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teresatumminello's review against another edition
3.0
A novel I recently finished before this one was one of voice—and one voice at that—with working-class people populating its pages. It struck me as I read this one that it’s the opposite: multiple voices, though each section doesn’t sound much different from the other; and characters (not all) leading privileged lives.
The writing had its moments of beauty and insight; but I’m left with too many questions about the author’s choices, such as why she chose to use an otherworldly narrator who purportedly links the composer and the performance artist. It seemed facile, odd, and unnecessary.
Like with the artist Marina Abramović’s tears when she sees her audience/participants crying, I was supposed to be moved by the characters' stories; but that barely happened. Perhaps it’s because I didn’t get to know the characters—or discover why they were all so moved while sitting across from Abramović and staring into her eyes.
The writing had its moments of beauty and insight; but I’m left with too many questions about the author’s choices, such as why she chose to use an otherworldly narrator who purportedly links the composer and the performance artist. It seemed facile, odd, and unnecessary.
Like with the artist Marina Abramović’s tears when she sees her audience/participants crying, I was supposed to be moved by the characters' stories; but that barely happened. Perhaps it’s because I didn’t get to know the characters—or discover why they were all so moved while sitting across from Abramović and staring into her eyes.
slimbooks's review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
jessiejonesbentley's review against another edition
challenging
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Body horror, Chronic illness, Death, Self harm, Terminal illness, Violence, Grief, Death of parent, and War
srosejeske's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
westonculture's review against another edition
5.0
It made me think. It made me feel. It made me cry. I finished it with such an appreciation for Abramovich, Rose and the power of art and literature to give meaning, reveal beauty, and connect us all in this world. Loved it.
maxycat's review against another edition
5.0
Loved this so much. I had heard of Marina Abramovic but didn't know much about her. The book really subtly built a whole fictional narrative to tell a true story about someone in the art world who is so interesting.
The characters were also honest and relatable.
The characters were also honest and relatable.
jaclyncrupi's review against another edition
4.0
I think it's easy for novels about ideas, art and artists to feel pretentious but Heather Rose manages to avoid that and she does it by delivering characters who feel so very real. Based around Abramovic's three-month long performance piece at MoMA, The Artist is Present, this book follows various people who visited or were involved in the piece. Full disclosure: I'm a huge Abramovic fan and may have stalked her in Geneva for a time (she smiled at me) so I was a little nervous going in but I needn't have been. Heather Rose has written an absolute gem of a novel. My only criticism is the narrator – it just didn't always work and I desperately wanted to make some tweaks and edits. I also wished the book focused more on Jane and Levin but I can forgive it that and understand that Rose wanted a broader scope. It's a hard book to write about (always a good sign) and one I know I will be thinking about for a long time. I absolutely loved it!
jas_kv's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
reubenmd's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Once again, possibly the best book I’ve ever read. What is that, four in the last year?
frogwithlittlehammer's review against another edition
Didn’t know I signed up for an Abramovic hagiography ╮(︶︿︶)╭