Gee Wiz, it’s almost Christmas, and one more thing I’ve been taken up with is completing the promise I made to myself at the beginning of the year: to read and review the books I purchased.
If you don’t already know, I’m a very slow reader, and most of the books I purchase are paperbacks. This works for me.
A few months into the year, I purchased Victorine— a debut novel by Drema Drudge. But I must confess, I started it several times, each time just getting to page seven and setting it aside. I was not happy with the whiff of idiosyncrasies of the protagonist I got from those first pages, and I couldn’t read about a character I could not open my heart to yet.
I know: very uncultured, lacking grace, and worst– I call myself a lover of words? A non-judgmental person? What a hypocrite! Besides, I really had no idea who this Victorine Meurent was in the art world and riddled with tech issues I vowed to resolve on my own (all valid excuses), phew! The book had to wait.
Something similar happened to me when I attempted Virginia Woolf’s To The Lighthouse: Had it for years but couldn’t find the right frequency to sublimate what I thought the words of an author of such caliber should sound. The first few pages were confusing, with too much going on simultaneously. I could not find purchase on what the writer was trying to tell me precisely. And so To The Lighthouse sat.
And then I recalled how once I gave in to my initial discomfort with Virginia’s tone, let it wash over me, let her show me the rhythm and frequency, my nostrils enlarged, my eyebrows peaked, and I found myself savoring the new flavor of the string of words. I could not get enough of it. And so it was that I dug into Victorine.
I am ashamed. So very ashamed for dragging my feet with this book. I cannot believe myself for putting it off for so long. The writing is superb, and the story is fascinating. And as I read, I developed a hunger for works of art Drema Drudge was describing to me. I researched them all, held Victorine to my chest, and rubbed the book’s back as if I was trying to burp my baby, who’d finally fallen asleep in my arms as I (not the baby) gobbled up beautiful words from the pages.
Oh, my heart, Ms. Drudge, I bow to you. I’ve never been through something in a book quite as cathartic as I did with yours. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for writing this book. It spoke to me in more ways than you’ll ever know. I will never forget Victorine and never again allow myself to stall on the first seven pages.
This is My Story.
You probably already know the history behind Édouard Manet’s: His Story
Now let me tell you what I think of Author Drema Drudge’s novel: Her Story,
and about Édouard Manet’s model, Ms. Victorine Meurent’s: Her Story.
My Review On Amazon:
Read this book, dear people.
> “Pretty cups and cheerful hats are made to mollify women,” opines Victorine… <
Imagine being born and raised in a city as beautiful as Paris, where every aspect of life reminds you that art is alive and kicking: Life IS art! Society prompts every woman to look beautiful because, who knows, you might get a request to pose as a model for one of the big names of the time. Just maybe. But like we know about HIStory, women are still just beautiful commodities who, if they were to become anything, do so after a nod from their men. And that applies mainly to the well-to-do. And this works perfectly.
But then imagine that you’re not one of the lucky rich ones– handicapped by fate with parents of meager status, who, when you declare you will not go to school, don’t argue or insist because with you out of school, you can help them meet monetary demands of life: you can earn your keep. And to top it off, you are brilliant and opinionated, restless and passionate about art, and come with a third eye that peers straight into the disparity of the day. AND, you have a dream– a dream that you must make come true, even if it kills you. Imagine that!
Well, that is the setup where we meet our protagonist, Victorine Meurent.
In her debut novel, Victorine, Drema Drudge tells us THEstory of this extraordinary woman, decades ahead of her time, who would have gone unnoticed if it weren’t for her, shall we say, luck? Red-haired and petite Victorine. And so young– Édouard Manet chooses her to be his model.
Artist and model enter into a collaboration, a communion of sorts. Wow! I slapped my hand to my mouth when I “read” this happening, as I saw the genius of the Writer honing her art. (I do not know how much of this is ‘history,’ but I’m enamored with the way the Writer made this Victorine’s ‘HERstory’
I loved how observant and hungry Victorine was that she absorbed Manet’s painting techniques and ‘artfully’ challenged his perception of women.
Then Manet paints her as Olympia (capturing for us her direct gaze) and in Luncheon on the Grass. Nude. Scandalous! And her beloved, art-crazy Paris turns on her. Well, to repair her reputation, she begins to model for Alfred Stevens, an un-scandalous artist who makes pretty paintings of her. Girl power while remaining authentic. War ensues. She survives that and more and attains her dream to go to art school and get this– Victorine triumphs by surpassing the master when her work is exhibited and not Manet’s.
But there’s so much more to Herstory. And I wish to encourage you to read it from top to finish. Drema Drudge tells it in the first person, this historical fiction is a delight: her prose, writing is superb, the storyline engrossing. And you will want to check out the art pieces she mentions in the story. I adored pausing to check them out and promptly returned to the novel. Fascinating. Way to go, Ms.Drudge!
“In Paris, beauty is everything and everywhere.” I’m over the moon happy about purchasing the paperback book, and while I wish I’d read it many moons ago when I bought it, I’m replete now that I know the story from beginning to end. Five stars from me. And this review will go on my blog as well. I totally enjoyed this realistic historical fiction novel, Victorine by Drema Drudge, and I recommend it wholeheartedly.
xo, Selma xo
Art attributes: Édouard Manet, Public domain, via WikimediaCommons
Picture of the book: by yours truly.
Thanks for reading, and I hope this review has piqued your curiosity about this fascinating book. Merry Christmas and Happy Celebrating to everyone.
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Selma, really enjoyed hearing about Victorine and intend to read the book. Have always been fascinated by the artists of this time in Paris and other places in France. Thank you for this introduction.
Hey, Randy my friend. So pleased you read this and even intend to read it. You will not go wrong with this one. I promise you. The story is fascinating and the writing impeccable. So loved it. I’m sure you will too.
I had seen the art pieces but knew nothing of art. I’m totally in love now.
So glad I read Victorine. And glad this piqued your interest. 👏 👏 💕
Sounds like a good read, thanks Selma for this review. This book will be on my next purchase list for sure. 😊
You will love it. I know. All the best. 👏
Very soon, will get it very soon. 😊
Painting and art and the science and humanity that makes it happen.
I just watched a PBS show about the painting the Mona Lisa and all that Leonardo DiVinci did (not really that much painting!) –
Special cameras were used to ‘peel’ the varnish off and showed that the painting once commissioned, but kept after working on it for 16 or so years by DiVinci showed how Mona Lisa was not a plump shouldered woman, but she is wearing a veil and is really (perhaps) a thin woman!
And in DiVinci’s notebooks about the human body they found the line that would become the smile of Mona Lisa’s lips!
There are some books I have waiting… and others I devower. If I ever find this book that you speak of at one of my Little Free Libraries I’ll be sure to pick it up. 🙂
You’re so kind for telling me all this. I love it, Jules. Thanks.
I hope your library has it. Perhaps a little suggestion would help? Just sayin’
Anyway I hope you find it. A sure winner.
Be well, dear friend. Blessings.
Brilliant ❤️
Thanks for thinking it so. Blessings.
You are always welcome ❤️
It sounds like a great book, Selma! All of those hidden women whose stories are now being told…❤️
Oh, for sure. Women have always been the beautiful wallpapers. And when an author dares to write about a sister who needs to have her-story brought to light to right his-tory (history) we should stand behind that author. But no part of my review is fake. I stand behind it and offer no lip service. The novel is a gem. I’m so proud to have this physically on my shelf. Thanks for reading this wordy post (I did babble on and on) but only because I needed you to get me in and out: how imperfect I am. So, thanks, Ingrid. I bless you. Continue enjoying the season of serenity and love.
(as I write, I notice my post for Festive Sunday just went live. Thank you so very much for prompting me to do this. You rock. Hats off to you). Merry Christmas.
Thank you Selma! I will give you a shout out on my first Sonnet Sunday post! 🌟
Thank you so very much. You rock ! 👏 🌟 🎄 💕
I’m glad you embraced the book. Sometimes we give up too soon and never know what we’re missing out on
Yes. Me too. Adored it. And it’s getting a second read.
