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THE PASSION OF ARTEMISIA Reviewed by: Nancy
Mehl for MyShelf.com "At some times in our lives, our passion makes us perpetrators of hurt and loss. At other times we are the ones who are hurt - all in name of art. Sometimes we get what we want. Sometimes we pay for another to get what he or she wants." I looked at Palmira apologetically. "That's the way the world works." Artemisia Gentileschi from THE PASSION OF ARTEMISIA THE PASSION OF ARTEMISIA is the story of Italian artist Artemisia Gentileschi. (1593-1653). The novel opens with Artemisia as a teenager. She has been raped by her painting teacher, a friend of her father's, but keeps the secret of the outrage because he tells her he loves her and promises to marry her. Artemisia's father discovers the truth and files charges against Agostino Tassi. The young girl finds herself a participant in a papal court. Her cruel treatment at the hands of the court, the realization that her father's actions are not fueled by concern for her, but by his own selfish motives, and the release of her abuser, lead Artemisia to accept an arranged marriage to a stranger. However, she is grateful to leave Rome and go with her new husband to Florence, a city rich in artistic heritage. Artemisia attempts to follow her passion - her painting - while hoping that she can also finally find the kind of love that holds no betrayal or pain. But is there room for both in her life? And what will be the cost if she follows her dream? THE PASSION OF ARTEMISIA is another masterpiece painted from the heart of its author, Susan Vreeland. Like GIRL IN HYACINTH BLUE, Susan's previous novel, the reader is pulled into the dimness of the past and the existence of a world long gone. Susan breathes life into the shadows and brings Artemisia and those around her into vibrant and living color. Reading a novel penned by this great talent is like stepping out of one existence into another. Losing yourself in the stories that Susan Vreeland paints is a breath-taking and wonderful excursion - one everyone who loves to read should experience. THE PASSION OF ARTEMISIA has my very highest recommendation. ----- |
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