The Red Rose Girls: An Uncommon Story of Art and Love

It was some months ago when I discovered and read Ms. Carter's lush tale of four intertwined lives. I still remember the regret and exhiliaration I felt on turning the final page. Not wanting a story to end is perhaps among the higher compliments I would pay to a book, and usually one relegated to a rare work of fiction. In fact, prior to Red Rose Girls, Donna Tartt's masterpiece, The Secret History was my lonely sole contender for this sort of accolade. To add my name to the chorous of other reviews teetered on redundancy, lily-gilding or worse....gushing. But then, we New Englanders are a stiff lot, and loathe to such displays. It was interesting then, to trip over a Feb. 8th review in which a reader, also from my birthplace, expressed some criticism of Carter's speculation on the probable physical nature of the characters relationship, finding it presumptuous and distracting. (my words)It was precisely the lack of any undue focus on lesbianism, alongside a riveting collection of photographs, that caught my attention and held it for the duration. Throughout this fascinating account crept a quiet, matter-of-fact, stylistic elegance that kept my attention firmly on the place and the times, on three lives dedicated to art, on four lives dedicated to each other. Brava!

Alice Carter has written an incredible story about three inspiring artists. It is ununsual to find a book with such a scholarly, intelligent perspective that is presented with a human warmth and emotional attachment to the individuals that are portrayed. The sensitive approach of the author is perhaps related to the fact that as a young child Professor Carter knew and admired these woman and they served as an inspiration in her life. Whatever the reason, she has crafted an outstanding, beautiful book that will stand as a classic story in the history of art, the struggles of women, and the nobility of the human spirit.

This extraordinary book combines the traditional biographical format with the visual splendor of color reproductions traditionally found in a museum style art book. "The Red Rose Girls" is in a league all its own, combining history, biography, and art in order to recreate the lives of this amazing group of women. This book brings the reader into the world of these talented artists and goes further to explore the complexities faced by women striving for professional execellence. Carter's book definitely hits the mark, recounting the past and presenting themes that reverberate into present day society. Great!

The Red Rose Girls is a remarkable book. Alice Carter does a superb job of documenting the lives and careers of Violet Oakley, Jessie Wilcox Smith, and Elizabeth Shippen Green. When the last page was turned I not only had a deep respect for their professional accomplishments but I felt that I had known each of these women personally.The strength and success of these women artists is an inspiration to everyone regardless of their sex or chosen occupation. The "Red Rose Girls" is a must have for any library. The quality of writing and research in this book makes it hard to put down and I am looking forward to seeing more publications by this author.

This is an exceptional book. Carter has meticulously documented three significant women in the history of American art and illustration, Jessie Willcox Smith, Elizabeth Shippen Green, and Violet Oakley. It is a must have for anyone interested in the entwined lives and careers of America's first and most successful female artists as the country entered the 20th century. I found the book to be thoroughly researched and thoughtfully written. The Red Rose Girls does a fine job fullydetailing their outstanding contributions to the art world and of their life long intimate love. Inspiring are the pages upon pages of lavish reproductions which display their paintings, sketches, research materials, and the revealing personal photographs. Carter's complete documentation satisfies my needs as an artist, educator, and as a witness to America's ever changing social history. This book is the definitive account of the Red Rose Girls' role in American art and I am elated for the long due recognition they so fully deserve. You will not be disappointed in this wonderful book.