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The God of My Art
Where does art come from—and what if the muse isn’t a goddess, but a disinterested lover?
Helene vividly remembers that night in Prince George when her alcoholic mother threatened to leave. She also cannot forget the day her stepfather sent her away to a group home. Now, years later in Vancouver, she has met a man who can make her forget all that.
Helene grows up in a trailer park in northern British Columbia. After being sent to a group home by her stepfather, she runs away to Vancouver. Now a university student, she meets Matthew—a restless, upper-middle-class mountaineer who idolizes Nietzsche and dreams of saving the world through international aid work.
Told in bold, poetic prose, The God of My Art is a literary novel that examines the complicated relationship between romantic obsession and creative expression.
Helene vividly remembers that night in Prince George when her alcoholic mother threatened to leave. She also cannot forget the day her stepfather sent her away to a group home. Now, years later in Vancouver, she has met a man who can make her forget all that.
Helene grows up in a trailer park in northern British Columbia. After being sent to a group home by her stepfather, she runs away to Vancouver. Now a university student, she meets Matthew—a restless, upper-middle-class mountaineer who idolizes Nietzsche and dreams of saving the world through international aid work.
Told in bold, poetic prose, The God of My Art is a literary novel that examines the complicated relationship between romantic obsession and creative expression.
- GenresFiction
224 pages, Paperback
First published June 15, 2013
14 people are currently reading
447 people want to read
About the author
Sarah Lane
1 book41 followersSarah Lane is the author of The God of My Art: A Novel. Her poetry and short stories have appeared in numerous literary journals, including The Antigonish Review, Roar Magazine, think equity, Wreck Magazine, Educational Insights, Capilano Courier, and Quills: Canadian Poetry Magazine.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
March 17, 2014
The God of my Art by Sarah Lane is a 2013 Purpleferns Press Publication.
Helene is an artist in her early twenties trying to find her way in the world. Her goals are fairly simple when seen on paper but trying to accomplish what she wants as an artist, a lover, and a woman is not that easy to actually accomplish.
The story is told in first person as Helene experiences a relationship with Matt, her muse, then finds herself alone as he travels to another country to live for awhile. In the meantime, Helene gets a call from her mother whom she refers to as Katie. Katie is having marital issues and has started drinking and smoking again which upsets Helene. However, Helene knows Katie is only thinking of herself and her own little corner of the universe. Helene is just a sounding board. She shows zero interest in her daughter's art or life, she seldom ask her any questions about how things are for her, she only laments about her own failures and problems. Once a line of communication is reopened with Katie, Helene begins to reflect upon her poor upbringing and life with her mother and step father.
As the story progresses, Matt steps out of Helene's life as a lover, for good, but she still thinks of him as her muse. Helene makes new friends who encourage her to persue her art by attending art school. Before she can really see herself committing to something like that she needs closure about her father, who died when she was two- who was he? were there any relatives she could connec twith?- and so on. She is surprised by her mother's revelations. I think in the end, Helene will immerse herself into her art by letting her past, present, and the promise of a better life for herself flow within her talent. Helene will emerge on the other side a more stable, complete, content and sucessful woman despite her less than supportive background and heartbreaks.
It's hard to believe this is a debut novel. The author has a literary prose that rivels more experienced and seasoned authors. I was given a copy of this book by an author friend after she read it, so I knew this was going to be a special read. Now I will have to confess that I had no idea what kind of book this was when I started reading it and while I enjoyed the writers style, I thought perhaps this was one of those literary novels that went over my head. I still may not have understood all that the author was hoping the reader would take away from the book, but I think I got the jist of the story. I was just mesmerized by the prose and that is what really had me invested in the book until I began to really care about Helene and traveled along with her as she made a sort of peace with her past and her family, but as she also realized she had it within herself to be better than her upbringing would indicate. She was smart, talented, and driven to succeed. She did not need to lean on anyone else to achieve what she wanted in life. Ultimately, I was proud of Helene. I know she intends to see where her artistic nature will lead her and I know she will be recognized for her efforts.
I also predict this author will be recognized for her efforts if this novel is any indication of her future efforts as a writer. Over all this one is an A+
Helene is an artist in her early twenties trying to find her way in the world. Her goals are fairly simple when seen on paper but trying to accomplish what she wants as an artist, a lover, and a woman is not that easy to actually accomplish.
The story is told in first person as Helene experiences a relationship with Matt, her muse, then finds herself alone as he travels to another country to live for awhile. In the meantime, Helene gets a call from her mother whom she refers to as Katie. Katie is having marital issues and has started drinking and smoking again which upsets Helene. However, Helene knows Katie is only thinking of herself and her own little corner of the universe. Helene is just a sounding board. She shows zero interest in her daughter's art or life, she seldom ask her any questions about how things are for her, she only laments about her own failures and problems. Once a line of communication is reopened with Katie, Helene begins to reflect upon her poor upbringing and life with her mother and step father.
