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shirleytupperfreeman's review against another edition
As with her popular book, Orphan Train, Christina Baker Kline, develops her story around a piece of history. The model for Andrew Wyeth's famous painting, Christina's World, was Christina Olson from Cushing, Maine. Christina had a degenerative disease which eventually left her unable to walk. Rather than accept help, even in the form of a wheelchair, Christina preferred to crawl. Painter Andrew Wyeth developed a 'kindred spirit' relationship with Christina and her brother and used them, and their old-fashioned farm, as inspiration for much of his work. It will be fun to see the painting sometime after 'knowing' the model. I found the story a little slow at first - perhaps because Christina's life was so circumscribed. Kline portrays Christina as a tough survivor who isn't particularly charming but is capable of deep relationships.
mschrock8's review against another edition
4.0
This book reminded me of "Where the Crawdads Sing" in how isolated Christina was.
"A lady doesn't reach into her pocket in view of others." I hadn't known!
"A lady doesn't reach into her pocket in view of others." I hadn't known!
wrasea's review against another edition
4.0
"My heart is shattered, and all that's left are jagged shards."
Beautiful. This book breaks your heart and puts it back together at the same time. Audiobook narration is fantastic.
Beautiful. This book breaks your heart and puts it back together at the same time. Audiobook narration is fantastic.
jackielayla's review against another edition
4.0
A very intriguing read for me. I grew up in Chadds Ford, PA - Andrew Wyeth country and the painting, Christina’s World, is a painting I have admired since I was a child. This story about Christina - the subject of the painting as well as the time and circumstances Wyeth spent drawing and painting her, her brother, their house, and their land was fascinating for me to read and learn about.
emilyesnyder's review against another edition
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
2.0
sroot45's review against another edition
3.0
I listened to the audio version of this book and the narration was excellent. I enjoyed the story and the characters, and would definitely recommend it. Especially if you have an appreciation for art and art history. However, for me, there are some books I read that I can't wait to get back to, and this wasn't one of them. I think because, while I did empathize with the characters, I didn't really get drawn into their world. Overall, however, well done.
geisttull's review against another edition
3.0
I was looking forward to this book because I have fond memories of the painting, but I was a bit disappointed. The book was slow moving and I didn't connect to the characters in a strong way.
ashleysilver7's review against another edition
4.0
I was only slightly aware of the painting "Christina's World" by Andrew Wyeth. The muse, Christina, was a very interesting woman and from a very interesting family. This is by and large her story, and the painting is woven in.
Andrew Wyeth visited Cushing, Maine, and the outskirts as a 20 year old man. He came to know Christina and her brother, Al, who lived together in a large home that had been in the family for 200 years. Interestingly, Christina's family were descended from the notorious Judge Hathorne from the Salem Witch Trials. Like another famous descendent, Nathaniel Hawthorne, the Christina's family also changed the spelling of their name. Theydropped the "e" at the end of their name (bec0ming Hathorn) to hopefully sever ties from the infamous judge.
Christina struggled from a debilitating disease, and you can see that if you really study the painting by Wyeth. I admit, I did not previous know that, but I also did not do much research, study, or even artistic contemplation/appreciation of Christina's World prior to reading this novel. However, thanks to Christina Baker's beautiful story-telling, I want to learn more about Andrew Wyeth, and would even love to learn more about this family home (which is now a landmark) in Cushing, Maine.
Andrew Wyeth visited Cushing, Maine, and the outskirts as a 20 year old man. He came to know Christina and her brother, Al, who lived together in a large home that had been in the family for 200 years. Interestingly, Christina's family were descended from the notorious Judge Hathorne from the Salem Witch Trials. Like another famous descendent, Nathaniel Hawthorne, the Christina's family also changed the spelling of their name. Theydropped the "e" at the end of their name (bec0ming Hathorn) to hopefully sever ties from the infamous judge.
Christina struggled from a debilitating disease, and you can see that if you really study the painting by Wyeth. I admit, I did not previous know that, but I also did not do much research, study, or even artistic contemplation/appreciation of Christina's World prior to reading this novel. However, thanks to Christina Baker's beautiful story-telling, I want to learn more about Andrew Wyeth, and would even love to learn more about this family home (which is now a landmark) in Cushing, Maine.
gardenreadermom's review against another edition
dark
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
valerie87's review against another edition
5.0
As a huge Wyeth fan, I was very interested to read this book. I grew up with Christina’s World on our wall and she was always a mystery to me. Even though this is a book of fiction, it is based on a history and facts uncovered by Baker Kline in the writing of this book. Truly fascinating and hard to put down.