Set in the coastal town of Cushing, Maine, this novel imagines the life of Christina Olson, the subject of Andrew Wyeth’s painting Christina’s World. Living in a deteriorating farmstead with her brother Alva, Christina navigates the physical limitations caused by a childhood illness that leaves her unable to walk. The narrative tracks her family history over decades, detailing her missed opportunities for romance and her eventual meeting with Wyeth. As the young artist sets up a studio in her home, he begins to document her isolated existence and the rugged landscape through his sketches.
Readers who enjoy historical fiction rooted in art history will value the detailed depiction of early 20th-century rural life and the creative process. The book appeals to those interested in the psychological dynamics between a painter and their muse. Rather than focusing on grand events, the story centers on the internal fortitude required to endure physical disability and social solitude. A reader finishes the book with a specific understanding of the real-world locations and personal struggles that inspired one of America’s most recognizable realist artworks.
Balanced in tone; an easy read.
Best for readers like The Story Seeker. Which reader are you?
- Published
- 2017
- Language
- EN