As the story progresses, Matt steps out of Helene's life as a lover, for good, but she still thinks of him as her muse. Helene makes new friends who encourage her to persue her art by attending art school. Before she can really see herself committing to something like that she needs closure about her father, who died when she was two- who was he? were there any relatives she could connec twith?- and so on. She is surprised by her mother's revelations. I think in the end, Helene will immerse herself into her art by letting her past, present, and the promise of a better life for herself flow within her talent. Helene will emerge on the other side a more stable, complete, content and sucessful woman despite her less than supportive background and heartbreaks.
It's hard to believe this is a debut novel. The author has a literary prose that rivels more experienced and seasoned authors. I was given a copy of this book by an author friend after she read it, so I knew this was going to be a special read. Now I will have to confess that I had no idea what kind of book this was when I started reading it and while I enjoyed the writers style, I thought perhaps this was one of those literary novels that went over my head. I still may not have understood all that the author was hoping the reader would take away from the book, but I think I got the jist of the story. I was just mesmerized by the prose and that is what really had me invested in the book until I began to really care about Helene and traveled along with her as she made a sort of peace with her past and her family, but as she also realized she had it within herself to be better than her upbringing would indicate. She was smart, talented, and driven to succeed. She did not need to lean on anyone else to achieve what she wanted in life. Ultimately, I was proud of Helene. I know she intends to see where her artistic nature will lead her and I know she will be recognized for her efforts.
I also predict this author will be recognized for her efforts if this novel is any indication of her future efforts as a writer. Over all this one is an A+
March 14, 2015
DNF.
I had two reasons for choosing this book:
1. It is set in Vancouver, and
2. Somehow the synopsis and glowing reviews described this book as something that might be worthwhile. So many reviewers seemed to have been "profoundly" moved by this story.
After about 20% of reading what seemed to be either tepid romance or - worse - pretentious NA, I had to double-check the book description....but yes, this really was described as follows:
"The God of My Art paints a portrait of the artist as a young woman. Years after running away from home, gifted Helene must wrestle with her childhood if she wants to discover her true calling. She finds a muse in philosophical Matthew, who makes her past feel so far away.... but is it?
Matthew dreams of escaping the mundane by becoming a humanitarian worker in a war zone, but for now he is fond of quoting Nietzsche when he's not off climbing mountains. As Helene's growing infatuation with him unfolds, so does the true nature of her hero worship.
Bold and poetic, The God of My Art explores unrequited love as the source of inspiration for art."
I'm not a fan of Joyce but I have read The Artist as a Young Man, which clearly puts me at a disadvantage because I automatically expected more - from the book and from the poor soul who wrote the book description and clearly only made reference to a book title he or she may have overheard somewhere but has never read. If indeed, they realised it was a book, not just a phrase.
As for the "philosophical Matthew" who likes to quote Nietzsche, Matthew is introduced with the following quote:
"Man shall be trained for war, and woman for the recreation of the warrior."
Oh, and it takes only a few pages to establish, that yes, he is an idiot with the depth of a bath mat. The level of his philosophical profundity does not stretch much beyond the following:
“The name of this neighbourhood— Mount Pleasant— is an oxymoron ,” he says, hailing a passing cab."
Or maybe this is an example of the boldness and poetry that is meant to fill The God of My Art?
Seriously, ....
NEXT!
I had two reasons for choosing this book:
1. It is set in Vancouver, and
2. Somehow the synopsis and glowing reviews described this book as something that might be worthwhile. So many reviewers seemed to have been "profoundly" moved by this story.
After about 20% of reading what seemed to be either tepid romance or - worse - pretentious NA, I had to double-check the book description....but yes, this really was described as follows:
"The God of My Art paints a portrait of the artist as a young woman. Years after running away from home, gifted Helene must wrestle with her childhood if she wants to discover her true calling. She finds a muse in philosophical Matthew, who makes her past feel so far away.... but is it?
Matthew dreams of escaping the mundane by becoming a humanitarian worker in a war zone, but for now he is fond of quoting Nietzsche when he's not off climbing mountains. As Helene's growing infatuation with him unfolds, so does the true nature of her hero worship.
Bold and poetic, The God of My Art explores unrequited love as the source of inspiration for art."
I'm not a fan of Joyce but I have read The Artist as a Young Man, which clearly puts me at a disadvantage because I automatically expected more - from the book and from the poor soul who wrote the book description and clearly only made reference to a book title he or she may have overheard somewhere but has never read. If indeed, they realised it was a book, not just a phrase.
As for the "philosophical Matthew" who likes to quote Nietzsche, Matthew is introduced with the following quote:
"Man shall be trained for war, and woman for the recreation of the warrior."
