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The Woman in the Photograph
Set in the romantic glow of 1920s Paris, a captivating novel of New York socialite and model Lee Miller, whose glamorous looks and joie de vivre caught the eye of Man Ray, one of the twentieth century's defining photographers.
1929, Montparnasse. Model and woman about town Lee Miller moves to Paris determined to make herself known amidst the giddy circle of celebrated artists, authors, and photographers currently holding court in the city. She seeks out the charming, charismatic artist Man Ray to become his assistant but soon becomes much more than that: his model, his lover, his muse.
Coming into her own more fully every day, Lee models, begins working on her own projects, and even stars in a film, provoking the jealousy of the older and possessive Man Ray. Drinking and carousing is the order of the day, but while hobnobbing with the likes of Picasso and Charlie Chaplin, she also falls in love with the art of photography and finds that her own vision can no longer come second to her mentor's.
The Woman in the Photograph is the richly drawn, tempestuous novel about a talented and fearless young woman caught up in one of the most fascinating times of the twentieth century.
1929, Montparnasse. Model and woman about town Lee Miller moves to Paris determined to make herself known amidst the giddy circle of celebrated artists, authors, and photographers currently holding court in the city. She seeks out the charming, charismatic artist Man Ray to become his assistant but soon becomes much more than that: his model, his lover, his muse.
Coming into her own more fully every day, Lee models, begins working on her own projects, and even stars in a film, provoking the jealousy of the older and possessive Man Ray. Drinking and carousing is the order of the day, but while hobnobbing with the likes of Picasso and Charlie Chaplin, she also falls in love with the art of photography and finds that her own vision can no longer come second to her mentor's.
The Woman in the Photograph is the richly drawn, tempestuous novel about a talented and fearless young woman caught up in one of the most fascinating times of the twentieth century.
322 pages, Paperback
First published August 4, 2015
35 people are currently reading
3505 people want to read
About the author
Dana Gynther
3 books116 followersDana Gynther was raised in Alabama, but has lived in Missouri, Massachusettes, France, Costa Rica and Spain. A writer of historical fiction, her first two titles, "Crossing on the Paris" and "The Woman in the Photograph" -- both with a French connection-- were inspired by her own connection to France. She spent nearly two years there after graduating from college, then returned to the University of Alabama to earn an MA in French Literature. After finishing her degree, however, she settled in Valencia, Spain, where she has lived for more than twenty years. Her third novel, "The Admiral's Baths," a multi-period historical, is set in Valencia. She began writing this novel after translating the website for the actual monument, a 14th century public bathhouse in the heart of the city.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 135 reviews
January 12, 2016
Moving or motionless, in shadow or light, she was his subject.
This book is a breath of fresh air. It's been a while since I've read a historical fiction so I'm glad I was able to delve into this book. The Woman in the Photograph takes place in the year 1929 in the beautiful city of Paris. We start the book with the heroine Lee Miller, a model and a fashion icon who became enthralled not only with posing for photographs but also with doing photography herself and diving more into visual arts. When she met renowned photographer Man Ray, her desire to learn more about photography was fueled, so she persuaded him to become her mentor and at the same time, his exclusive model or muse. As they spent more time together doing photography sessions they developed passion for each other and soon after, they became lovers. But that's not the end of it because as soon as they learned about each other's flaws, their relationship changed and obsession, jealousy, and deceptions became their biggest dilemma.
This book is actually written decently, but I can't really say that I totally loved it. One big problem that I had in this book was the plot. The series of events was repetitive. Even if there were interesting things, I sometimes became wary because most of the scenes (kiss-and-make up) were turning into a cycle.
Another problem I had with this book was the main characters. Lee and Man aren't exactly the most likable characters to read about. Lee is too ambitious and selfish. Worse, she's also a cheater and a famewhore. And although I liked Man in the beginning, he eventually became a turn-off as I've read more about him. Why? Because he became a weak character who's too obsessed with Lee, to the point that he easily forgave her even if he knew that she was cheating.
But well, despite the fact that I didn't like the plot and the characters, I still think this book deserves to be read by everyone because as what I've said, it's a historical fiction (a genre that everyone should also give attention to) and it somehow offered entertainment. The setting is wonderful and the emphasis on arts was neatly done. I've also learned a lot about the wonders of photography, films, and all those things. And oh, it's nice to know how people basically lived during the 1920's and 30's in Paris-- their lifestyle, culture, and whatnot. :) So I still recommend this book!
