Rating: 
Summary: If only it were longer!
Review: If you know anything about Artemisia Gentileschi, you'll know she was a genius, a woman who broke all barriers of gender to do what she loved to do - paint. Susan Vreeland captures this woman's passion in this book, and makes it very clear that in order to paint, it must be your lifeblood. She writes with such a startling love for art and painting that you can hear the pigments being ground, feel the brushes between your fingers. Artemisia has an excellent speech to her daughter, Palmira, late in her book, about the intensity and empathy that painting requires. It is, by far, the strongest point in the novel and it should be read simply for that scene. When I first began reading _The Passion of Artemisia_, I found that it moved entirely too fast. I got comfortable with one situation before I found it moved to another, and years would pass so quickly I would get lost. Some would call it short but sweet. I call it disappointing. Not because it was too fast - I later discovered that the pace was more decent than I previously believed - but because I loved the writing and the world of the novel so much that I wanted to see more, feel more, read more. I felt as though Vreeland skimped out. However, it thankfully is not too wordy - and the words that Vreeland does use all seemed to be hand-picked for effectiveness. Despite the fast pacing, it isn't -too- quick. It's quick and intense and by the time you're done you don't quite feel like you've missed anything. It moves along almost with the swiftness of a movie (in fact, I think this version would make an excellent film - I saw _Artemisia_, a critically acclaimed French film, before I read this and it was wonderful, but the two stories are very different and focus on different periods of her life). I just wish the book were longer so I had more of a chance to savor the eccentric beauty and passion of the painting world that I got a taste of in the narrative. The other slight problem I have with _Passion_ is that Artemisia's voice felt too modern. In some ways it was effective, but it was difficult to grasp the fact that this was a woman living hundreds of years ago. The historical details are all accurate, there aren't any anachronisms. The voice merely did not seem aged or perhaps refined enough. It doesn't take anything away from the novel, however. It may even enhance it - making the reader more able to understand and empathize with her. Slight problems aside, I highly recommend _The Passion of Artemisia_. I'm sure you'll wish it were longer, too. Also - I would recommend that when you read it, you have either a book or an online gallery of Artemisia Gentileschi's paintings, to understand what's being described in the novel. It completely enriches the experience.
Rating: 
Summary: (3.5)The woman who wouldn't stay in her place...
Review: There are two recent novels about the life of Artemisia Gentileschi, the daughter of a prominent artist, who became an artist in her own right. I chose to read The Passion of Artemisia by Susan Vreeland, the author of The Girl in Hyacinth Blue, also set in the rarified world of artists. Early in the 17th Century, men dominated the art world, painting in the Baroque style, with emphasis on light and shadow. Artemisia is notable for her memorable and complicated paintings, but even more infamous for taking her father's best friend, Agostino Tassi, to court, charging him with rape. Unfortunately the male-dominated court of the Inquisition put her on trial and it was her reputation that suffered. Vreeland's prose acquires the nuanced perspective of the artist and her personal and imaginative perspective of the world around her. The author captures details that carry the ring of truth, as seen through Artemisia's eyes: "A dusty beam from a high window fell on his hands and lightened the fold of his sleeve to lavender." Another: "...a small man swathed in deep purple was sharpening his quills with a knife, letting the shavings fall to the floor." Simple observations, really, but I immediately trusted Vreeland to portray the story with a visual perspective. In society at the time, successful artists were revered, especially when favored by Church patrons who were intent upon establishing the Church of Rome as a jewel in the eyes of a world beset by heresy. In accusing Tassi of rape, Artemisia took on the male hierarchical establishment and the ponderous weight of the Church, but she refused to dishonor herself and back down, even when tortured by her Inquisitors. Even witnesses were fodder for torture in trials, in order to ascertain truthfulness and expose liars. Circumstances were complicated by the fact that Agostino Tassi was Artemisia's father's best friend and the two often collaborated on projects, Tassi painting the architecture and Orazio the human figures. After the trial, Artemisia was married quietly to an obscure painter and moved to Florence, where she and her new husband painted together. This young woman couldn't exist in the narrow space society allowed, driven to create her own interpretations of historical, predominantly Biblical, subjects. Artemisia found a patron willing to sponsor her, and left Florence with her young daughter, leaving her husband on his own. An extraordinary and talented woman, Artemisia was an aberration in the society that formed her. But Vreeland's novel ultimately disappoints, following Artemisia's tumultuous life with no well-planned ending to the story. All the energy is in the first few chapters, the drama of the rape trial and the undeniable drive to live as an artist. By the ending, the "Passion of Artemisia" seems to have dissipated...
Rating: 
Summary: Fall Under the Spell
Review: Simply stated, Vreeland has delivered a novel full of passion: for life, for love, for art, and for betrayal. The prose is lyrical, provocative, and moving. It opens with young Artemisia testifying in papal court during Italy's Renaissance after being raped by her father's artist friend. The betrayal of her father's friend pales in comparison with the plot set against her by her own father. To escape Rome and her sullied reputation, Artemisia enters a loveless arranged marriage with a fellow painter and moves to Florence, Italy's art center. We follow Artemisia through her tentative marriage, her celebrated birth of a child, and the success of a female artist unparalleled during her time. All of her success cannot make up for her attack, her father's ruination of her reputation, her husband's jealously, and her child's imperiousness. I stayed up all night to finish the book, as I could not put it down. It sweeps you into this woman's life and passion for her art, through which she learns the powers of rage and forgiveness. Highly recommended.
Rating:
Summary: A journey back in time . . .
