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votesforwomen's review
4.0
This was a very quick read about a tough and timely subject.
-Written in verse
-Heartbreaking
-This was a real time in history and while I do think things have improved greatly, we should NEVER forget that women are more than possessions
-Artemisia was a real person. Which is absolutely heartbreaking
-The prose is gorgeous
-Although a little hard to follow at time?
-Easy to get through in terms of the writing...hard to look away
-Stories of Susanna and Judith woven in beautifully
-I can't really recommend this because it's SO TOUGH wow but also. So relevant and saddening.
3.75 stars-ish? And definitely content warning as regards some fairly graphic treatment of women.
-Written in verse
-Heartbreaking
-This was a real time in history and while I do think things have improved greatly, we should NEVER forget that women are more than possessions
-Artemisia was a real person. Which is absolutely heartbreaking
-The prose is gorgeous
-Although a little hard to follow at time?
-Easy to get through in terms of the writing...hard to look away
-Stories of Susanna and Judith woven in beautifully
-I can't really recommend this because it's SO TOUGH wow but also. So relevant and saddening.
3.75 stars-ish? And definitely content warning as regards some fairly graphic treatment of women.
ame_celest's review
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
smalefowles's review
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
ryliereadss's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
Another book with heavy topics! This is a historical verse novel that talks about the r*pe of Artemisia. Some poems are also told by her mother, who has passed away, when she told Artemisia stories about Judith and Savanna. Artemisia feels used by the men in her life and ignored by her brothers. The poems were good, they were formatted so you know who’s talking based on where the text is on the page and it’s italicized, and I liked the stories of Judith and Savanna. I thought the book ended super abruptly.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual assault, Murder, and Rape
rballenger's review
4.0
Type of read: Commuter Read.
What made me pick it up: Looking for books to fulfill the April TN R.E.A.D.S challenges (book by a debut author).
Overall rating: 'Blood Water Paint' is a beautiful writing of finding yourself and your voice. I went into this book having zero expectations and was very happy I've added this to my read pile. I know I'm saying that a lot this year but I'm really trying to choose books that fit the different challenges I'm doing through my various book clubs and reading organizations and not necessarily just staying in the regular stacks that I look for books. Artemisia takes us through her journey of strength, perseverance, and using her voice and talents to serve herself and not those that simply want to use her for their own benefit. There are a number of additional storylines that Artemisia draws inspiration from and I really enjoyed hearing those stories and seeing how they impacted Artemisia and her decisions. I would absolutely suggest 'Blood Water Paint' being sure to let the reader know there are some adult themes and that the writing is a bit more formal (which makes sense for when the book takes place so it didn't bother me).
Reader's Note: 'Blood Water Paint' includes themes of violence and rape.
What made me pick it up: Looking for books to fulfill the April TN R.E.A.D.S challenges (book by a debut author).
Overall rating: 'Blood Water Paint' is a beautiful writing of finding yourself and your voice. I went into this book having zero expectations and was very happy I've added this to my read pile. I know I'm saying that a lot this year but I'm really trying to choose books that fit the different challenges I'm doing through my various book clubs and reading organizations and not necessarily just staying in the regular stacks that I look for books. Artemisia takes us through her journey of strength, perseverance, and using her voice and talents to serve herself and not those that simply want to use her for their own benefit. There are a number of additional storylines that Artemisia draws inspiration from and I really enjoyed hearing those stories and seeing how they impacted Artemisia and her decisions. I would absolutely suggest 'Blood Water Paint' being sure to let the reader know there are some adult themes and that the writing is a bit more formal (which makes sense for when the book takes place so it didn't bother me).
Reader's Note: 'Blood Water Paint' includes themes of violence and rape.
deutschemausi's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.0
I really wanted to like this book. I love poetry, especially about harder subject matters. And historical fiction is definitely something I enjoy. But I don’t think I was a fan of the writing style. To have “normal” writing styles in between the poems was a bit confusing and honestly I’m still a little confused. My favorite part of the book was the historical facts the author put in the back 😅
erinlikestoread's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
3.75
beatricehill's review
dark
emotional
informative
sad
medium-paced
4.0
This is a book that will certainly make you mad. Hopefully, that anger will propel you to learn more about the historical figure at the center of this book, Artemisia Gentilsechi, a prominent Italian artist in the 1600s. She was famous for depicting women in an authentic way and for capturing dynamic coloring to her paintings. Gentilsechi frequently highlighted other brave and resilient women throughout history in her work. This is a sad book but important storytelling that depicts how women have been silenced and controlled throughout history. This story is mainly told in free verse (a couple prose chapters sprinkled throughout). Gentilsechi is the center of the story. Two of her most famous subjects, Susana and Judith, provide Artemisia strength to live her truth.
mistress_of_fire's review
It became too much emotionally.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship
Moderate: Child abuse
Minor: Grief, Adult/minor relationship, Child abuse, Injury/Injury detail, Rape, and Domestic abuse