A review by mary412
The Madonnas of Leningrad by Debra Dean
3.0
Just finished this book and now I'm not sure I should have recommended it to book group. The premise is so sweet [the Hermitage docent giving tours of the galleries even though the paintings are stored away during WW II], but I don't consider this a great book. Perhaps they'll love it because it's short - a pleasant change from some recent picks.
The book group did like this book. The artist in the group said the descriptions of the paintings were her favorite parts. A GoodReads reviewer suggested that the reader get a list of the paintings mentioned and look at them on a computer screen while reading the book. Excellent idea!
Two of our members have parents with Alzheimer's and they liked the depictions of Marina's inner life. Marina's family sees her confusion, but she can revisit the paintings she loved and can appreciate the beautiful view from the unfinished house of the last chapter.
I recommended this book to my other book group and they loved it! In preparation for the discussion, I read it a second time and now think it is a more significant book.
The book group did like this book. The artist in the group said the descriptions of the paintings were her favorite parts. A GoodReads reviewer suggested that the reader get a list of the paintings mentioned and look at them on a computer screen while reading the book. Excellent idea!
Two of our members have parents with Alzheimer's and they liked the depictions of Marina's inner life. Marina's family sees her confusion, but she can revisit the paintings she loved and can appreciate the beautiful view from the unfinished house of the last chapter.
I recommended this book to my other book group and they loved it! In preparation for the discussion, I read it a second time and now think it is a more significant book.