On October 3, 2018 we met at Sarah's home to discuss her book
entitled "A Piece of the World", by Christina Kline Baker.
We had a large group of people including Julie, Madeleine, Doug, Betsy,
Kathy, Carol, Sue, Nancy, Sarah and me.
We were able to fit around Sarah's table where we had a great salad,
bean soup, bread and wine. The setting was perfect for a discussion.
Special thanks to Sarah and Maybelline for having us in their home.
I believe most of us had read the book which is about Andrew Wyeth's relationship
with the subject of his iconic painting entitled "Christina's World."
It was historical fiction that brought into focus the flesh and blood woman
behind the portrait as she envisioned the life of this woman and her special bond with
with one of our greatest modern artists.
The book transports us to a mid century farmhouse on the coast of Maine where
Christina lives a small life trapped by family duty and her ailing body. It deals with
the injustices of childhood, the aches of adulthood and the regrets of middle age.
The painting shows a lonely woman in a field looking at a lonely house on
top of a hill. The book explores the life of people who lived inside that
house especially the tragic life of Christina who is portrayed in the painting.
She was a strong, stubborn woman betrayed by her body and the man she loved.
We thought that the author was very clever and talented to accomplish
this novel inspired by the painting. The house is a museum in Maine and we
thought it might make a good visit if one was in that area.
Betsy chose a book called "Little Bee" by Chris Cleave about a Nigerian
refugee and her relationship with a British magazine editor.
We chose Wednesday November 14th to be the next meeting.
