Living with him was like living at the center of the universe—electrifying, humbling, blissful, and destructive. In 1936 Paris, Dora Maar, a gifted photographer, painter, and poet, is captivated by Pablo Picasso's intense gaze. Their passionate relationship, marked by elements of sadism and masochism, pushes her to the brink. This fictionalized retelling explores Dora's journey of self-discovery amidst her tumultuous love affair with the renowned artist, set against the backdrop of Paris and the French Riviera, where they mingled with fellow artists. Picasso, a genius who defied conventions in both art and relationships, complicates Dora's life by refusing to divorce his wife and engaging in affairs with her friends. The Spanish Civil War exacerbates his depression and violence, culminating in his iconic painting "Guernica," which Dora documents. As darkness envelops their relationship, intensified by the onset of World War II and the Nazi invasion, Dora suffers a nervous breakdown and is hospitalized. Atmospheric and moving, this novel ensures that Dora, often overshadowed by Picasso, is recognized for her talent and struggles. Praise highlights its literary merit and the raw portrayal of a woman's obsessive relationship with a controlling artist, offering a compelling glimpse into the life of a talented individual striving for recognition in a male-dominated world.
Louisa Treger Book order (chronological)
Louisa Treger transitions from a career as a classical violinist to a devoted literary scholar, holding a PhD focused on early twentieth-century women's writing. This academic background informs her distinctive approach to storytelling, blending a nuanced understanding of historical context with a keen insight into human nature. Her novels explore societal expectations and the inner lives of her characters with lyrical prose and compelling narratives. Treger's work invites readers to delve into richly drawn worlds and complex emotional landscapes.
"In 1887, young Nellie Bly sets out for New York and a career in journalism, determined to make her way as a serious reporter, whatever that may take. But life in the city is tougher than she imagined. Down to her last dime and desperate to prove her worth, she comes up with a dangerous plan: to fake insanity and have herself committed to the asylum on Blackwell's Island. There, she will work undercover to expose the asylum's wretched conditions. But when the asylum door swings shut behind her, she finds herself in a place of horrors, governed by a cruelty she could never have imagined. Cold, isolated and starving, her days of terror reawaken the traumatic events of her childhood. She entered the asylum of her own free will - but will she ever get out?"--Amazon.com