Thunderclap

A Memoir of Art and Life and Sudden Death

By: Laura Cumming

Narrated by: Laura Cumming

Named a Top 100 Must-Read Book of the Year by Time and a Best Book of the Year by The New Yorker * Winner of the 2024 Writers’ Prize for Nonfiction * Shortlisted for the Inaugural Women’s Prize for Nonfiction * Longlisted for the RSL Ondaatje Prize

New York Times bestselling author Laura Cumming “combines first-rate art history with deeply felt memoir” (The Washington Post) in this fascinating, little-known story of the massive explosion in Holland that killed Carel Fabritius, renowned painter of The Goldfinch and A View of Delft and nearly killed Johannes Vermeer—two of the greatest artists of the 17th century.

“Exquisite.” —Simon Schama, The Guardian

As a brilliant art critic and historian, Laura Cumming has explored the importance of art in life and can give us a perspective on the time and place in which the artist worked. Now, through the lens of one dramatic event in 17th-century Holland, Cumming “has fashioned a book that combines memoir, art criticism, and history to illuminating effect” (The New York Times Book Review).

In 1654, the Thunderclap—an enormous explosion at a gunpowder store—devasted the city of Delft, killing hundreds of people, including the extraordinary painter Carel Fabritius, and injuring thousands more.

Framing the story around the life of Fabritius, Cumming illuminates this extraordinary moment in art history while also writing about her own father, a painter. Like Dutch art, the story gradually links country, city, town, street, house, interior—all the way to the bird on its perch, the blue and white tile, the smallest seed in a loaf of bread. The impact of a painting and how it can enter our thoughts and influence our view and understanding of the world is the heart of this book. Cumming has brought her unique eye to her most compelling subject yet.

Featuring beautiful full-color images of Dutch paintings throughout, this is “a glorious tribute to the two men who showed her the truth of the notion that paintings offer ‘a land in themselves, a society, a place to be’” (The Economist).

Critic reviews

"Scottish art critic Laura Cumming’s lyrical voice works perfectly with her poetic writing for this rambling story of an event that occurred in 1654 Holland. The Thunderclap, a massive explosion in a gunpowder store, killed the artist Carel Fabritius, known for his painting THE GOLDFINCH. Cumming’s sometimes emotional performance weaves her personal memories of her father, an artist, with her fascination for the Dutch people who are immortalized in the many fine art masterpieces that show the details of everyday life. Her enthusiasm for her subject is apparent in her narration as she explores the impact a painting can have on the viewer’s life. The memory of Fabritius, who died suddenly, lives forever through THE GOLDFINCH, which survived the explosion but bears traces of damage."

The deep dive into Dutch Art

This was such an insightful book and expanded my knowledge of the Dutch artists of the days extending from Rembrandt to Vermeer.
As rich as the colors and textures found in dutch paintings of the period this narrative captivates and educates while entertaining the listener.

Brilliant melding of the historical and the personal

Cumming weaves her own story into the story of the Dutch 17th century painter, Carel Fabretius, bringing both to life. Well written, well narrated by the author.

Art not Included in Audible version is frustrating

This is a well-written book that suffers in the Audible format because there is no accompanying PDF that would have allowed the listener to view the paintings so eloquently discussed. It’s unfortunate that this oversight mars good story and excellent narration from the author. Issue brought to Audible’s attention, but no positive resolution. I wish I bought the physical book instead so that I could have seen what the author discussed.

Makes art come alive

A beautifully written and read reflection on art entwined with life and catastrophe through time.

Beautifully read by the author.

Learned a lot about Dutch art in a short book. Really wonderfully told. Not art history per se; rather, more like an art meditation.