(A free copy was given to me by the Publisher in exchange for an honest review)
Rating:
September 4, 2015
Even I am a bit surprised by the fact that I’m giving this novel one star. I mean, what was I expecting when I picked it up? Did I think it was going to be some kind of literary masterpiece? Don't I like books that take place in Paris between the wars? Don't I like books about creative people? Didn't I read this in two days? Didn’t I love the way the font on the spine looked kind of like the lettering on that one Paris Metro sign? Answers: I don't really know, no, yes, yes, yes, yes. So what went so horribly wrong?
It's safe to say that, unless a book is highly experimental, plot and character are both important to the success of a novel. For a book like this one, I would've settled for an absorbing plot, and at the beginning, it seemed like that was what I was going to get. All the promising elements were in place: interesting characters (real-life—but fictionalized—photographer-slash-model Lee Miller, and her lover and mentor, avant-garde photographer Man Ray), interesting setting, intriguing story line (Lee's rise from fashion model to esteemed photographer). But very quickly, the book became repetitive: Lee Miller would get a prestigious photography assignment; Man Ray would become insecure and worry that she was outgrowing being his protégé; they would argue; she would say something flirtatious, and they would make up. Everything would then be fine until the next time she got a prestigious assignment, when the cycle would repeat. Insert some boring descriptions of fancy parties and call it a day.
This humdrum plot might have been okay if the characters were well drawn, but they just weren't. The book is populated with various creative types; besides Lee Miller and Man Ray, there were Andre Breton, Andre Gide, Jean Cocteau, Charlie Chaplin, Luis Buñuel, Dalí, Picasso, and other, less well known actors, artists, and writers. Yet not a single soul in this book ever said anything truly interesting. All the dialogue was frightfully obvious, and the depiction of Man and Lee’s relationship was overwhelmingly simplistic in a way it couldn’t have been in real life.
Lee’s personality was the most disappointing. As at least one other Goodreader has mentioned, she was more like a spoiled teenager than a woman with a creative soul, less fiery than bratty. She was more than happy to sponge off Man Ray’s career in order to advance her own, yet she cheated on him at just about every turn, so much so that I was put in mind of I Take You—never a good thing. She also Of course, as alluded to above, Man Ray didn’t always treat Lee Miller as well as he could have, so you’d think it wouldn’t have been that difficult for me to sympathize with her—to say nothing of the fact that I tend to give artistic geniuses a fair amount of leeway, in fiction anyway: if you’ve truly got a unique talent and intellect, I don’t necessarily expect you to abide by the same rules as the rest of us. But this depiction of Lee was just so shallow, dull, and self-centered that I could see nothing of the sought-after photographer she was in real life. I got so fed up with her that I simply couldn’t wait for the book to be over, and the stars kept dropping off my rating as I waded through the endless pages before the book finally wound down to a depressing epilogue that compressed some important aspects of Miller’s life into one bummer of an ending.
In retrospect, I should have known this book might be a disappointment when I read the publisher’s letter that accompanied it, wherein the book was described as “richly drawn” and “tempestuous.” First of all, a novel can’t be tempestuous (and this one surely isn’t)—only people and weather can. And what does “richly drawn” even mean? (I would in fact like to call a moratorium on using the word “rich” to describe anything other than a person with a lot of money or a dish with a lot of butter.) Meaningless phrases like these would seem to indicate that even the publisher can’t quite tell you what’s good about this book, so why should I be able to? And quite obviously, I can’t. Color me disappointed.
I received this book via a First Reads giveaway here on Goodreads.
It's safe to say that, unless a book is highly experimental, plot and character are both important to the success of a novel. For a book like this one, I would've settled for an absorbing plot, and at the beginning, it seemed like that was what I was going to get. All the promising elements were in place: interesting characters (real-life—but fictionalized—photographer-slash-model Lee Miller, and her lover and mentor, avant-garde photographer Man Ray), interesting setting, intriguing story line (Lee's rise from fashion model to esteemed photographer). But very quickly, the book became repetitive: Lee Miller would get a prestigious photography assignment; Man Ray would become insecure and worry that she was outgrowing being his protégé; they would argue; she would say something flirtatious, and they would make up. Everything would then be fine until the next time she got a prestigious assignment, when the cycle would repeat. Insert some boring descriptions of fancy parties and call it a day.