Oh, and it takes only a few pages to establish, that yes, he is an idiot with the depth of a bath mat. The level of his philosophical profundity does not stretch much beyond the following:
“The name of this neighbourhood— Mount Pleasant— is an oxymoron ,” he says, hailing a passing cab."
Or maybe this is an example of the boldness and poetry that is meant to fill The God of My Art?
Seriously, ....
NEXT!
February 27, 2014
This author is skilled with prose, and it shows. Almost every page allows you to sigh with content at the descriptive language used.
Sometimes the heavy use of description gets in the way of the story, but the writing is so good, you'll agree it's worth it.
I really liked the part where she imagines that she is not that far removed from being a bag lady. Honestly, these destitute on skid row are real people too, and some of them may have lived lives like us, but found themselves one day on the wrong side of the tracks due to drug or alcohol abuse, or cruel family members in positions of authority who would not support them, possibly because they had rendered themselves helpless. The part where she showed a bag lady her drawing of her as a subject was very touching.
I think the story could have been more complete though. It starts off with a bang, and sustains itself powerfully. However, too many issues were left dangling. Where is Matthew? It's a work of fiction, and it may be contrived to do so, but authors are perfectly allowed to bring about a return of an important character at the ending, to tie up loose ends. What happened to her father? Again, it would be good to explore that history. Memoirs are real - there may be no happy ending, or there may be an incomplete story. Here, this is a work of fiction, and we readers demand solutions or answers to questions that the author tantalizingly brings about. What happened to her art career? Maybe a postscript going back over the last five years since the ending of the book would be most helpful.
But, boy, this author can write. Proved her writing chops.
Sometimes the heavy use of description gets in the way of the story, but the writing is so good, you'll agree it's worth it.
I really liked the part where she imagines that she is not that far removed from being a bag lady. Honestly, these destitute on skid row are real people too, and some of them may have lived lives like us, but found themselves one day on the wrong side of the tracks due to drug or alcohol abuse, or cruel family members in positions of authority who would not support them, possibly because they had rendered themselves helpless. The part where she showed a bag lady her drawing of her as a subject was very touching.
I think the story could have been more complete though. It starts off with a bang, and sustains itself powerfully. However, too many issues were left dangling. Where is Matthew? It's a work of fiction, and it may be contrived to do so, but authors are perfectly allowed to bring about a return of an important character at the ending, to tie up loose ends. What happened to her father? Again, it would be good to explore that history. Memoirs are real - there may be no happy ending, or there may be an incomplete story. Here, this is a work of fiction, and we readers demand solutions or answers to questions that the author tantalizingly brings about. What happened to her art career? Maybe a postscript going back over the last five years since the ending of the book would be most helpful.
But, boy, this author can write. Proved her writing chops.
November 5, 2013
In The God of My Art, Helene, the main character, suffers for love and for her love of art. A budding artist trying to find her way in life, Helene wants nothing more than to become an important artist, an interesting lover, and a competent woman. However, the pain associated with her dysfunctional past keeps Helene from living the life of independence that she truly desires.
A profound and sensual read, The God of My Art is written with strong character development, creative descriptions, and beautiful prose. Helene’s story is artfully and poetically constructed as the author skillfully describes the events of her life through colorful and creative imagery. The author’s vivid details depicted throughout the book continually allowed the reader to gather a realistic sense of Helene’s feelings and emotions.
The God of My Art is a heartfelt story where interpersonal relationships, the ambiguities of youth, and the uncertainty of the future all come together to establish Helene’s authentic personality. It is a true to life story of one woman’s ability to create the life she wants for herself, a story that any young woman will be able to relate to.
Jill Dobbe, Author of HERE WE ARE & THERE WE GO: Teaching and Traveling With Kids in Tow
A profound and sensual read, The God of My Art is written with strong character development, creative descriptions, and beautiful prose. Helene’s story is artfully and poetically constructed as the author skillfully describes the events of her life through colorful and creative imagery. The author’s vivid details depicted throughout the book continually allowed the reader to gather a realistic sense of Helene’s feelings and emotions.
The God of My Art is a heartfelt story where interpersonal relationships, the ambiguities of youth, and the uncertainty of the future all come together to establish Helene’s authentic personality. It is a true to life story of one woman’s ability to create the life she wants for herself, a story that any young woman will be able to relate to.
Jill Dobbe, Author of HERE WE ARE & THERE WE GO: Teaching and Traveling With Kids in Tow
January 23, 2014
Many authors succeed in capitalizing on vibrant cities to set their novels, but Sarah Lane’s beautiful and simple prose takes this a magical step further. The God of My Art is far more than a collage of Vancouver beaches, streets and towering mountains. The novel’s strength lies in the dichotomy of the “chosen” and “outliers”—the pampered heirs to Shaughnessy fortunes and the soon-to-disappear women of Hastings Street back alleys. Like art, Lane’s prose reveals its deepest secrets not in the rays of light, but in the shadows.
