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A review by geekyearthmama
Lesson in Red by Maria Hummel
4.0
Maria Hummel's Lessons in Red is a companion to Still Lives. This LA-based mystery occurs in the art scene of the early 2000 and focuses on how sexism and the desire to keep power and control the narrative and voice shape art and society. Protagonist Maggie Richter, an inspiring journalist who works for the Rocque Museum, is recruited to investigate the death of a rising artist, Brenae Brasil. Along the way, she grapples with her career, trying to save the Rocque and working to ensure Brenae Brasil's voice is heard.
In the end, I enjoyed this story. As I didn't read Still Lives, there were a few times I found myself wondering about the backstory. My guess is would be I would have a more detailed understanding of Maggie, her team at the Rocque and Ray, her quasi love interest, if I had read Still Lives first. The beginning was slow to start, and I found myself putting it down for other reads often. However, once I got into Maggie going undercover, things got more interesting.
While the characters are not as in-depth as I would have liked, they did show the ups, downs, and struggles of budding artists. I found the female artists to be the most captivating as they inserted themselves in a male-dominated art scene. The controversy of Brenae Brasil's art and death reflected all the female characters' pain and determination. It shows us that when it comes to sexism and patriarchy, our stories are different and intertwined together.
In the end, I enjoyed this story. As I didn't read Still Lives, there were a few times I found myself wondering about the backstory. My guess is would be I would have a more detailed understanding of Maggie, her team at the Rocque and Ray, her quasi love interest, if I had read Still Lives first. The beginning was slow to start, and I found myself putting it down for other reads often. However, once I got into Maggie going undercover, things got more interesting.
While the characters are not as in-depth as I would have liked, they did show the ups, downs, and struggles of budding artists. I found the female artists to be the most captivating as they inserted themselves in a male-dominated art scene. The controversy of Brenae Brasil's art and death reflected all the female characters' pain and determination. It shows us that when it comes to sexism and patriarchy, our stories are different and intertwined together.