This humdrum plot might have been okay if the characters were well drawn, but they just weren't. The book is populated with various creative types; besides Lee Miller and Man Ray, there were Andre Breton, Andre Gide, Jean Cocteau, Charlie Chaplin, Luis Buñuel, Dalí, Picasso, and other, less well known actors, artists, and writers. Yet not a single soul in this book ever said anything truly interesting. All the dialogue was frightfully obvious, and the depiction of Man and Lee’s relationship was overwhelmingly simplistic in a way it couldn’t have been in real life.
Lee’s personality was the most disappointing. As at least one other Goodreader has mentioned, she was more like a spoiled teenager than a woman with a creative soul, less fiery than bratty. She was more than happy to sponge off Man Ray’s career in order to advance her own, yet she cheated on him at just about every turn, so much so that I was put in mind of I Take You—never a good thing. She also Of course, as alluded to above, Man Ray didn’t always treat Lee Miller as well as he could have, so you’d think it wouldn’t have been that difficult for me to sympathize with her—to say nothing of the fact that I tend to give artistic geniuses a fair amount of leeway, in fiction anyway: if you’ve truly got a unique talent and intellect, I don’t necessarily expect you to abide by the same rules as the rest of us. But this depiction of Lee was just so shallow, dull, and self-centered that I could see nothing of the sought-after photographer she was in real life. I got so fed up with her that I simply couldn’t wait for the book to be over, and the stars kept dropping off my rating as I waded through the endless pages before the book finally wound down to a depressing epilogue that compressed some important aspects of Miller’s life into one bummer of an ending.
In retrospect, I should have known this book might be a disappointment when I read the publisher’s letter that accompanied it, wherein the book was described as “richly drawn” and “tempestuous.” First of all, a novel can’t be tempestuous (and this one surely isn’t)—only people and weather can. And what does “richly drawn” even mean? (I would in fact like to call a moratorium on using the word “rich” to describe anything other than a person with a lot of money or a dish with a lot of butter.) Meaningless phrases like these would seem to indicate that even the publisher can’t quite tell you what’s good about this book, so why should I be able to? And quite obviously, I can’t. Color me disappointed.
I received this book via a First Reads giveaway here on Goodreads.
July 29, 2015
Paris in the late 1920’s and early 1930’s was the epi-center avant garde art movement. Dana Gynther attempts to capture this era in her work “The Woman in the Photograph” – a fictionalized account of real-life surrealist photographers (and lovers) Man Ray and Lee Miller.
Having never heard of Lee Miller, I was fascinated to learn her story. Originally a model for Vogue, she worked hard at her craft and eventually gained recognition for her fine art photographs. Her work became known in the surrealist movement (and many photographs credited to Man Ray were actually taken by Miller). She became and in-demand photographer for Vogue and private clients.
In spite of a fascinating life, this story is handled clumsily by Gynther. This is unfortunate because the author does her subject a disservice. Throughout the book the dialogue is stiff, the writing mediocore, and instead of a powerful, independent woman Miller comes off as a child who flits from one decision to the next with the shifting winds. It is hard not to compare/contrast this book’s writing to the remarkable writing in Paula McClain’s recent book, Circling the Sun, about another independent woman from a similar era.
2.5 stars
Thank you to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for a galley of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Having never heard of Lee Miller, I was fascinated to learn her story. Originally a model for Vogue, she worked hard at her craft and eventually gained recognition for her fine art photographs. Her work became known in the surrealist movement (and many photographs credited to Man Ray were actually taken by Miller). She became and in-demand photographer for Vogue and private clients.
In spite of a fascinating life, this story is handled clumsily by Gynther. This is unfortunate because the author does her subject a disservice. Throughout the book the dialogue is stiff, the writing mediocore, and instead of a powerful, independent woman Miller comes off as a child who flits from one decision to the next with the shifting winds. It is hard not to compare/contrast this book’s writing to the remarkable writing in Paula McClain’s recent book, Circling the Sun, about another independent woman from a similar era.
