Were you familiar with Wyeth’s painting, Christina’s World before you read the book? How did that impact on your reading?

Discuss the ways in which Andrew Wyeth's iconic painting Christina's World interacts with this story. Were you familiar with the painting before you read the novel? How did that familiarity (or lack of familiarity) color your reading of the novel?

I was familiar with Andrew Wyeth's painting as I have been to several Wyeth museum shows and have long enjoyed his art. Coincidentally when my first child was born, a print of that painting was on the wall in my room which I considered an odd choice for the maternity floor; however that probably piqued my interest in reading the book. I felt that the introduction of Wyeth as Christina's friend was a bit contrived, did not ring true as something that would really happen.

I have always loved this painting and have also always wondered about the backstory. I don’t think it colored my reading of the novel other than I was excited to read it given my love of the painting

I was familiar with Andrew Wyeth and Christina’s World. I did not however know the story behind the picture.
I think it made me more curious to learn more about Christina and Andrew Wyeth. I think it made the story that much more interesting.

I was familiar with the painting and it made the book that more meaningful to me while I was reading it.

I was familiar with the painting and always wondered about its backstory, so the story was just what I was looking for.

I was familiar with the painting, but did go back and take a closer look, as well as look up a bit about Wyeth and his father.

The painting was one of my favorite paintings which is why I wanted to read the book. It did not really explain to me the meaning of the painting other than the view of the author’s explanation. It would be interesting to know Wyeth explanation

I was familiar with the book and because of that I was compelled to read the book. I had never thought about the girl in the painting as being disabled before but it did seem to make sense after reading the book. It made the painting more interesting to me.

I wanted to read the book because Christina's World is a familiar painting. I was curious as to how Kline, a fellow observer, would interpret what she saw in it.

Yes, I was familiar with the painting as my mother had a copy of it decoupaged onto a piece of wood and she knew that it was of a disabled woman that lived near Wyeth's summer home in ME. That introduced me to his work and I have been a fan of his ever since. Thus, when this book was published I knew I wanted to read it to learn more about him and about Christina and the painting.

I wasn't at all, but as I got into the story I was moved to look at it, and then to research more about the artist and his work.

I wasn't familiar with Wyeths painting but I knew he was a painter. Now that I have read this book, I want to see more of his work.

Yes, I was familiar with the painting. I always thought it was intriguing and wondered why a girl was lying in the grass. I really enjoyed reading about her.

I had seen the painting a couple of times but wasn't familiar with the artist or the background of the painting so it didn't really impact my reading much. I didn't google anything about the artist until after I read the book. I didn't want to spoil it or spend time comparing/contrasting fact/fiction while reading the book

I was familiar with the painting but I didn’t know the history of the artist or the setting. The author did a great job creating a story behind the picture.

I was familiar with the painting and always wondered what the backstory was. I always thought the girl/woman in the painting looked so alone and seemed to be longing for something. Although the book is part fiction, it gave me answers to my questions about her.

I was vaguely familiar with it before but not enough to have it affect my reading. When I finished the book I read that Ms. Kline would periodically go to MOMA to see the painting and watch other visitors reactions to the work. I have a trip scheduled for NYC this weekend and plan to stop by MOMA (which I have been to many times but never remember seeing the painting) to take a look.

I'd be interested in what you think, SusanC.

I saw Christina's World at MOMA last year. It's an amazing painting. The egg tempera technique is incredibly detailed. But I was very surprised by where they have positioned the painting. It's not in a main gallery but almost on a corridor near the stairs, escalator and some bathrooms. I wonder why??

Yes, I was very familiar with this mysterious painting, and was thrilled to see that someone had actually written a book about the woman in the painting. Although it is fiction, the author engaged in voluminous research prior to writing this book, trying to write dialog and situations that would seem plausible to the readers (not to mention the interior 'thoughts' of the main character (Christina). Even though I was familiar with the painting, I knew nothing at all about what motivated Wyeth to paint it, or about the long-standing relationship he had with the Olson family, even having a studio in their house. As a was reading the book, I would often do research on my own about various Wyeth-related topics to help me understand the book better.This wasn't necessary to appreciate Kline's novel, it's just how I am...

Yes, I had heard of and seen photos of the painting and was familiar with the art of both Wyeths. It’s an interesting concept, coming up with a novel from a painting, and one which I wonder if this author or other authors will repeat.

I am also familiar with the painting Christina's World by Andrew Wyeth. Liking this painting and having read The Girl with the Pearl Earring I was anxious to read Kline's novel. When I first started reading the it I did some research on Wiki to help me determine what was from Wyeth's life and what was fictionalized. Just like susank. It was interesting to learn that Andrew actually knew Christina and her brother through his wife. Also that he did have an art studio in Christina's home. I wonder what other paintings have a connection like this?

I was not really familiar with this painting. I have the feeling a have seen it somewhere, however, it probably not the type of act I would have paid a lot of attention to. Since I did not know the story, this was all new to me. I did enjoy finding this out and now will pay more intention to this painting. I liked that louisee looked up more info about the painter. I am going to do that.