Books matching: artistic struggles
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- #1
Save:Set in New York City in 1980, "Tuesday Nights in 1980" by Molly Prentiss follows a number of characters whose lives intersect through the art world in the year that John Lennon was killed. The novel delves into the lives of Lucy, a newcomer to the city seeking adventure, Raul, a painter from Argentina, and James, a famous art critic with synesthesia. Through a series of events in 1980, the characters face challenges in their lives and relationships, all set against the backdrop of the vibrant art scene in the 80s.
The book explores themes of art, fame, loss, and relationships, offering a glimpse into the culture of New York City and the art world in the 1980s. With a layered narrative and flawed, dynamic characters, the novel weaves together the stories of Lucy, Raul, and James, creating a rich tapestry of interconnected experiences and emotions.
Winona George’s apartment was exotic in a way that only a New Yorker would understand. A downtown New Yorker. In 1979. This is what James Bennett professed to his wife, in a spousal whisper, as they e... - #2
Save:Enrique Vila Matas' 'Never Any End to Paris' is a novel that delves into the life of a young writer living in Paris, drawing parallels to the iconic Ernest Hemingway. The narrative unfolds during a Hemingway conference, with flashbacks to Paris, exploring the protagonist's struggles with identity, literary ambitions, and personal connections within the bohemian demimonde. Through witty narration and a mix of homage and irony, Vila Matas paints a vivid picture of the Parisian literary scene in the 1970s, capturing the essence of youthful aspirations and creative dilemmas.
I went to Key West in Florida this year to enter the annual Ernest Hemingway look-alike contest. The competition took place at Sloppy Joe’s, the writer’s favorite bar when he lived in Cayo Hueso, at t... - #3
Save:'Diary' by Chuck Palahniuk follows Misty Wilmot, whose husband is in a coma, as she navigates a town with sinister plans for her. Misty's mother-in-law keeps a diary that reveals both her past and future. The story is a blend of second and third person narratives, reminiscent of Palahniuk's unique style seen in 'Fight Club'. The book delves into Misty's struggles, the mystery behind her husband's failing resort, and the eerie atmosphere of Waytansa Island.
The narrative explores themes of art, suffering, and destiny, as Misty's paintings hold the key to the lives and future of the island's inhabitants. Palahniuk weaves a gripping tale with strong characters and a haunting storyline that keeps readers on edge. While the book is described as bizarre and disturbing, it is praised for its thought-provoking elements and the way it challenges perceptions of reality and art.
The official name for your liver spots is hyperpigmented lentigines . The official anatomy word for a wrinkle is rhytide . Those creases in the top half of your face, the rhytides plowed across your f... - #4
Save:"Ask the Dust" by John Fante is a story set in LA in 1939, following the struggles of writer Arturo Bandini as he lives hand to mouth, blows his money as soon as he receives it, and falls in love with a waitress named Camila Lopez. Their relationship is portrayed as a love-hate dynamic, filled with volatile emotions and irrational choices. As the plot unfolds, Camilla ends up in a mental institution and disappears into the desert, leaving Bandini grappling with his own shortcomings and desires.
The writing style of "Ask the Dust" is described as dark, beautifully told, and capturing the essence of 1930s Los Angeles. The novel is praised for its vivid portrayal of dive bars, cheap rooms, and the struggles of a young writer beset by love and affliction. The relationship between Bandini and Camilla is depicted as a blend of bitterness and warmth, with tragic characters and gorgeous prose creating a brief yet rewarding narrative that keeps readers engaged until the poignant ending.
One night I was sitting on the bed in my hotel room on Bunker Hill, down in the very middle of Los Angeles. It was an important night in my life, because I had to make a decision about the hotel. Eith... - #5
Save:'The Passion of Artemisia' by Susan Vreeland is a historical fiction novel that portrays the life of Artemisia Gentileschi, one of the few female post-Renaissance painters. The story delves into Artemisia's struggles as a woman artist in a male-dominated profession, her traumatic experience of being raped by her painting teacher, and the challenges she faced to earn respect for her work. Vreeland's writing style is described as descriptive, engaging, and successful in bringing to life the world of 17th-century Italy, with a focus on the art scene and the societal norms of the time.
The novel intertwines fact and fiction to provide a fictionalized biography of Artemisia Gentileschi, highlighting her unique perspective and influence on the art world. Readers are taken on a journey through Artemisia's life, from her early trials in Rome to her successes in Florence, portraying her as a strong and determined character who defied societal expectations. The book is praised for its vivid portrayal of Italy during that era, the descriptions of Artemisia's paintings, and the challenges she faced as a female artist, offering a glimpse into the struggles and triumphs of a remarkable historical figure.