Review: This book is wonderful - Ms. Vreeland takes us back to a time and allows us to live and feel the struggles and joys of a women in the early 17th century. Using art as our window, we see and experience the beauty of pure art and get to meet some wonderful characters, particulary Gaileo. The changes and knowledge gained since that time is great - but its comforting that art is still a powerful and beautiful tool to express all the emotions that come from ones journey through life. I loved it! I also loved Girl in Hycineth Blue and look forward to other Vreeland novels ... keep writing, I can't wait!
Rating:
Summary: A good novel and art psychoanalysis piece
Review: Similar to Tracy Chevalier's Girl With a Pearl Earring, Susan Vreeland creates character based on what she interprets in Artemisia Gentileschi's artwork. Vreeland is greatly aided by her real-life heroine's well-documented rape, and therefore it's easy to make the connection that her art would frequently be disquieting and violent. Vreeland intelligently concludes that this violence (in the depiction of blood, severed heads, and daggers) may be the reason that Artemisia's own daughter was repelled by her mother's art as a child. Here, Vreeland should be credited with the "invenzione" she bestows on her subject. Artists frequently reflect that art is a lonely lifestyle, and Vreeland portrays the conflict between living for one's art and living for love. Artemisia fairly often comes across as self-absorbed, and then is later stunned when her husband or daughter rejects her in some form. It is probably a realistic if not wholly sympathetic portrayal. Occasionally, Vreeland interferes with her character by putting modern thoughts into her seventeenth century characters' heads. ("Let them wonder about that for centuries," Artemisia muses) Certainly a worthwhile read for art lovers, and also, I feel, a book that can generate discussion of the conflict of love and loyalty versus pursuit of one's art and independence. Excellent for book groups.
Rating: 
Summary: disappointing
Review: Having enjoyed the Girl in Hyacinth Blue, I was very interested in reading Susan Vreeland's new novel. I was, however, totally disappointed right from the beginning by the "bodice-burner" tone. I felt that all of her characters, except for Sister Graziela, were one-dimensional and for the most part, totally unlikeable. The descriptions of the painting processes and the paintings themselves are the only reasons I gave this book two stars instead of one.
Rating:
Summary: Lovely historical novel
Review: Artemisia Gentileschi was a painter in post-Renaissance Italy who was the first woman to be admitted to the Accademia dell' Arte del Disegno, the first woman artist to be hired by the church, and the first woman to support herself and her daughter with her artwork. Susan Vreeland has taken these facts about Artemisia Gentileschi and created a historical novel that becomes a showcase for this remarkable woman and the forces that may have shaped her.
Rating:
Summary: Yes... a true passion indeed
Review: I eagerly looked forward to reading this book and was not disappointed. It may have had a few faults as some other reviewers have mentioned, but none took away from the story or my enjoyment of it. Some have said that they found the fact that it was written in first person narrative inappropriate and distracting; I found it refreshing and it allowed me to feel like Artemisia was talking directly to me. I also agree that some of the language may have been inappropriate for the time period of the story, but the story was still clearly expressed and understood.
Most importantly, I was able to feel Artemisia's passion for her painting. Some of the other descriptions and conversations may have been superficial, but the description of the art, the act of painting and Artemisia's yearning to paint was deep and moving. Her desire to paint brought her ultimate happiness and deep pain at the same time. The colors were vivid and clear and I felt like I was seeing the beauty in the art with her. When I finished the book, I immediately looked up some of her art on the internet just to be able to witness it with my own eyes.
I also especially enjoyed Artemisia's relationship with Graziela. It was one filled with unconditional love and overwhelming wisdom. Graziela's words were touching and filled with a beauty that I can only wish to posess.
I definitely recommend this book. It is quick and easy to read. Its title most certainly reflects the true depth and expression of this talented painter.
Rating:
Summary: Review from MyShelf.com
Review: "At some times in our lives, our passion makes us perpetrators of hurt and loss. At other times we are the ones who are hurt - all in name of art. Sometimes we get what we want. Sometimes we pay for another to get what he or she wants." I looked at Palmira apologetically. "That's the way the world works." Artemisia Gentileschi from THE PASSION OF ARTEMISIA THE PASSION OF ARTEMISIA, is the story of Italian artist Artemisia Gentileschi. (1593-1653). The novel opens with Artemisia as a teenager. She has been raped by her painting teacher, a friend of her father's, but keeps the secret of the outrage because he tells her he loves her and promises to marry her. Artemisia's father discovers the truth and files charges against Agostino Tassi. The young girl finds herself a participant in a papal court. Her cruel treatment at the hands of the court, the realization that her father's actions are not fueled by concern for her, but by his own selfish motives, and the release of her abuser, lead Artemisia to accept an arranged marriage to a stranger. However, she is grateful to leave Rome and go with her new husband to Florence, a city rich in artistic heritage. Artemisia attempts to follow her passion - her painting - while hoping that she can also finally find the kind of love that holds no betrayal or pain. But is there room for both in her life? And what will be the cost if she follows her dream? THE PASSION OF ARTEMISIA is another masterpiece painted from the heart of its author, Susan Vreeland. Like GIRL IN HYACINTH BLUE, Susan's previous novel, the reader is pulled into the dimness of the past and the existence of a world long gone. Susan breathes life into the shadows and brings Artemisia and those around her into vibrant and living color. Reading a novel penned by this great talent is like stepping out of one existence into another. Losing yourself in the stories that Susan Vreeland paints is a breath-taking and wonderful excursion - one everyone who loves to read should experience. THE PASSION OF ARTEMISIA has my very highest recommendation. ...
Rating:
Summary: great historical fiction
Review: Highly recommended to the reader who appreciates a good story that incorporates art and history. The writing style keeps the readers attention.
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