Margaret Forster has taken a conceit, made it her own and fashioned it into an interesting story which fictionalizes real characters. It is a story that begins at the the turn of the 20th century with an intriguing painting.
Once upon a time there was an artistic family named John with a brother, Augustus who became famous not only for his painting, but also for his bohemian life style. His story is told in a wonderful biography by Michael Holroyd.
Our story starts with the sister, Gwen, who in a smaller way became known for her paintings, especially those of a series of rooms. The paintings are meticulous in their control of the environment, perhaps reflecting the need of the artist to exert some control over her life. Gwen John longed for a space of her own, much as Virginia Wolfe wanted "A Room of One's Own." Her paintings are alluring to the viewer for what is absent from these rooms. Forster builds her tale around one of these paintings.
As the painting passes through the hands of various owners, it has an impact on each and affects each life in a different way. Each woman who owns the painting is trying to keep the world at bay, each having a different need to do so. The women are connected through a love of art, several attending the famous Slade school. Many cross paths, though they aren't aware of it. In this the story is reminiscent of Kieslowski's trio of movies, "Red" "White" and "Blue," in which random people seemingly affect and cross through others lives.
Forster's novel remains interesting all the way through, and I recommend it as a well written novel developed from a true story. There is much to keep a lively discussion going for a book reading group.
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