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There are currently 25 member reviews
for The Lost Notebook of Edouard Manet
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Nancy C. (The Villages, FL)
The Lost Notebook of Édouard Manet
This is a very different novel written as a diary. It takes place during the end of Manet's life as he is suffering from complications of syphilis. While he tries out different "cures", he focuses on nature and the everyday beauty of his existence. We also learn about the artistic, political upheaval that Manet is experiencing.
It is interesting to read someone's notebook and learn their inner most fears and desires even though this is a fictionalized journal.
I would suggest this book to anyone who likes Manet and the art world of his time.
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Julie Z. (Oak Park, IL)
The Lost Notebook of Édouard Manet by Maureen Gibbon
Told in the form of a notebook, this diary of the later years of Edouard Manet is both lovely and sad. Sad in that his later years are plagued with syphilis and the accompanying decline, but lovely in the memories reflected. Manet is determined to finish a final work- A Bar at the Folies-Bergere (coincidentally one of my favorite works of the age). We read of his attempts to paint while suffering severe health issues and traveling back and forth between a sanitarium where he receives treatment and Paris, where he works. The allusions to nature are lovely, as are the actual sketches reproduced in the notebook. I received an ARC of this novel in exchange for a review.
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Virginia P. (Tallahassee, FL)
The Lost Notebook of Edouard Manet
For those who like imaginary thoughts about an actual person's life, they will like this book. As I prefer factual accounts, I prefer biographies. That being said, perhaps the prospective reader can make a decision on whether or not to read the book. The diary did give the flavor of France along with that of the artist and his work.
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Gail Fisher
Sad to Say
I did not find this book very interesting. Yes it did contain the day to day thoughts of the artist in his last years but I found it very slow and difficult to remain engrossed. Sketches, paintings, on each page might have helped.
