Books matching: struggling artist narrative
17 result(s)
Readers also searched for:
- #1
Save:Improbable as it may seem, photographer Robert Mapplethorpe and rock icon Patti Smith were the closest of friends from the time they arrived in Manhattan in the late 1960s. This memoir is about their friendship, their artistic coming of age, and a very particular time and place, Manhattan in the late 60s and early 70s. Patti Smith's writing has a very poetic quality to it, unsurprisingly, being an incredible lyricist and poet. The book delves into the NYC art scene of the late 60's and early 70s, providing a glimpse into the artistic and cultural time of that era.
WHEN I WAS VERY YOUNG, MY MOTHER TOOK ME FOR walks in Humboldt Park, along the edge of the Prairie River. I have vague memories, like impressions on glass plates, of an old boathouse, a circular band ... - #2
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... - #3
Save:The Widow's House by Carol Goodman is a modern gothic novel that follows the story of Clare and Jess Martin as they move to the Hudson River valley to rejuvenate their marriage and careers. Taking on a caretaker's job at the eerie Riven House, they uncover dark secrets and encounter strange occurrences, leading Clare to question her sanity and reality. As the tension builds and past tragedies resurface, the couple's relationship and Clare's perception are put to the test, culminating in a suspenseful and atmospheric tale of ghosts, mysteries, and psychological suspense.
- #4
Save:'The Fox and the Dryad' by Kellen Graves is a captivating standalone novel set in the same universe as the main Rowan Blood series, offering a modern twist on fey deals and complex relationships. The story follows the journey of Briar, a talented ballet dancer with a fierce personality, and Malric, a fey lord with a complicated past. Through beautiful prose and enchanting descriptions of dance performances, the book delves into themes of love, betrayal, and overcoming personal struggles, creating a world that is both whimsical and somber.
The author, Kellen Graves, skillfully weaves together intricate plotlines and well-developed characters, drawing readers into a world where fey and humans coexist in a modern setting. The book explores the depths of emotional trauma, mental health representation, and the power of found family dynamics, all while delivering a story that is both poignant and enthralling. With a perfect balance of romance, tenderness, and intrigue, 'The Fox and the Dryad' offers a unique perspective on the Rowan Blood world, leaving readers eager for more.
- #5
Save:'Extremities' by Kathe Koja is a collection of dark fantasy short stories that focus on character development and language. Koja's writing style emphasizes creating mood and atmosphere through her characters' extreme transformations, whether psychological or physical. The stories delve into the lives of sad and warped souls, offering experiences rather than definitive endings. Koja's prose is described as literary, with a strong emphasis on character and language, creating a surreal yet grounded world for her characters to inhabit.
- #6
Save:'The Favourite Game' by Leonard Cohen is a poetic and beautifully written novel that follows the journey of a young man, Lawrence Breavman, as he navigates his heritage, success, and isolation. The book delves into Breavman's rebellious nature and twisted sense of beauty, as well as his evolving relationships with women, portraying him as a complex and often conflicted character. The narrative, while at times confusing and non-linear, offers a glimpse into Breavman's coming of age story and his struggles with love, intimacy, and self-discovery.
Breavman knows a girl named Shell whose ears were pierced so she could wear the long filigree earrings. The punctures festered and now she has a tiny scar in each earlobe. He discovered them behind he... - #7
Save:"After Sappho" by Selby Wynn Schwartz is a richly woven tapestry of interconnected stories spanning different time periods and featuring both fictional and real excerpts from the lives of famous feminist artists from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The book delves into the history of women's rights in Italy, while exploring themes of desire, rage, and feminist ambition. Schwartz's writing style seamlessly blends history and fiction, creating a beautiful and thought-provoking narrative that lingers with the reader long after finishing the book.
The novel follows a lineage of creative Sapphic women who strive to break free from societal constraints in search of more freedom, time, connection, and ways to love. Through a mosaic of fragmented yet interconnected stories, readers are introduced to writers, dancers, playwrights, actresses, and painters who come alive on the page, inviting the reader to immerse themselves in the lives of these women as they navigate their desires and aspirations.
- #8
Save:'The Horse's Mouth' by Joyce Cary is a novel that delves into the life of Gully Jimson, a rascally old painter with a tumultuous relationship with his only patron. The story follows Jimson's struggles with poverty, social ineptitude, and his relentless pursuit of art. Cary's writing style immerses the reader in Jimson's chaotic world, filled with inventive prose, irresistible energy, and great fun. The novel explores themes of artistry, creativity, and the complexities of relationships, particularly Jimson's interactions with his former lover.
The plot of 'The Horse's Mouth' revolves around Jimson's eccentric behavior as he devotes himself to painting a remarkable mural while trying to reclaim one of his older paintings for financial support. Cary's narrative weaves together comedy, tragedy, love, and pathos, creating a rich and fruitful novel that captures the essence of a bohemian artist's life in mid-20th century Britain.
I was walking by the Thames. Half-past morning on an autumn day. Sun in a mist. Like an orange in a fried fish shop. All bright below. Low tide, dusty water and a crooked bar of straw, chicken-boxes, ... - #9
Save:'The Sun, the Moon, & the Stars' by Steven Brust is a unique fairy tale retelling that intertwines the stories of a group of struggling artists in a studio and a Hungarian folktale. The narrative explores the challenges faced by the artists as they navigate the complexities of the creative process, while also delving into themes of art theory and the pursuit of artistic excellence. The book is structured in a layered format, with chapters alternating between personal reflections, philosophical musings on art, present-day events in the studio, detailed descriptions of the painting process, the Hungarian fairy tale, and metaphorical reflections on life and art.
The writing style in 'The Sun, the Moon, & the Stars' is described as engaging, witty, and introspective, drawing readers into the artistic world of the characters. The author weaves together multiple storylines seamlessly, creating a rich tapestry of narratives that explore the parallels between the contemporary artist's journey and the timeless quest depicted in the Hungarian folktale. Through vivid descriptions and crisp dialogue, Brust captures the essence of the creative process, inviting readers to ponder the nature of art and inspiration.
- #10
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...
