Vreeland, Susan: 1946-2017
Life Studies, 2004 - Information about the Book
- General Information
- The novel is a series of eight story-chapters about how people in Amsterdam came to possess the painting called Girl in Hyacinth Blue. The novel starts in the present when a math teacher confides in a colleague, an art teacher, about a painting that he owns.
- Vreeland’s battle with lymphoma and her recovery period profoundly impacted her perspective on beauty, resilience, and spirituality. During her treatment, she developed a heightened appreciation for the details of the world around her, which translated into the vivid descriptions of art and nature in her stories.Developed by AI
- Facts
- Awards: "Life Studies" hasn't won any major literary awards.
- Impressionist and Post-Impressionist Art
Several stories revolve around famous painters like Renoir, Monet, van Gogh, and others, though told from the perspective of those on the periphery - their lovers, servants, children, etc. These stories provide insight into the personal lives and creative processes of the artists.Art's Transformative Power
A central theme is how encounters with art can profoundly affect and even transform people's perspectives and sense of self-worth. Characters like a disillusioned banker, a wife who models nude, and a young girl facing death all experience art's healing and enlightening effects on the soul.Ordinary People's Experiences with Art
Rather than focusing solely on the artists themselves, Vreeland explores how ordinary people without formal art education can have deep, meaningful experiences with art and be impacted by its transcendent power.Blending of Historical and Contemporary Stories
While some stories are set in the past with the Impressionist painters, others take place in modern times, showing art's continued relevance. Vreeland links the historical and contemporary tales thematically to create a cohesive collection.Vreeland's Writing Process
In an interview, Vreeland reveals the stories grew organically over 12 years rather than from a preconceived plan. She aimed to find connections and unifying themes among the individual stories during the writing process.By rendering the human experiences surrounding great art through fictionalized accounts, Vreeland provides a unique lens into the world of visual arts and their profound ability to touch people's lives across different eras.
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- "Life Studies" is generally perceived as a well-received and critically acclaimed collection of short stories. The book focuses on individuals connected to or influenced by Impressionist and Post-Impressionist painters, exploring the intersection of art and ordinary life.
The collection is praised for its fresh and imaginative approach to fictional portraits, as noted by Publishers Weekly. It became a Los Angeles Times bestseller, indicating its popularity among readers. The book also won the Theodor Geisel Award for Best Book Published in 2005 at the San Diego Book Awards, further cementing its positive reception.
Critics have highlighted the book's ability to demonstrate the vital role aesthetics plays in everyday life. Kirkus Reviews described the collection as "stimulating and enriching," noting that it reminds readers that "the bountiful promise of art is everywhere".
The stories in Life Studies are appreciated for their exploration of how art can help people through various life challenges, including grief, confusion, and loneliness. The book is seen as successfully balancing historical stories about people connected to famous artists with contemporary tales of individuals encountering art in meaningful ways.
Overall, Life Studies is perceived as a thoughtful and engaging work that makes art accessible and relevant to ordinary people, showcasing Vreeland's skill in weaving together art history and human experience.
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- Commentary
- Commentary from around the time of its publication highlights its strengths and appeal. It praises the collection as "stimulating and enriching," noting its ability to remind readers of "the bountiful promise of art" everywhere. It singles out stories like "Olympia’s Look" (about Manet’s widow confronting his past) and "The Yellow Jacket" (likely tied to van Gogh) as standouts, appreciating the warmth and depth Vreeland brings to her characters. However, it also suggests that some of the modern stories feel "overschematic," implying a slight unevenness in execution.
Publishers Weekly (October 18, 2004) lauds Vreeland’s "painterly eye" and her knack for vivid sensory detail, especially in historical pieces like Monet’s gardener witnessing the burning of water lily paintings. It acknowledges the research grounding the first eight stories, while noting that the contemporary tales sometimes stretch the theme of art’s influence a bit thin. Still, it calls the best stories "luminous," aligning with Vreeland’s intent to reveal art’s healing power.
The book’s reception reflects Vreeland’s established niche as a chronicler of art’s human side. Critics appreciated her accessible prose and the way she weaves historical fact with fiction, though some felt the shift to modern settings was less cohesive. If you’re looking for a deeper dive into a specific story or aspect—like Vreeland’s research process or a particular artist’s portrayal—let me know, and I can tailor this further!Developed by AI
- Review
- Stimulating and enriching: "Cumulatively, however, the collection reminds us that the bountiful promise of art is everywhere." Kirkus Reviews; January 1, 2005
- Paintings