The protagonist in Lane’s novel, Helene, is conflicted between her desire for security and the impulses driving her to abandon her “safe” studies in Commerce and be an artist. Helene, now 21, has survived the early death of her French father, her mother Katie’s descent into alcoholism, and the obsessive-compulsive nature of her stepfather Lyle. When at 15 she rebels against Lyle, he convinces her mother to put Helene in a group home in Prince George. She flees the group home and hitchhikes to Vancouver to live on the streets until her friend Christine takes her in and gets her back into school and then to university on a scholarship. There she easily falls for Matthew, a narcissistic young man, who quotes Nietzsche when he’s not off climbing mountains. But when Matthew leaves to join his girlfriend Yoriko in Japan, Helene is left more confused and insecure than before. Encouraged by her friends, Hana and Laurent, Helene gradually regains confidence and dares to think again about pursuing a career in art.
While the plot of The God of My Art is not particularly complex, the character development, especially of Helene and her mother Katie, really pulls the novel together. What starts off as a possible essay in self-obsession ends in a strong bond between the reader and Helene, and a fascination for mother Katie with her crushed dreams and trailer-camp existence.
Lane’s fiction is not for everyone. Indeed, the storyline of The Art of My God at times skirts puerile reactions to the pitfalls of life. It is the prose that makes this author stand out—each sentence meticulously interlocked with the next. The spice of a philosophical musing at just the right spot. Dialogue that is both realistic and revealing of repressed desires and memories. However, while The God of My Art has definitely set Lane off in the right direction as an author, it is just an appetizer—for the best is assuredly yet to come.
Reviewed by Ian Thomas Shaw
This review first appeared in New Perspectives on Canadian Literature
The protagonist in Lane’s novel, Helene, is conflicted between her desire for security and the impulses driving her to abandon her “safe” studies in Commerce and be an artist. Helene, now 21, has survived the early death of her French father, her mother Katie’s descent into alcoholism, and the obsessive-compulsive nature of her stepfather Lyle. When at 15 she rebels against Lyle, he convinces her mother to put Helene in a group home in Prince George. She flees the group home and hitchhikes to Vancouver to live on the streets until her friend Christine takes her in and gets her back into school and then to university on a scholarship. There she easily falls for Matthew, a narcissistic young man, who quotes Nietzsche when he’s not off climbing mountains. But when Matthew leaves to join his girlfriend Yoriko in Japan, Helene is left more confused and insecure than before. Encouraged by her friends, Hana and Laurent, Helene gradually regains confidence and dares to think again about pursuing a career in art.
While the plot of The God of My Art is not particularly complex, the character development, especially of Helene and her mother Katie, really pulls the novel together. What starts off as a possible essay in self-obsession ends in a strong bond between the reader and Helene, and a fascination for mother Katie with her crushed dreams and trailer-camp existence.
Lane’s fiction is not for everyone. Indeed, the storyline of The Art of My God at times skirts puerile reactions to the pitfalls of life. It is the prose that makes this author stand out—each sentence meticulously interlocked with the next. The spice of a philosophical musing at just the right spot. Dialogue that is both realistic and revealing of repressed desires and memories. However, while The God of My Art has definitely set Lane off in the right direction as an author, it is just an appetizer—for the best is assuredly yet to come.
Reviewed by Ian Thomas Shaw
This review first appeared in New Perspectives on Canadian Literature
February 22, 2014
Any book that mentions Nietzsche on the first page has got my attention! I imagined that this would be a twenty-year old girl’s angst-ridden romance but it soon became clear that it was far more than that. It is more a coming-of-age story where the main character, Helene (first person narration) is trying to find herself against a backdrop of a difficult childhood in a poor home, a poisonous mother, offensive stepfather and her own stuttering love life. The narrative is in the present tense but there is a lot of back story so the change of tense is useful to remind you where you are. In her climb in search of love, Helene is passive and lacking in self-confidence, so becomes a bit of a door mat to the object of her affections, Matthew, as she tries to fill the emotional vacuum in her life. He, in complete contrast, is more of an alpha male but fickle and emotionally paralysed; a man who knows what he wants, gets it, then moves on. With her journal; her soul. He’s a user. She lets him get away with it. She has no choice. But she still regards him as her muse in her life’s ambition to be an artist and, strangely, it’s his very absence that inspires her to seek her personal freedom.
You realise from the first few paragraphs that the writing is imaginative and original. For a debut novel, it is outstanding and I am not surprised that this has been picked up by a publishing house. In addition, the presentation is first class; I didn’t spot a single formatting, punctuation or spelling error and how many ebooks can you say that of? The overall style is close to being literary fiction and, as such, the way it hops between the present and the past is fine as the reader follows the stream-of-consciousness. I liked the use of colour metaphors when she becomes an artist. The fact that the plot meanders doesn’t matter, I think, because the main character’s internal world is so well treated. This is not a plot-based story and will not appeal to readers who expect that. It’s a subtle unfolding with a gentle and satisfying story arc.
