The Lost Notebook of Édouard Manet

A Novel

De: Maureen Gibbon

Narrado por: Graham Halstead

Set in the richly drawn art world of 19th-century Paris, this stunning historical novel imagines Édouard Manet's last days in an indelible snapshot of genius, illness, and the dying embers of passion.

Suffering from the complications of syphilis toward the end of his life, Édouard Manet begins to jot down his daily impressions, reflections, and memories in a notebook. He travels for healing respites in the French countryside and finds inspiration in nature - a cloud of dragonflies, peonies blanketed by the morning dew. Back in Paris, the artist holds court in his studio and meets a mysterious muse, Suzon. Entranced by Suzon's cool blue eyes, he decides to paint his final masterpiece, "A Bar at the Folies-Bergere", life-sized - and wagers his health to complete it.

In a sensual portrait of Manet's last years, Maureen Gibbon offers a vibrant testament to the endurance of the artistic spirit.

©2021 Maureen Gibbon (P)2021 Tantor

What a Wonderful Little Book!

This is a novel, presented in the form of a little diary, that tells about the last few years of the painter Manet.

I had already known a lot about Manet, and was nervous that a book about the end of his life would be depressing. But it is not! It is full of the flavor of the times, of the facts of his life and, most important, with a deep, sympathetic understanding.

Manet here is presented in his full genius. Despite his illness, one senses the charismatic splendor that other books hint at but cannot convey. But this book also makes us feel the depths of his sensitivity. Forced by illness to contemplate, the thoughts of the man come forth with empathy, humility, honesty and understanding. He is ill. He is controversial. But he is generous, seeking, loving, and deeply complex.

Before reading this book, I was forced to take Manet's charisma on faith; here, one can see what made women love him and what (besides his art) allowed such a complex character to become the pivotal force in history that he became.

I will listen to this book again and again. I just hope the author decides to continue to write fiction based on the lives of artists.

Just get the book! You won't be sorry!