragile and prehistoric fiddlehead fern unfolds throughout the novel, bringing with subtle grace the ever-entangled feelings of grief and love into full and tender view. Various illustrations throughout.
If you like plot-driven stories, then this novel is not for you. However, don't get me wrong--there is a story here. This non-linear tale of a woman's life and the people around her is exquisitely written, and incredibly well-crafted. I've read all of Maso's novels now, and this is most certainly my favorite. A wonderful wonderful book.
a fresh blending of prose and poetry that does more than tel
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 26 years ago
Carole Maso brings us into the character's mind through a fresh blending of prose and poetry that does more than tell a story; it wraps the story around these lifelike characters in a way that invests us in their lives. I came away impressed by the nonlinear structure, touched by the characters, and identifying with some.I look forward to catching up on the rest of Maso's work.
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