Overall, a well-crafted book that will appeal to people who relish a thoughtful read.
You realise from the first few paragraphs that the writing is imaginative and original. For a debut novel, it is outstanding and I am not surprised that this has been picked up by a publishing house. In addition, the presentation is first class; I didn’t spot a single formatting, punctuation or spelling error and how many ebooks can you say that of? The overall style is close to being literary fiction and, as such, the way it hops between the present and the past is fine as the reader follows the stream-of-consciousness. I liked the use of colour metaphors when she becomes an artist. The fact that the plot meanders doesn’t matter, I think, because the main character’s internal world is so well treated. This is not a plot-based story and will not appeal to readers who expect that. It’s a subtle unfolding with a gentle and satisfying story arc.
Overall, a well-crafted book that will appeal to people who relish a thoughtful read.
February 29, 2016
This novel is about how unrequited love awakens the artist within a young woman. Despite his numerous failings, or perhaps because of them, her lover becomes an inspiration for her painting long after he is gone. Their relationship is only a catalyst as the real story is that of the metamorphosis of a fearful young girl into a fledging artist.
Because the novel is written from the young girl's perspective, it forces the reader to follow her developing awareness as she awakens to her artistic calling. It starts out with a melodramatic young girl obsessed with a heartbreaker. Then he leaves, and his leaving inspires her to confront her upbringing and the constraints of conventional society. As she comes to terms with these, she manages to take the first steps toward forging her path as an artist.
The writing is beautiful, and the story stayed with me long after.
Because the novel is written from the young girl's perspective, it forces the reader to follow her developing awareness as she awakens to her artistic calling. It starts out with a melodramatic young girl obsessed with a heartbreaker. Then he leaves, and his leaving inspires her to confront her upbringing and the constraints of conventional society. As she comes to terms with these, she manages to take the first steps toward forging her path as an artist.
The writing is beautiful, and the story stayed with me long after.
November 4, 2013
This is a very smartly written novel. I thoroughly enjoyed reading about this tortured artist's life. The book deals with some heavy subjects, but the author handles it beautifully. Lane seamlessly interweaves art, history and complex interpersonal relationships into the story. This book is definitely worth reading.
April 27, 2014
I just finished reading Sarah Lane's novel,"The God of my Art." We first meet the protagonist Helene in June 2001. She is 21. She meets her Muse Matthew through a mutual friend Christine. Christine and Matthew are both members of a University Mountain Rock climbing club.Matthew is older 23. He becomes a brief romantic entanglement for Christine. After this relationship ends She spends much time pondering him-and she takes us along for the ride.
Sarah Lane separates her novel into three stages using the primary colors of Red, Blue and Yellow. This is very creative and fitting for a book about a young artist's journey.Each color also invokes moods; Red is passion, Blue as sorrow and disappointment and Yellow as Growth and new beginnings. Then each section is also divided into chapters. I do not wish to include a synopsis or any spoilers.
This was a fun and engaging read for me personally as an artist. However there are some parts of her book I would like to draw attention to because I felt they were very well written.On page 95 Helene is musing that (she feels)," A life without art seems like no life at all, and every single day that I don't create in some way seems not fully lived." She ponders further about not wanting to become just another starving artist. This inner conflict is the undercurrent throughout this novel.It is a conflict way too familiar to many artists.
Later on pg 160, Helene ponders Nietzche, "Whoever fights with monsters should be careful lest he thereby becomes a monster.And if you gaze long into the abyss, the abyss will also gaze into you."She was introduced to his writing via her muse Matthew.As she thinks over this quote she reflects,"What difference can art make, anyway?" Finally near the end of the novel this inner conflict almost seems resolved as Helene states,on pg 173," Once, I prove myself as an artist, as a lover, and as a woman-events will be remembered differently, the fractured landscapes of my life will reveal their significance and everything will come together in a meaningful whole."
I found Helene's journey to be similar to that of a Mythical Greek Hero of Greek Tragedy or Comedy. It is a Everyman's saga. It is a Hero's journey, but mostly it is an Artist's journey. It begs of the Reader, the question of Why Art? And then the only natural evolution of this question becomes why not Art?
The Author is very successful in drawing the reader in to that place of mind and heart young persons experience in their early 20's. The only criticism, I could possible have is in a few seldom places there is an undercurrent of teen angst-but that is very truthful to that stage of young adulthood too.
Overall, I found this to be a wonderful coming of age tale that I could really relate too. Ms.Lane is a very talented storyteller. I highly suggest this book to anyone with a passion for life and a passion for art.Thank you for the promotional copy of this book. I was a Good Reads winner.
