From the bestelling author of GIRL IN HYACINTH BLUE, “A vivid exploration of one of the most beloved Renoir paintings in the world, done with a flourish worthy of Renoir himself” (USA Today) With her richly textured novels, Susan Vreeland has offered pioneering portraits of artists’ lives. As she did in Girl in Hyacinth Blue, Vreeland focuses on a single painting, Auguste Renoir’s instantly … painting, Auguste Renoir’s instantly recognizable masterpiece, which depicts a gathering of Renoir’s real friends enjoying a summer Sunday on a café terrace along the Seine. Narrated by Renoir and seven of the models, the novel illuminates the gusto, hedonism, and art of the era. With a gorgeous palette of vibrant, captivating characters, Vreeland paints their lives, loves, losses, and triumphs so vividly that “the painting literally comes alive” (The Boston Globe).
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I was interested in the characters but the book was boring. I did not finish it.
If you like learning about Renoir and the other artists of this period, it is very good.
The book gave insight into how Renoir worked on his art and how he went about coosing the site and models for the painting. Interesting!
I love this period of time and Impressionism so this book checked two main boxes for me. The description of the time, places and struggles of the artists is perfect.
I read this book in a hard-cover copy. I recommend, however you read it, you have a copy of the painting to refer to. The story is mesmerizing – you want to know everything about the painting even if you never before knew you wanted to know that! It’s great fun to read.
Disturbered individual, but brilliant abilities clash
This painting is wonderful! Reading about the execution of it, the models and their stories and the impressionist was was very interesting. It’s a slow read however but be patient. It paints a beautiful picture.
Believable story behind the painting.
It was if I knew Renoir personally.
Excellent sand accurate
Very informative.
Thoroughly enjoyed reading and learning about the people and circumstances that resulted in the outcome of this famous painting.
Made me feel like I was there all those Sundays while Renoir created the Boating Party.
Enjoyed reading how this famous painting came about and learned more about the artist Renoir and the time period
a truly great read – well done !!
Very, very good book!
Did not enjoy this book at all. Very slow moving…
Enjoyable mostly-true story of the creation of Renoir’s landmark masterpiece. Vivid visual descriptions, as befits a story about the great Impressionist; sweet love story subplot.
It is a story about the characters in the painting of the same name. How wonderfully the author brings the characters to life! It gives the reader a real sense of the history of the time. My book club then went to art books to look up other paintings by this artist, as well as other painters during the same time in history! We even took a trip to an art museum to see if we could find other paintings … Outstanding!
Loved it. I have this painting in my house and it made the characters come alive for me.