My father walked beside me to give me courage, his palm touching gently the back laces of my bodice. In the low-angled glare already baking the paving stones of the piazza and the top of my head, the ... - #6
Save:Beneath the Underdog by Charles Mingus is an autobiography that delves into the life of the jazz musician, showcasing a mix of reality and tall tales. Mingus narrates his experiences, from his childhood to his life as a musician and even as a pimp, with a writing style that is open, honest, and conversational. The book provides insights into Mingus' personal life, including his relationships, struggles, and his unconventional lifestyle, giving readers a glimpse into the mind of a complex and multifaceted individual.
The book is a mix of vivid storytelling, philosophical musings, and raw authenticity, providing readers with a unique perspective on Charles Mingus' life and the jazz world of his time. Mingus' writing style is described as both captivating and controversial, as he shares his experiences with a blend of humor, drama, and introspection, creating a narrative that is both entertaining and thought-provoking.
‘In other words I am three. One man stands forever in the middle, unconcerned, unmoved, watching, waiting to be allowed to express what he sees to the other two. The second man is like a frightened an... - #7
Save:'Houdini Heart' by Ki Longfellow is a dark and psychological thriller that delves into the descent into madness of the protagonist, exploring themes of inner psychosis, seductive madness, and a world filled with increasing identifiableness and madness. The narrative unfolds through the first-person perspective of a distraught writer living in a decrepit hotel, leading the reader through a depressing stream of misery with rare moments of revelations that keep them engaged. The book weaves a tale of subtle horror, vivid imagery, and a mysterious plot that gradually entangles the reader in a bramble of madness they cannot escape.
The story oscillates between the glamor of Hollywood and a bucolic town in Vermont, inviting empathy for the protagonist as she leads the reader into her world of full-blown insanity. Longfellow's writing style is described as easy to read, with symbolism, metaphors, and subtext that rattles readers, creating a sense of quiet horror that is more chilling than the over-the-top variety. The book is praised for its mystery, lack of predictable elements, and its ability to shake readers up and leave them changed by the end.
This is as far as I’ve gotten. Two words staring back at me from my computer screen. I begin with no plans for this last novel, no treatment or outline. I haven’t even a theme (not that I have ever ha... - #8
Save:Letters to a Young Poet by Rainer Maria Rilke is a collection of ten letters written to a young aspiring poet, Franz Xaver Kappus. Rilke imparts his thoughts on living life to its fullest potential while staying true to oneself. The book provides insights into the philosophies of writing and life in general, offering practical advice, reflections on solitude, love, personal growth, and the nature of being an artist or a writer. Rilke's writing style is characterized by its wisdom, compassion, and poetic prose, delving into topics such as the value of solitude, the pursuit of art, and the essence of human existence.
Your letter only reached me a few days ago. Let me thank you for the great and endearing trust it shows. There is little more I can do. I cannot go into the nature of your verses, for any critical int... - #9His MasterpieceBook 14 in the series:Les Rougon-Macquart
Save:'His Masterpiece' by Emile Zola is a novel that delves into the art world of 19th-century Paris, focusing on the struggles of painter Claude Lantier and his relationships with fellow artists, friends, and his wife, Christine. The book explores themes of artistic genius, the challenges of gaining recognition in the art world, and the personal sacrifices made in pursuit of creative excellence. Through a realistic and gritty portrayal, Zola presents a narrative that highlights the brutality of life and the complexities of artistic expression.
Zola's writing style in 'His Masterpiece' is described as lucid, descriptive, and gripping, offering a detailed depiction of Paris and its landmarks as the characters navigate their lives and artistic endeavors. The novel features long debates on the nature of art and its societal role, adding layers of intellectual depth to the story while also creating an emotional richness through themes of tragedy, celebration, relationships, and intense sadness.
Claude was passing the Hôtel de Ville and the clock was just striking two when the storm broke. He was an artist and liked to ramble around Paris till the small hours, but wandering about the Halles o...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Les Rougon-Macquart ) - #10
Save:'Girl in a Band' by Kim Gordon is a memoir that delves into the life and career of the author as an indie rock musician, particularly her time as a member of the band Sonic Youth. The book provides insights into Gordon's personal life, including her childhood in Los Angeles, her experiences with family trauma, her relationships, and her journey in the music and art scenes. The writing style is described as honest, authentic, and real, with Gordon fearlessly sharing her personal stories and thoughts on various topics, such as her divorce, her artistic endeavors, and her reflections on the music industry.
IT’S FUNNY WHATyou remember, and why, or whether it even happened in the first place. My first take on Rochester, New York: gray skies, dark, colored leaves, empty rooms, no parents around, no one wat...
