A Piece Of The World
by Christina Baker Kline
When I read this book? February 2018
Who should read this book? Fans of character driven stories
Source: TLC Book Tours
My Rating: ✰✰✰ 3 Stars
• Paperback: 352 pages
• Publisher: William Morrow Paperbacks; Reprint edition (January 30, 2018)
INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER
“Exquisite. A must-read.” –Kristin Hannah
“This paperback edition includes a color reproduction of Andrew Wyeth’s painting Christina’s World, along with a Q&A with bestselling author Kristin Hannah and a bonus short story, “Stranded in Ice.”
From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the smash bestseller Orphan Train, a stunning and atmospheric novel of friendship, passion, and art, inspired by Andrew Wyeth’s mysterious and iconic painting Christina’s World.
“Later he told me that he’d been afraid to show me the painting. He thought I wouldn’t like the way he portrayed me: dragging myself across the field, fingers clutching dirt, my legs twisted behind. The arid moonscape of wheatgrass and timothy. That dilapidated house in the distance, looming up like a secret that won’t stay hidden.”
To Christina Olson, the entire world is her family farm in the small coastal town of Cushing, Maine. The only daughter in a family of sons, Christina is tied to her home by health and circumstance, and seems destined for a small life. Instead, she becomes Andrew Wyeth’s first great inspiration, and the subject of one of the best-known paintings of the twentieth century, Christina’s World.
As she did in her beloved bestseller Orphan Train, Christina Baker Kline interweaves fact and fiction to vividly reimagine a real moment in history. A Piece of the World is a powerful story of the flesh-and-blood woman behind the portrait, her complicated relationship to her family and inheritance, and how artist and muse can come together to forge a new and timeless legacy.
My Review
I wanted to read this book because I enjoyed Orphan Train by the same author very much! Unfortunately, my experience with this one did not match my experience with Orphan Train.
This historical fiction, a behind the scenes story of the Andrew Wyeth painting, Christina’s World. Christina Olson is the only daughter in a rural Maine family. Early in her life, she is struck with an ailment that leaves her crippled, and her condition worsens as time goes on, to the point that she is unable to live a normal life.
This is very much a character-driven story, thus the book is slow paced, which probably contributed greatly to my less than stellar experience with the book. In addition, some of the characters are not very likeable, including Christina and her father. I understand that Christina had a hard life, full of disappointments, and this left her frustrated and somewhat bitter. But she was also, in my opinion anyway, selfish and unforgiving. To avoid spoilers, I won’t go into the details here, but I think book clubs will have plenty to discuss regarding Christina and some of the decisions she made.
I have to admit, I was totally unaware of the painting Christina’s World, and was only familiar with the name Andrew Wyeth, but not familiar with his work. I imagine anyone with an interest in art, or who is a fan of the painting, will enjoy this story very much!
I also think it will make a great book club pick. I’ll let you know, because my book club is reading it next month. Often I find that i book that I didn’t enjoy very much just after finishing it becomes a favorite after I’ve had a chance to discuss it with my book club. So check back—even though it is only a 3-star read for my right now, that could change next month!
Purchase Links
HarperCollins | Amazon | Barnes & Noble
About Christina Baker Kline
Christina Baker Kline is the author of six novels, including the #1 New York Times bestseller Orphan Train as well as A Piece of the World. She lives outside New York City and spends as much time as possible on the coast of Maine. Learn more about Christina at www.christinabakerkline.com.
Connect with Christina on Facebook, and follow her on Twitter and Instagram.
This book review is included in a tour by TLC Book Tours. I was provided a copy for review purposes.
Christina’s Tour Stops
Thursday, February 1st: Dwell in Possibility
Friday, February 2nd: Instagram: @Novelmombooks
Monday, February 5th: Instagram: @a_tad_bit_bookish
Tuesday, February 6th: 5 Minutes For Books
Wednesday, February 7th: BookNAround
Thursday, February 8th: Instagram: @jackiereadsbooks
Friday, February 9th: Peppermint PhD
Monday, February 12th: Openly Bookish
Tuesday, February 13th: Staircase Wit
Wednesday, February 14th: Life By Kristen
Thursday, February 15th: Man of La Book
Monday, February 19th: Book by Book
Tuesday, February 20th: Rockin’ and Reviewing
Friday, February 23rd: Instagram: @jackiereadsbooks
Sunday, February 25th: Instagram: @lavieestbooks
Monday, February 26th: Time 2 Read
Wednesday, February 28, 2018 Caryn, The Book Whisperer
Really enjoyed your review and sorry it didn't wow you but I definitely wouldn't mind checking it out. I do like Wyeth's paintings so I like the idea of blending art & fiction!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing your thoughts on this book for the tour.
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear that this didn't live up to the previous book by the author! I've not yet read anything of hers, but I've been meaning too for a long time.
ReplyDelete