2.5 stars
Thank you to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for a galley of this book in exchange for an honest review.
November 23, 2018
I love the times of 1920's Paris and the art scene, whether it be literature, painting, fashion, and now photography. What a fascinating story about Lee Miller, model turned photographer, and her relationship with Man Ray. I feel the author captured her character well and provided meaningful insight into who these people were and their prestigious associates. Anyone interested in being entertained about the people behind the work would enjoy this novel.
Thanks Simon & Schuster for supplying an advance copy and exposing me to this work.
Conquer them with nonchalance and bare legs, I say.
To make an escape from this settled relationship with its duty-bound devotion, its accountability for bruised feelings.
As you meet the New Year, so you will spend it.
Life was too damn short - even if you lived to be a hundred - to spend it with the wrong person.
Lee was trying to maintain the independence she'd had in London, keeping her own schedule instead of behaving like half a couple.
Thanks Simon & Schuster for supplying an advance copy and exposing me to this work.
Conquer them with nonchalance and bare legs, I say.
To make an escape from this settled relationship with its duty-bound devotion, its accountability for bruised feelings.
As you meet the New Year, so you will spend it.
Life was too damn short - even if you lived to be a hundred - to spend it with the wrong person.
Lee was trying to maintain the independence she'd had in London, keeping her own schedule instead of behaving like half a couple.
February 3, 2019
Well-written novel based on the fascinating real life of the photographer Lee Miller, mostly focusing on her relationship with the surrealist artist/photographer Man Ray. She started as a model but quickly developed a talent for photojournalism (and was a war photographer in WWII). The author does a fantastic job transporting the reader to this place and time (and deftly incorporates the other BIG personalities of the day) and depicting a romance that feels real. Perfect for fans of historical fiction, particularly for those who like a Parisian bent!
August 4, 2015
A special thank you to Gallery Books and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The captivating and talented Lee Miller’s life in Paris in the 1920s-- full of glamour and excitement, THE WOMAN IN THE PHOTOGRAPH by Dana Gynther, is a stunning portrayal of blending fact and fiction-- a fascinating life in one of the most romantic times in the twentieth century.
Born in Poughkeepsie, New York, in 1907, Lee Miller was a successful fashion model in New York City in the 1920s before going to Paris, where she became an established fashion and fine art photographer. During the Second World War, she became an acclaimed war correspondent for Vogue, covering events such as the London Blitz, the liberation of Paris, and the concentration camps at Buchenwald and Dachau.
In 1929, Miller traveled to Paris with the intention of apprenticing herself to the surrealist artist and photographer Man Ray, to be a part of the creative groups of artists, authors, and photographers. She was told to look up Man Ray, the best photographer in Paris, even though he was a New Yorker—she learned he was extremely innovative, doing abstract work, surrealist art, portraits, film and often fashion shoots. She seeks out the charming and charismatic artist to become his assistant, but of course soon she becomes his co-collaborator, model, his lover, and his muse.
Lee Miller, the glamorous fashion model, and Man Ray, photographer, were made for one another---Two creative minds.
“As he spooned a bite of his chocolate soufflé into her open mouth, she caught a glimpse of the two of them in the mirror behind the bar. Although she felt the smoldering intensity between them, she saw that from the outside, they looked like opposites; old and young, short and tall, dark and light, serious and gay. But that night in the sleeper car, in his arms, she thought they made a perfect match.”
Could opposites be attracted to one another? They soon become enthralled with one another, even though complicated, passionate, obsessive, dangerous, and sensual.
Soon thereafter, she began working on her own projects and falls in love with the art of photography and finds her own vision cannot come second to her mentor’s. Lee is a deep and complex woman, and enjoyed the author’s look at artists with their extremes of pleasure and pain.
A fascinating and intriguing look into this glamorous time, and a fearless and complex woman--capturing the beauty and creativity of the era. Like many of the famous men of this time, they are possessive, moody, dark, and all consuming. Lee does not get completely pulled under and able to establish her own identity, with her earlier childhood trauma and need for independence.
