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A review by candacesiegle_greedyreader
The Bohemians by Jasmin Darznik
4.0
You have to wonder what Dorothea Lange would think of San Francisco today. She arrived in the city in 1918 with her camera, on a world-wide trip that ended there when her money was stolen. She meets Caroline Lee, a shining young woman who takes Dorrie under her wing, forging a deep friendship and a successful photo portrait studio, for Dorothea Lange's dream was to be a society photographer. Of course, it's her remarkable eye that differentiates her work from others'.
Post earthquake San Francisco was a wild, bohemian place, especially in the Monkey Block where many political, artistic, and radical made their homes. There was also a deep streak of anti-Chinese sentiment which puts Caroline in the crosshairs of quite a strata of bigots. Dorrie uses her whiteness to shield Caroline and allow her art to flourish, but once she is distracted by painter Maynard DIxon, Caroline's talent and the respect she has earned puts her in danger.
This is a good, very readable book, with warmth and plenty of evocative details. What will make Dorothea Lange an icon is still in the future, and this novel sets the stage for her to become that person. Her friendship with Caroline and her circle in the Monkey Block will influence her to the end of her career.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for access to "The Bohemians."
~~Candace Siegle, Greedy Reader
Post earthquake San Francisco was a wild, bohemian place, especially in the Monkey Block where many political, artistic, and radical made their homes. There was also a deep streak of anti-Chinese sentiment which puts Caroline in the crosshairs of quite a strata of bigots. Dorrie uses her whiteness to shield Caroline and allow her art to flourish, but once she is distracted by painter Maynard DIxon, Caroline's talent and the respect she has earned puts her in danger.
This is a good, very readable book, with warmth and plenty of evocative details. What will make Dorothea Lange an icon is still in the future, and this novel sets the stage for her to become that person. Her friendship with Caroline and her circle in the Monkey Block will influence her to the end of her career.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for access to "The Bohemians."
~~Candace Siegle, Greedy Reader