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Efflorescence
** OUT OF PRINT **
The year 1920 signals a time of change. The wholesome Gibson Girl is fading from grace, but the spirited Flapper has yet to emerge. In the midst of this transition, Hannah struggles to find her place. Her modeling jobs among the budding bohemian scene of Greenwich Village lead her to Russian painter Pavel. Displaced from his homeland and dissatisfied with his art, Pavel identifies with Hannah's restless spirit. Finding his muse, the emigre is determined to bring out the best in his shy, young model. In turn, Hannah surrenders herself to the artist’s whims. But when his unorthodox approach stirs Hannah’s innermost taboo desires, she faces the truest test of convention...and the heart. With themes of light bondage, and a guest appearance by a young Anais Nin, Efflorescence explores Hannah's coming-of-age at a time when women, as a whole, sought to expand their role in a changing world.
The year 1920 signals a time of change. The wholesome Gibson Girl is fading from grace, but the spirited Flapper has yet to emerge. In the midst of this transition, Hannah struggles to find her place. Her modeling jobs among the budding bohemian scene of Greenwich Village lead her to Russian painter Pavel. Displaced from his homeland and dissatisfied with his art, Pavel identifies with Hannah's restless spirit. Finding his muse, the emigre is determined to bring out the best in his shy, young model. In turn, Hannah surrenders herself to the artist’s whims. But when his unorthodox approach stirs Hannah’s innermost taboo desires, she faces the truest test of convention...and the heart. With themes of light bondage, and a guest appearance by a young Anais Nin, Efflorescence explores Hannah's coming-of-age at a time when women, as a whole, sought to expand their role in a changing world.
38 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 1, 2007
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
December 5, 2010
Hannah works as a model to earn a living for herself and her family. Though traditionally her Gibson girl looks have her modeling for wholesome Coca Cola advertisements, a moment of curiosity and a clandestine exchange of modeling assignments land her as the subject of a "suggestive" series of paintings by a Russian artist. Session by session Hannah begins to free herself from the bindings of convention, to explore the sensual aspects of her nature, and to accept her unexpected feelings for the talented Russian.
Efflorescence brings to life a wonderfully developed heroine, a fabulously drawn character that pops from the pages with surprising intensity. We are given the opportunity to get to know Hannah as a young woman at the peak of her beauty, as she begins to pursue her dreams and explore her sexuality. The summer of life!
"With her tresses fanned across the goose down pillows, she felt wanton and sensual in her role of hapless maiden. Pavel stood over her, silhouetted by the lamplight as it shone at an angle from the tilted tassel shade. One by one, he crushed and tore at the blossoms, scattering blue petals around her."
We are also given the opportunity to see Hannah in her "winter" years, as she comes full circle on her 104th birthday.
"With frail and trembling arms, the woman diligently rolls her wheelchair across the linoleum floor. Triumphant, she comes to rest at the metal bureau she shares with her roommate."
"Her hands shaking, she tries to lift the heavy tome. Her strength failing her, she eases the book across the bureau an inch at a time until it falls onto her afghan-draped lap."
A delicate morsel of historical romance, Efflorescence evokes the sensual allure of the 1920's while presenting vivid images of female bondage quite risque for the era. Those wary of strong BDSM themes need not worry though, the bondage theme is quite erotic, yet just subtly sexy by today's standards (or maybe just by my twisted standards).
"The coarse fibers of the jute cut slightly into her flesh, but did not prove uncomfortable. The strain on her shoulders lightened, which in turn alleviated the pressure on her spine. She stared back out the window. The pigeons had taken leave. With her posture relaxed, and nothing to focus on, her eyes swam and her vision blurred. Instead, she focused inwardly, at the strange tickle of heat growing between her legs. He is painting me, she thought."
Efflorescence presents a delicious mix of the kind of bittersweet romance that I often associate with Nicholas Sparks' work, with the sassy characters, vibrant imagery and surprising paranormal elements that I have come to expect from Katrina Strauss. It is a winning combination that left me thoroughly satisfied, and once again in awe of the author's storytelling ability. At just 99 cents this story is a steal!!!!
Efflorescence brings to life a wonderfully developed heroine, a fabulously drawn character that pops from the pages with surprising intensity. We are given the opportunity to get to know Hannah as a young woman at the peak of her beauty, as she begins to pursue her dreams and explore her sexuality. The summer of life!
"With her tresses fanned across the goose down pillows, she felt wanton and sensual in her role of hapless maiden. Pavel stood over her, silhouetted by the lamplight as it shone at an angle from the tilted tassel shade. One by one, he crushed and tore at the blossoms, scattering blue petals around her."
We are also given the opportunity to see Hannah in her "winter" years, as she comes full circle on her 104th birthday.
"With frail and trembling arms, the woman diligently rolls her wheelchair across the linoleum floor. Triumphant, she comes to rest at the metal bureau she shares with her roommate."
"Her hands shaking, she tries to lift the heavy tome. Her strength failing her, she eases the book across the bureau an inch at a time until it falls onto her afghan-draped lap."
A delicate morsel of historical romance, Efflorescence evokes the sensual allure of the 1920's while presenting vivid images of female bondage quite risque for the era. Those wary of strong BDSM themes need not worry though, the bondage theme is quite erotic, yet just subtly sexy by today's standards (or maybe just by my twisted standards).
"The coarse fibers of the jute cut slightly into her flesh, but did not prove uncomfortable. The strain on her shoulders lightened, which in turn alleviated the pressure on her spine. She stared back out the window. The pigeons had taken leave. With her posture relaxed, and nothing to focus on, her eyes swam and her vision blurred. Instead, she focused inwardly, at the strange tickle of heat growing between her legs. He is painting me, she thought."
Efflorescence presents a delicious mix of the kind of bittersweet romance that I often associate with Nicholas Sparks' work, with the sassy characters, vibrant imagery and surprising paranormal elements that I have come to expect from Katrina Strauss. It is a winning combination that left me thoroughly satisfied, and once again in awe of the author's storytelling ability. At just 99 cents this story is a steal!!!!
April 20, 2012
Fantastic. Sweet. Emotive. Short story but powerful. The end is a total surprise, I couldn't help but cry!!
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews