You need to sign in or sign up before continuing.
Take a photo of a barcode or cover
3.8 AVERAGE
3.8 AVERAGE
reflective
relaxing
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Each day a man visits the Rijksmuseum to gaze at the painting Woman in Blue reading a letter. Captivated, he studies the painting for hours on end considering his past and present loves, but she is studying him back. Unknown to the men who gaze upon her, the Woman in Blue has her own story to tell.
Bruton delicately balances truth and fiction in this quiet novella filled with beauty and looking and love. Moving between present-day Amsterdam and Vermeer's studio in the 1600s, he muses on the intersection between artist and viewer, and what it might mean to inspire creation and be inspired by it in turn.
The act of looking — gazing — can often be portrayed in literature as something quite arresting. It's a skewering, a forceful pinning-down and assessment of a thing. But here all gazes are light, open and curious; there is all the transformative power of art without any jealous claim-staking. They brush against one another gently and then turn inwards, moved by what they've seen to think about their own lives and loves.
Both characters gradually reveal more about their lives beyond the painting, building to a satisfying and surprising conclusion. I'd have loved to spend longer on Leike, the Woman in Blue, and Katrijn's tender relationship, but pulling constantly back to the painting itself does keep the short story focussed.
The writing feels so soft and contemplative, like the painting, yet still manages to convey the complete hold it exerts on the viewer. It's a skillful portrayal of obsession without the frantic, feverish notes that would break the quiet of the story. Recommended for those who enjoy meditations on art and life, or simply seeking a moment of calm.
Thank you @fairlightbooks for this quiet, contemplative gem. Woman in Blue will be out on 20 Feb 2025!