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By: INVER 002
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2024-05-01 12:20:22 |
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Very much enjoyed the style of writing. Extremely well researched. Depicted the era very well. Lots of information about the artist and his muse. |
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By: PAIHIA 001
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2024-04-21 15:04:17 |
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We really liked this book, we liked the history, we liked the story, we were surprised to find a true story woven within, we enjoyed the description of what must be a really scenic part of the world. |
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By: WELL 206
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2024-01-18 12:36:33 |
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An unsettling story about a very hard life, made interesting by the back story of the famous artist and painting. Most of us enjoyed following Christina's life and indomitable spirit, but some found it hard going. |
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By: HAVE 016
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2023-12-14 14:03:15 |
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How to rate this book? Our group was split between those that thought it was beautifully written and inspirational, to those that thought it was sad and depressing and a slog to get through. Obviously made for an interesting discussion. |
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By: CHCH 238
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2023-07-13 14:01:21 |
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Well worth reading. The author combines fact and fiction seamlessly. A fascinating read. |
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By: HINDS 001
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2023-06-26 11:45:02 |
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We all loved this story. |
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By: KATIK 005
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2023-05-22 11:41:19 |
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This reading group rated 'A Piece of the World' highly. The following comments were made: liked the quieter time the novel was set in; loved the language used in the novel; the links between art, poetry and the novel were beautifully matched and integrated into the story; the book notes were a really helpful adjunct in understanding the novel. Several of our group had studied art history and literature at university, which added to our discussion. |
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By: CHCH 317
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2023-05-17 14:17:30 |
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This was a thought-provoking story with fact and fiction skillfully interwoven. The group found it rather a sad story given the main character's disability and how it shaped her life. |
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By: AUCK 335
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2023-04-22 16:04:35 |
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We found this very readable and very interesting in its blend of historical fact and imaginative fiction. It gave fascinating insights into the work of the artist Andrew Wyeth and his famous painting, "Christina's World". We found much material on the internet which supported the story and gave more information about the real Christina's life and circumstances. We also found the book rather grim in its depiction of isolation in a rural community, crippling illness, material and spiritual hardship, rejection, and bitterness. Our reading engendered lively discussion. |
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By: AUCK 065
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2023-01-09 10:00:33 |
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A fascinating book - we all loved it. Several of us knew the painting and one person had a framed print of it. A great discussion piece. |
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By: KATIK 001
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2022-06-15 12:43:07 |
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We were engrossed in the life of Christina, and felt her every happiness, disappointment and relaxation as she dealt with her deteriorating issues of family, friends and disabilities. Outwardly stubborn yet fragile, she eventually allowed herself to relax as a model for an artist. Seldom have we read an author so competent in imparting feelings without telling of them outright. Maybe writing in the present tense helps. A wonderful example of show, don't tell... |
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By: PICT 001
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2022-05-05 15:39:37 |
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Our group suggests the notes must be read first, and the painting at the back of the book needs to be looked at first. |
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By: PALMN 034
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2022-05-02 13:20:58 |
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We related to the well known painting and enjoyed the fiction/nonfiction writing around this. Quite depressing though! |
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By: ASHB 015
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2022-03-30 16:14:01 |
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The book was well liked. A very good blend of historical fact and fictional writing. |
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By: NAP 030
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2021-11-01 10:35:25 |
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Excellent. |
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By: ONAWE 001
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2021-10-01 10:22:05 |
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This book was a real winner in our group. Loved by 100%. Several have now read other books by Christian Baker Kline. Some of us were familiar with this painting, others not. But they are now! Highly recommended. |
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By: AUCK 015
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2021-09-22 12:35:25 |
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A brutal and disturbing story, but well worth reading. The author pulls you straight into her story and, despite the bleakness of the context and setting, holds your attention. It is a sad story and yet, paradoxically, it is also a testament to endurance. Christina Baker Kline uses Andrew Wyeth's famous painting, Christina's World, as her inspiration, and writes in Christina's voice taking us into her experiences and relationships. An excruciating life of disability and drudgery in a period and setting where all life was hard. |
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By: MAST 007
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2021-09-15 13:03:43 |
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Would read this author again. Greatly enjoyed. |
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By: WELL 123
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2021-06-23 12:00:16 |
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All members enjoyed this book, particularly the strong character of Christina, despite her physical pain and limitations. The interaction between Christina and Andrew Wyeth was also fascinating. One of the best books for group discussion beyond the set questions. |
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By: AUCK 265
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2021-06-11 10:24:04 |
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Overall everyone enjoyed this charming story, and it provoked lots of discussion. Although after a positive start, it did become rather dark towards the conclusion. |
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By: NGON 001
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2021-05-26 14:01:58 |
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We all thought the book "a good read" though some found it a bit depressing. We had a good discussion on "determination" and whether it was sometimes not a good thing. Was she too determined for her own good Also discussed at length family attitudes to a child's disability, and what had changed since our parents and grandparents were faced with dealing with a disabled child. |
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By: TIMAR 007
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2021-04-14 14:58:49 |
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Well-received book, liked by all members. All looked up painting. A sad story though, because Christina did not get the help that nowadays would be available, which had ramifications for the family. |
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By: GOVER 001
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2021-03-08 11:56:32 |
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Wonderful book - relatively light to read but raised awareness of, and debate about, a woman's place and depiction of in art. |
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By: DUNED 007
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2020-12-09 14:56:35 |
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Easy to read. The family history was fascinating, and the connection with Wyeth interesting. Christina slightly intriguing. |
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By: WAIUK 003
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2020-11-19 12:47:11 |
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Very informative interesting book, and enjoyed by all. |
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By: CHCH 319
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2020-09-30 13:21:54 |
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All members of our group enjoyed this book. The author has balanced the historical facts with fiction beautifully. One of our members commented "the author has managed to make a huge story out of a small world". Christina's struggles, determination, stubbornness and strength captivated the reader. The painting 'Christina's World' was known and appreciated by some of our group. Beautiful work. |
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By: TEKUI 001
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2020-09-30 13:18:18 |
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Everyone enjoyed this book. Thought it was well-written and easy to follow. |
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By: CHCH 011
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2020-08-14 13:05:53 |
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We loved this novel, especially as we were all familiar with the painting 'Christina's World'. Two of our group had actually had a print of the painting on their wall when at University!! |
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By: WELL 008
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2020-06-17 14:46:52 |
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All members liked the book a lot. |
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