Reviews

A Piece of the World by Christina Baker Kline

margueriteturley's review against another edition

5.0

This book was incredible. It is a very sad story, but the end is wonderful and I was in tears by the last few pages. I have always been drawn to the painting Christina's World, so this was something I really wanted to read. I was fascinated by the premise, and I love history with a fictional twist that delves into the characters' lives. I loved Orphan Train and this story was even better!!!

bink_64's review against another edition

4.0

A Piece of the World is a fictionalized story of American painter’s Andrew Wyeth’s muse Christina Olsen for his most famous work “Christina’s World”.
Ms. Baker-Kline has interwoven fact and fiction beautifully to bring this story to life. It reads like an artist bringing a painting to life from first sketches to fine oils applied to canvas. At first, you can only get a hint of what the artist is trying to convey and by the time you see the canvas you understand what the story is. Rich images of American life in the early 1900’s, the hardships that Christina endures due to her physical limitations, the emotions she feels all make for a good read.

slowell28's review against another edition

4.0

one word: idyllic. never thought a small coastal town in maine in the early 1900s would be so interesting. got this from the little library and enjoyed every bit

ndeniseg105's review against another edition

3.0

Very touching story. It starts off slow, but was ultimately a rewarding read.

sdelcharco's review against another edition

4.0

It took me a bit to get into this book even though it’s very readable. I found myself cringing at some of the scenes in pain for Christina. However, her pride frustrated me and towards the end I wanted to just shake her! I did enjoy this fictional telling of the backstory behind the painting. I do remember studying it in Art History class in college.

ginny2024's review against another edition

4.0

I received a copy of this book in exchange for a fair review. I really enjoyed it and had a hard time putting it down. It's well written and researched, the descriptions so crisp that you are in the scene. The sadness of the story at times overwhelming. I highly recommend the book.

claire428's review against another edition

informative reflective sad slow-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

3.5

lottie1803's review against another edition

challenging emotional reflective sad slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

ninasbooks57's review against another edition

3.0

I had a hard time liking Christina- I understand her handicap and admire her independent attitude but she also was cruel. I feel she was worried a lot of being left alone but she would have alienated me right away! I feel she was not a very likable person. I felt sorry for her family!!

ccoe119's review against another edition

adventurous emotional informative relaxing fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

I have read fictional stories about real people before but never one about a person who most people know nothing about. To me, this piece of fiction will always be Christina’s world. It may or may not be like the one she lives but to me this is the story of Christina Olsen.