Be well. I send you good vibes.
Selma, an incredible and heartfelt review! Your introduction of the book, how you’d put it to the side and only to return falling for it more than you ever imagined was superb!I am absolutely fascinated about Victorine and will look four for the book! Thank you so much for sharing here!
Aww, dear Annika. Do look it up. You will feel for her more. This book is truest to my heart.
One’s got to love language to write a debut novel so flawlessly. Totally a keeper. I want everyone to read it.
Thanks for reading and commenting about that intro. I opened my soul there. Glad you found that worthy of mention. Thank you. Happy Christmas 🎄 my friend. Stay blessed. 👏
I love your enthusiasm. Of course I wish to read it now. All well to you and yourstory.
Glad you caught the enthusiasm to want to read this. It’s truly amazing, this novel. Well told.
And glad how you quote me on YourStory:MyStory
History for HISstory and HERstory. This author put the spotlight on Victorine and gave HER to us in HERstory.
Merry Joyous Celebrating. 👏 🌲 💕
I enjoyed your review. It felt as lively as the story! (Well, I haven’t read the book yet, but I feel inspired by your review!)
I also really appreciated your honesty about struggling to get into the book at first. I think this is a common experience, but I feel like no one ever really talks about this
So glad you read, JYP, and that you enjoyed even the parts of me that were vulnerable.
This novel ranks high in my heart. Loved the writing/prose and fluency. Got a good understanding of who Victorine was. Wowed! I really wish everyone to read this. (If you were closer I’d lend you my lovely copy 😉 I would!)
Thanks for commenting. Stay inspired, my sweet. You won’t be disappointed.
Hope your holidays are merry and safe. xo
I will have to read “Victorine”. I knew a little about Manet and his model… now I want to know more. By the way, I had a similar feeling with “To the Lighthouse”. I stayed with it for a few chapters, then returned it to the library. I just couldn’t get into it. Maybe one day I’ll try it again. 🙂
Oh, you must. YouMust! Make your ‘one day’ be soon! You will love it and will want to read it again and again. I Promise You That.
Glad you read and will consider Victorine. It’s a gem.
All the best. I wish you miracles. 🤗
Thanks! I’m going to check our library’s catalog this morning. It’s a small library, so even if it’s in the system it might have to be sent to our town from another larger library. It might take a few days. I’ll let you know when I’m able to get it.
Yay! Keep me posted.
Good night from cold Japan. xo 😴 xo
Just checked the library system. Nope, not in the system anywhere. I ordered a used copy from Amazon. It will be here toward the end of the month! I’m looking forward to reading it.
You did the right thing. You WILL NOT be disappointed. XoXo
I’m sure I’ll enjoy the book. When I watched the Wondrium lectures on Vincent van Gogh, the instructor talked about other artists, including Manet. He mentioned Victorine.
I bet you know your art. I like art but got my first real interest about the human factor of it with “Victorine”
Like I said in the post, I looked up the pieces mentioned. Ms. Drēma’s website had some that had gone unknown for ages. The back of the book features the famous one of Victorine’s self portrait. Amazing.
I’m sure you can tell I’ve been converted by this book. Loved it.
Be well, Judith. Have a fantabulous Weekend, my new friend. 🤗
I have not seen any of Victorine’s art work, so I definitely want to visit the website. It is so fascinating to learn about the lives of artists. I only wish I had more time for reading! Each time I “meet” a new artist and start learning about the life they lived, I want to know more and more! I’m excited and can’t wait for the book to arrive!
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😁 Victorine
An intriguing review, Selma. Your enthusiasm is contagious! I am all in favor of telling “her stories” about the lives of the women behind famous men in history. Thank goodness women are on more equal footing today! This fact obligates us to perform, doesn’t it! No excuses. <3 <3 <3
Enthusiastic about life and good literature. Drēma’s books are spectacular.
Thanks. For. Bring. Here. 💗