A mesmerizing tale of art and passion in Belle Époque FranceAs a woman, aspiring sculptor Camille Claudel has plenty of critics, especially her ultra-traditional mother. But when Auguste Rodin makes Camille his apprentice—and his muse—their passion inspires groundbreaking works. Yet, Camille’s success is overshadowed by her lover’s rising star, and her obsessions cross the line into madness.
Rodin’s Lover brings to life the volatile love affair between one of the era’s greatest artists and a woman entwined in a tragic dilemma she cannot escape. [provided by the author]
Attention reviewers: The author said, “A little sex, but tasteful”
[historical fiction/ women’s fiction]
Release date: January 27, 2015
at Plume/Penguin
at Plume/Penguin
320 pages
ISBN: 978-0142181751
*****
I am not going to beat around the bush with this review, let me just say that I loved it! This is Heather Webb's 2nd novel and she is on a roll.
The story of Camille Claudel is a new one to me, she is strong, knows what she wants and goes after it. She doesn't conform to the standards of society and of course, this isn't without repercussions.
Auguste Rodin was also portrayed in a manner that brought his character to life. With feeling and emotion I found myself caring for these two and the direction their lives took them, with all the struggle, headache and loneliness.
The story of Camille Claudel is a new one to me, she is strong, knows what she wants and goes after it. She doesn't conform to the standards of society and of course, this isn't without repercussions.
Rejected by her family Camille encounters the roughness of Paris in this well crafted novel. It is very evident that the author knows this time period quite well. Not just the environment and lifestyle but all to do with the art of scrupling. Camille's character was well developed and there was depth that brought her to life.A hearty laugh rumbled in his throat. How she liked to make him laugh. He didn't seem put off by her provincial speech and brash nature - a good thing, as she had no intention of changing herself for anyone. She knew who she was.
Auguste Rodin was also portrayed in a manner that brought his character to life. With feeling and emotion I found myself caring for these two and the direction their lives took them, with all the struggle, headache and loneliness.
I was a big art fan before this book, I have never heard of Rodin nor Camille and while reading this book I found it very hard not to google until I was finished. Suffice to say that Paris is now on my bucket list as well as the different museums that house the works of these two artists.He moved the umbrella to the side and let the cold rain wash over his face. He must seize his passions while he had the time, and allow emotion to flood his soul, feel the rain on his face. Taste the sweet fruit of elusive love. Such precious, short time there was.
ADVANCE PRAISE
“Dazzling!….. In Rodin’s Lover, author Heather Webb brings
to life, with vivid detail, the story of brilliant and tormented
sculptress Camille Claudel and the epic love affair with the legendary
sculptor who worshiped her. Deeply moving and meticulously researched,
this book will capture your heart, then hold it tightly long after the
final page.” –Anne Girard, author of Madame Picasso
“A rich, sensuous novel…[was] written with great empathy for the very human Rodin and his lover, this novel of the visceral world of the 19th century Paris ateliers, of clay-stained dresses and fingernails, lithe models who vow to remain and then go, family love which stays through all difficulties and talent which endures, comes vividly to life.” --Stephanie Cowell, author of Claude & Camille: A Novel of Monet
“A rich, sensuous novel…[was] written with great empathy for the very human Rodin and his lover, this novel of the visceral world of the 19th century Paris ateliers, of clay-stained dresses and fingernails, lithe models who vow to remain and then go, family love which stays through all difficulties and talent which endures, comes vividly to life.” --Stephanie Cowell, author of Claude & Camille: A Novel of Monet
***
Heather Webb is the author of historical novels BECOMING JOSEPHINEand RODIN’S LOVER published by Plume/Penguin,
a freelance editor, and blogger.
You may also find her contributing to award-winning writing sites
including WriterUnboxed and RomanceUniversity.org.
When not writing,
Heather flexes her foodie skills
and looks for excuses to head to the other side of the world.
Visit her website and her blog. Follow her on Facebook, Twitter
Subscribe to her newsletter.
Buy the book: Plume/Penguin | Amazon | B&N | IndieBound
***
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Review + Interview at Jorie Loves A Story
Review + Giveaway at Indiereadergirl0329
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thanks for your very nice words on this wonderful new historical novel by Heather Webb. I enjoyed revisiting Camille's works on the internet after reading it too. Emma
ReplyDeleteI am looking forward to reading Rodin's Lover. I've heard such good things about it. It's always interesting to learn about the nature of any artist aside from his talent.
ReplyDeleteCarol L
Lucky47560 (at) aol (dot) com