Tom and Jack

By: Henry Adams

Narrated by: Wayne Thompson

Length: 11 hrs and 46 mins

Publisher's Summary

The drip paintings of Jackson Pollock, trailblazing Abstract Expressionist, appear to be the polar opposite of Thomas Hart Benton's highly figurative Americana. Yet the two men had a close and highly charged relationship dating from Pollock's days as a student under Benton. Pollock's first and only formal training came from Benton, and the older man soon became a surrogate father to Pollock. In true Oedipal fashion, Pollock even fell in love with Benton's wife. Pollock later broke away from his mentor artistically, rocketing to superstardom with his stunning drip compositions. But he never lost touch with Benton or his ideas - in fact, his breakthrough abstractions reveal a strong debt to Benton's teachings. In an epic story that ranges from the cafés and salons of Gertrude Stein's Paris to the highways of the American West, Henry Adams, acclaimed author of Eakins Revealed, unfolds a poignant personal drama that provides new insights into two of the greatest artists of the 20th century.

©2009 Henry Adams (P)2012 Audible, Inc.

Not Worth the Read

What did you like best about Tom and Jack? What did you like least?

I most liked the story of Jackson Pollock's painting, "Mural," which the narrator pronounced, "Miro." It was a fascinating, mythical story. I wish there had been more stories about his individual paintings.

Has Tom and Jack turned you off from other books in this genre?

I will continue to read books within the arts genre. But not from this author.

What do you think the narrator could have done better?

The narrator was almost as boring as the book itself. He rarely changed inflection or pace and did not invent different voices for each character.

Do you think Tom and Jack needs a follow-up book? Why or why not?

The author was attempting to make an original contribution to the field of art history by expanding the relationship between Jackson Pollock and his mentor. However, the book should never have been published. It would work better as a research paper than an actual story. It over promised in terms of story and under-delivered in terms of value or entertainment.

Any additional comments?

The author is a terrible story-teller. Pollock lived a fascinating life, but the author was so focused on establishing his "original connection" between Pollock and Benton that it lost all of its flair.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

I suggest you READ, not listen...

I've had to stop after eight hours because I can't stand any more mispronunciations by narrator. If an actor has a contract to read a book, I would expect that s/he would look up any words s/he isn't 100% sure about. There are a lot of European names in this book, especially French. I almost stopped when "bois" became "boze" but when Piet Mondrian's was pronounced "Pye-ette", I threw in the towel. I even called a Dutch friend to check (his name is Piet) and he was in stitches at my question. This is a very good book that deserves a professional reader. Sorry, Mr. Adams that your book wasn't treated better.

1 of 2 people found this review helpful

A tad too padded out.

Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not?

Yes, if this period in american painting and pollock in particular is already of special interest, but then, it may already be familiar territory. A bit slight on scholarship, a tad too padded out with unimportant incident and characters...I did learn something about Benton, I knew almost nothing about him.

Would you be willing to try another book from Henry Adams? Why or why not?

Probably not.

What aspect of Wayne Thompson’s performance might you have changed?

Didnt have a feeling for or against him, a very neutral performance.

If this book were a film would you go see it?

Yes.