She Writes Press
Featuring: Edgar Degas; Estelle; Anne Gautier
ISBN: 1631527916 EAN: 9781631527913 Kindle: B0837LKCZ4 Paperback / e-Book Add to Wish List
In 1872, expecting her cousin and brother-in-law, the famous painter Edgar Degas, Estelle has no idea that her request t have him paint their family members' portraits will change the trajectory of her life, or that Edgar will forever be indebted to her. . . in more ways than one.
A century later, in 1970, Anne Gautier, a descendant of the Degas famly's friends, is trying to figure out how to get her ducks in a row with the recent discoveries of her mixed-race half-sister, as well as inheriting a dilpidated mansion, not to mention navigating her career and dating life. One day, however, Anne finds a mysterious journal, and its in there that she learns about Estelle De Gas and of the influence Estelle wielded over everyone she met. How will this journal influence Anne Gautier's life?
The best parts of ESTELLE by Linda Stewart Henley has to be the vast research that was put into the historical aspect of this book because there is a lot of wonderful information about how French-Creole people lived, as well as their traditions and thoughts. I also have learned a lot of fascinating facts about the infamous Mardi Gras party too through this book! I also enjoyed learning about French Impressionism and about the complex character of Edgar Degas. While the portions of the book set in the 1870s practically leapt off the page and enveloped everything with its history, the 1970-set storyline was more muted and subdued. However, the character of Ann Guatier stood out and it was easy to relate to her struggles and attempts at smoothing ou her life. ESTELLE felt true to life and was enthralled with this story of two women's struggles a century apart. There is much to enjoy in this novel: the celebration of French-Creole culture, the enigmatic Edgar Degas, and it's themes of perseverance.
When Edgar Degas visits his French Creole relatives in New Orleans from 1872 to ’73, Estelle, his cousin and sister-in-law, encourages the artist—who has not yet achieved recognition and struggles to find inspiration—to paint portraits of their family members.
In 1970, Anne Gautier, a young artist, finds connections between her ancestors and Degas while renovating the New Orleans house she has inherited. When Anne finds two identical portraits of Estelle, she discovers disturbing truths that change her life as she searches for meaningful artistic expression—just as Degas did one hundred years earlier.
A gripping historical novel told by two women living a century apart, Estelle combines mystery, family saga, art, and romance in its exploration of the man Degas was before he became the artist famous around the world today.
Excerpt
“I’ve been meaning to ask,” [Estelle said] “why didn’t you bring your paints from France?”
“Ah. That’s difficult to answer.” Edgar [Degas] hesitated before continuing, “I admit, I’ve not had the success I hoped for in Paris. Other friends have done better and have sold their work. I’ve been wondering if I should continue in this so-called profession. It is competitive, you see. And then, there was the problem with Manet.”
“Manet? Who is that?”
“Edouard Manet, my friend, a fellow artist. I offered to paint his wife, and did so, a portrait of her playing the piano—he appeared in the picture, as well. It turned out to be a disaster.”
“What do you mean? Wasn’t the portrait a good likeness?”
Edgar sighed. “He didn’t like it, said I had not portrayed his wife as an attractive woman. He was so displeased, he cut the canvas where her face was, cut her right out of the painting. Ruined it.”
“Mon Dieu! Terrible. Then what happened?”
“We have not spoken since. I was angry. The thing is, I cannot paint what is not realistic. I paint what I see, the truth without adornment. Not all artists do that. They often want to flatter their subjects, particularly women. Not me. That is one reason for my lack of success, I think. There are other reasons, of course, including my resistance to painting scenes out of doors, as my colleagues do in France.”
Estelle gazed at him and asked slowly, “Let me be sure I understand. Are you saying that you plan to give up painting?”
“I’ve considered it. Anyway, I had no thoughts of painting here. I intended to visit New Orleans and the family, nothing more.”
Estelle took a deep breath.
“Well, it wouldn’t hurt you to do a few domestic scenes while you’re here, and it would please all of us,” she said.
© 2003-2024 off-the-edge.net
all rights reserved Privacy Policy