Sarah Lane separates her novel into three stages using the primary colors of Red, Blue and Yellow. This is very creative and fitting for a book about a young artist's journey.Each color also invokes moods; Red is passion, Blue as sorrow and disappointment and Yellow as Growth and new beginnings. Then each section is also divided into chapters. I do not wish to include a synopsis or any spoilers.
This was a fun and engaging read for me personally as an artist. However there are some parts of her book I would like to draw attention to because I felt they were very well written.On page 95 Helene is musing that (she feels)," A life without art seems like no life at all, and every single day that I don't create in some way seems not fully lived." She ponders further about not wanting to become just another starving artist. This inner conflict is the undercurrent throughout this novel.It is a conflict way too familiar to many artists.
Later on pg 160, Helene ponders Nietzche, "Whoever fights with monsters should be careful lest he thereby becomes a monster.And if you gaze long into the abyss, the abyss will also gaze into you."She was introduced to his writing via her muse Matthew.As she thinks over this quote she reflects,"What difference can art make, anyway?" Finally near the end of the novel this inner conflict almost seems resolved as Helene states,on pg 173," Once, I prove myself as an artist, as a lover, and as a woman-events will be remembered differently, the fractured landscapes of my life will reveal their significance and everything will come together in a meaningful whole."
I found Helene's journey to be similar to that of a Mythical Greek Hero of Greek Tragedy or Comedy. It is a Everyman's saga. It is a Hero's journey, but mostly it is an Artist's journey. It begs of the Reader, the question of Why Art? And then the only natural evolution of this question becomes why not Art?
The Author is very successful in drawing the reader in to that place of mind and heart young persons experience in their early 20's. The only criticism, I could possible have is in a few seldom places there is an undercurrent of teen angst-but that is very truthful to that stage of young adulthood too.
Overall, I found this to be a wonderful coming of age tale that I could really relate too. Ms.Lane is a very talented storyteller. I highly suggest this book to anyone with a passion for life and a passion for art.Thank you for the promotional copy of this book. I was a Good Reads winner.
October 10, 2014
The God of my Art: A Novel by Sarah Lane is full of life. Dramatic, artsy, and at the same time realistic. The author grabs your hand and takes you for a ride. Her ability to take you with her on this journey is quite charming as it is moving. There is poetry between the lines as the story plays out in full color. I ate this story up. Absorbed myself in it.
Helene is a character I could easily like as a friend. I loved her candidness and use of language. She was life-like, likable and relatable.
The God of My Art was intoxicating.
Quote ~
"I sat on the couch in a state of shock, telling myself that things don't happen in random, unrelated events, telling myself that life must be more than chaos, that underneath the apparent randomness there must be a thread of meaning tying it all together."
Helene is a character I could easily like as a friend. I loved her candidness and use of language. She was life-like, likable and relatable.
The God of My Art was intoxicating.
Quote ~
"I sat on the couch in a state of shock, telling myself that things don't happen in random, unrelated events, telling myself that life must be more than chaos, that underneath the apparent randomness there must be a thread of meaning tying it all together."
March 10, 2014
Sarah Lane’s debut novel is an ambitious exploration of how an artist is born and - perhaps more importantly - how she chooses to follow that path as an adult. Lane's prose style is superb; there is a great deal of keen observation, strong dialogue, and interesting ruminations from a heroine coming of age after a difficult childhood. An example: “I want to tell her I am only trying to burn bright and not to flicker out, trying to etch something along this lifeline of my matchstick into eternity, something of me, of value, into permanence.” Helene, the main character, and her messed-up mother Katie come to life quite vividly. Some of Helene’s friends do, too (especially Hana), and I enjoyed watching them help this insecure young woman wake up to her own genius.
I have to admit I was often frustrated by what I believe is meant to be the main relationship -- perhaps intentionally frustrated, but it affected my enjoyment of the book. Matthew is someone Helene considers her muse, “the God of her art,” but I had trouble seeing him as anything but a cad. Therefore I couldn’t quite see how some of the late developments in their relationship could occur (it didn’t help that they were told in exposition), and I also didn’t see how he inspired her to do anything artistic - other than some sketches of him that nobody else seemed to think were her best work. So that aspect of the novel, to my mind, needed more development. The structure of the novel is also quite challenging, with lots of time shifts. Because of this, it's best-suited to readers of literary fiction, but anyone who is an artist struggling with the often conflicting demands of making art and making a living will find much of interest here.
All in all, THE GOD OF MY ART is a laudable debut. I look forward to reading more from this author. (I received a copy free from her in exchange for an honest review.)
