Disobedient

LoveReading Says

Continuing the artist theme, my next recommendation is a book written by a wonderfully talented writer of historical fiction, Elizabeth Fremantle. This time, based on the true story of a real female artist. 

This is an exquisitely written novel, set in 17th century Rome about the extraordinary painter, Artemisia Gentileschi. Extraordinary because she was working at a time when women were mere chattels and to attempt to make her mark, to compete in a man's world and to go against her father's wishes was a dangerous game. 

Artemisia is the daughter of an artist. She grows up with brothers; her mother having died when she was small. She is the most talented of them all, but for now, she belongs to her father and in time, she will belong to a husband. But Artemisia dreams of being an artist in her own right. Then, a terrible wrong is done to her, and not only her future, but that of the fortunes of her family rest on her choice. To accept her fate and quietly submit to a life of misery, or to stand up and fight, and risk everything.

What a story, what a woman! Impeccably researched, beautifully told, this searingly powerful novel will keep you riveted from beginning to end. This is historical fiction at its very best.

Guest Editor, Louise Fein

LoveReading

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