I have to admit I was often frustrated by what I believe is meant to be the main relationship -- perhaps intentionally frustrated, but it affected my enjoyment of the book. Matthew is someone Helene considers her muse, “the God of her art,” but I had trouble seeing him as anything but a cad. Therefore I couldn’t quite see how some of the late developments in their relationship could occur (it didn’t help that they were told in exposition), and I also didn’t see how he inspired her to do anything artistic - other than some sketches of him that nobody else seemed to think were her best work. So that aspect of the novel, to my mind, needed more development. The structure of the novel is also quite challenging, with lots of time shifts. Because of this, it's best-suited to readers of literary fiction, but anyone who is an artist struggling with the often conflicting demands of making art and making a living will find much of interest here.
All in all, THE GOD OF MY ART is a laudable debut. I look forward to reading more from this author. (I received a copy free from her in exchange for an honest review.)
November 30, 2013
This is a unique coming-of-age novel which finds Helene, a Vancouver student, trying to find herself as a woman, a student, and a member of a highly dysfunctional and fragmented family. She’s 21 and falls hard for Matthew, who captivates not only her heart but her longing to become an artist, but his attention is both fleeting and unhealthy. Soon he’s off to another woman in another country, taking Helene’s art journal with him.
Jolted by Matthew’s brusque leave-taking, Helene struggles to define her future with so many unknowns in her life: what really happened to her father, will her relationship with her mother ever be resolved, will she ever know the missing other family members she only dimly remembers from a strange childhood, will Matthew return? But mostly, will she ever pursue her dreams of being an artist?
I really loved the writing style and the lush imagery, as well as the deep dive into Helene’s raw feelings. The writing is as artistic as the subject matter. The author used a lot of flashbacks to good effect but a flash forward at about the 85% point seemed a bit out of place, given the well-crafted and purposefully enigmatic ending. The flash forward, however, did explain what happened to Matthew and it was nice to know that Helene finds her wings after all. A lovingly well crafted book that draws you into both the Vancouver setting and a woman’s heart.
Jolted by Matthew’s brusque leave-taking, Helene struggles to define her future with so many unknowns in her life: what really happened to her father, will her relationship with her mother ever be resolved, will she ever know the missing other family members she only dimly remembers from a strange childhood, will Matthew return? But mostly, will she ever pursue her dreams of being an artist?
I really loved the writing style and the lush imagery, as well as the deep dive into Helene’s raw feelings. The writing is as artistic as the subject matter. The author used a lot of flashbacks to good effect but a flash forward at about the 85% point seemed a bit out of place, given the well-crafted and purposefully enigmatic ending. The flash forward, however, did explain what happened to Matthew and it was nice to know that Helene finds her wings after all. A lovingly well crafted book that draws you into both the Vancouver setting and a woman’s heart.
September 8, 2014
I started reading this 2 days ago, at first I couldn't get into it. I left it off at 35% as I was a little confused by it.
Then I came back to it today and read the rest of it. I quite enjoyed the book, its very deep, very profound and exact. I did find it confusing in some parts, but I am wondering if that's more down to me than to the book. The write up is very good and tells you exactly what the book entails.
The author emailed me to ask me for an honest review after another author recommending me as a reviewer. She thought I may like this book, she was correct. I did finally enjoy it and put all the pieces together.
I would say this, its not a light read, you need to stay with it, you need to grasp what is going on in the first half of the book or you may get lost like I did. I think I made the mistake of reading it while its weekend and all the family are home and things happen around me and me having to keep putting the book aside today.
I would recommend this author Sarah Lane's book, just take yourself off somewhere quiet to start reading it and you'll be fine.
Then I came back to it today and read the rest of it. I quite enjoyed the book, its very deep, very profound and exact. I did find it confusing in some parts, but I am wondering if that's more down to me than to the book. The write up is very good and tells you exactly what the book entails.
The author emailed me to ask me for an honest review after another author recommending me as a reviewer. She thought I may like this book, she was correct. I did finally enjoy it and put all the pieces together.
I would say this, its not a light read, you need to stay with it, you need to grasp what is going on in the first half of the book or you may get lost like I did. I think I made the mistake of reading it while its weekend and all the family are home and things happen around me and me having to keep putting the book aside today.
I would recommend this author Sarah Lane's book, just take yourself off somewhere quiet to start reading it and you'll be fine.
March 29, 2014
Well written, short novel that immediately captures the reader's interest in the cast of complex, well developed characters. Broken upon the rocks of a dysfunctional childhood family life and living a life loose ends Helene is moving toward a decision of which path to take, to follow well worn for to main street or follow her aspirations to grace the walls of her own gallery. The unresolved plot lines provide context for her decision making. The interior monologues lead us into the complexities of her experience with the world and her working out of her understanding of values and priorities. This is a worthwhile and satisfying novel.
June 23, 2014
The God of My Art is layered with unforgettable scenes of youth, obsessive love, and artistic longing. At the core of this coming-of-age tale are the shifting faces of Helene--teenage runaway, university student, and budding artist.
This was one of those rare free Amazon books by an unknown author that was worth reading. It wasn't a book I could say I 'enjoyed' as it was troubled from the first to the last page but I am glad that I read it. The only reason I didn't give it five stars is that I hated the ending.
This was one of those rare free Amazon books by an unknown author that was worth reading. It wasn't a book I could say I 'enjoyed' as it was troubled from the first to the last page but I am glad that I read it. The only reason I didn't give it five stars is that I hated the ending.
March 13, 2014
Helene, a college student in Vancouver, struggles due to her dysfunctional childhood. Matthew helps Helene question her choice of study. Always poor, she is studying commerce which bores her. She is driven to draw and is talented. We share Helene's struggles as she seeks to determine how she should move forward.
February 20, 2016
This is a lovely "coming of age story". Reading this book was pure pleasure! This author's writing flows beautifully. The characters are interesting and believable. I am looking forward to resding more from this author.
Disclaimer: I was given a complimentary copy of this ebook in exchange for an honest review.
Disclaimer: I was given a complimentary copy of this ebook in exchange for an honest review.
March 8, 2014
I couldn't put it down... As an artist I see the world in colors, shades and highlights... The author paints a vivid portrait with her words, the story captivating and ending far too soon. Worth a read for everyone there is.
May 31, 2014
The author's prose is like a siren's song, deftly weaving words and painting a vivid story.
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March 8, 2015loved it!
What a great book! I rarely give out a 5 star rating. I can't wait to see what Sarah Lane writes next!
What a great book! I rarely give out a 5 star rating. I can't wait to see what Sarah Lane writes next!
February 5, 2014
I was hoping to love this book....sadly I did not.
I found the plot typical & familiar to many artists including myself growing up on the wrong side of the tracks. Nothing new. familiar isn't always good or interesting.
As poetry , a 200 and something paged poem it's probably a hit . As a book a miss.
The end was sudden and with so many overly descriptive sentences throughout the book I was left with ??? What ???
I found the plot typical & familiar to many artists including myself growing up on the wrong side of the tracks. Nothing new. familiar isn't always good or interesting.
As poetry , a 200 and something paged poem it's probably a hit . As a book a miss.
The end was sudden and with so many overly descriptive sentences throughout the book I was left with ??? What ???
January 15, 2014
'The God of My Art' presents a theme that is not very common in today's literary world. Here, originality is at its highest - a thrilling composition of talent, skill and creativity. I readily compliment the author for creating a piece that resonates soundly with reality and everyday life. Recommended!
February 17, 2016
A sad tale of a young woman lost in the world trying to survive without being dragged down by her mothers alcohol abuse. Learning to break the ties that bind her to her old life. Finding peace and a future of promise in the art she loves to create. Sometimes its hard to leave what you know to move forward into a realm you want, but have doubts about.
December 18, 2014
i was gifted a copy of this from the author for an honest review. this book was beautifully poetic. The plot flowed like a graceful ballerina and the words were artfully crafted. It is a must read for any one who appreciates the finer things in life.
March 9, 2019
Strangely, I found this book in a trash receptacle. The title caught my eye and I thought I was destined to read it. I normally don't leave reviews for books written by unknown authors, but I was compelled to inform the potential buyer of said book - that this is really a piece of literary garbage. Clearly written by a "book learned" - no pun intended, literature grad student. It's an empty, boring plot that is sorely missing character. I found it confusing and disorienting. I do hope whoever the writer is, that she spends many more years writing and that this criticism is met with understanding and the desire to improve greatly.
March 18, 2014
I won this book, signed by the author from a Goodreads giveaway. (Thanks!) I really got into the book in the last half when we start to learn a little more about the main character, Helene's background and her sordid last. I wish more of the book was about her family, unknown father, and her extended family that she had no contact with...I wanted to know more about them.
As far as her love for art, I can't relate because I have not a creative bone in my body, but the message is loud and clear here.....let your creative juices flow no matter what and follow your passions. I can assure you... If my passion was art, I'd be drawing or painting or sculpting right now!
One thing that does bother me about this book....the love story.... I was never sold on the love story
As far as her love for art, I can't relate because I have not a creative bone in my body, but the message is loud and clear here.....let your creative juices flow no matter what and follow your passions. I can assure you... If my passion was art, I'd be drawing or painting or sculpting right now!
One thing that does bother me about this book....the love story.... I was never sold on the love story
February 18, 2014
This book was just "ok" for me. I couldn't really get into it and was still confused at the end. The main character had so many issues that I was hoping she was going to look into therapy rather than trying to decide which college and which major she should pursue. She had such a tough life for such a young person. I really couldn't relate to her life style.
March 10, 2014
This was just okay. It was like reading Shakespeare for the first time (in junior high). You don't really have an understanding of it. You want to, but the more you try to understand it, the more confused you are.
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