Historical fans will enjoy this elegantly written, well researched novel--Gynther, transcends you to the place and time with vivid settings and descriptions. From the witty, charming, and talented characters--eccentric, creative, alluring, sensual, passion, obsession, fashion, to exotic. Loved the glamorous cover. Well done!
JDCMustReadBooks
The captivating and talented Lee Miller’s life in Paris in the 1920s-- full of glamour and excitement, THE WOMAN IN THE PHOTOGRAPH by Dana Gynther, is a stunning portrayal of blending fact and fiction-- a fascinating life in one of the most romantic times in the twentieth century.
Born in Poughkeepsie, New York, in 1907, Lee Miller was a successful fashion model in New York City in the 1920s before going to Paris, where she became an established fashion and fine art photographer. During the Second World War, she became an acclaimed war correspondent for Vogue, covering events such as the London Blitz, the liberation of Paris, and the concentration camps at Buchenwald and Dachau.
In 1929, Miller traveled to Paris with the intention of apprenticing herself to the surrealist artist and photographer Man Ray, to be a part of the creative groups of artists, authors, and photographers. She was told to look up Man Ray, the best photographer in Paris, even though he was a New Yorker—she learned he was extremely innovative, doing abstract work, surrealist art, portraits, film and often fashion shoots. She seeks out the charming and charismatic artist to become his assistant, but of course soon she becomes his co-collaborator, model, his lover, and his muse.
Lee Miller, the glamorous fashion model, and Man Ray, photographer, were made for one another---Two creative minds.
“As he spooned a bite of his chocolate soufflé into her open mouth, she caught a glimpse of the two of them in the mirror behind the bar. Although she felt the smoldering intensity between them, she saw that from the outside, they looked like opposites; old and young, short and tall, dark and light, serious and gay. But that night in the sleeper car, in his arms, she thought they made a perfect match.”
Could opposites be attracted to one another? They soon become enthralled with one another, even though complicated, passionate, obsessive, dangerous, and sensual.
Soon thereafter, she began working on her own projects and falls in love with the art of photography and finds her own vision cannot come second to her mentor’s. Lee is a deep and complex woman, and enjoyed the author’s look at artists with their extremes of pleasure and pain.
A fascinating and intriguing look into this glamorous time, and a fearless and complex woman--capturing the beauty and creativity of the era. Like many of the famous men of this time, they are possessive, moody, dark, and all consuming. Lee does not get completely pulled under and able to establish her own identity, with her earlier childhood trauma and need for independence.
Historical fans will enjoy this elegantly written, well researched novel--Gynther, transcends you to the place and time with vivid settings and descriptions. From the witty, charming, and talented characters--eccentric, creative, alluring, sensual, passion, obsession, fashion, to exotic. Loved the glamorous cover. Well done!
JDCMustReadBooks
January 3, 2016
In theory, this book was right up my alley. Paris in the late 1920s, Surrealist photographers, and a narrator who went on to be one of the most influential female photojournalists of our time. For a raging Francophile with a degree in Photojournalism, this couldn't go wrong! Right?
LOL NOPE. 320 pages of Lee Miller having poorly written sex with literally everyone. Man Ray, leader of the Surrealist movement, groundbreaking photographer, was reduced to a wimpering, flat character with fits of jealousy that sounded like they'd been plucked from a teen romance novel with less literary merit than Twilight. Lee Miller might have been sexually free and open to flings with all manner of men, and good for her! But good lord, I had to read about her "needing a little nookie" (actual, legitimate line) every other page, and it did nothing for the plot at all. It was almost as if the author was sheepishly giggling at her computer while writing this book, thinking, "Teehee! I'm gonna make her have SEX!" And seriously, it got so, so boring after the first few sex scenes (and was written so cheesily) that I rolled my eyes and waited for it to be over.
The only part approaching interesting were the last few pages, when Lee and Man are reminiscing about their time together. Lee's reflection about her time as WWII photographer were nicely done, but then sprinkled with vague references to a developing drug addiction. I don't even know. They were dropped so flippantly into the text.
2 stars for references of Paris and the premise and the beautiful cover art. Just wish it had been executed better.
LOL NOPE. 320 pages of Lee Miller having poorly written sex with literally everyone. Man Ray, leader of the Surrealist movement, groundbreaking photographer, was reduced to a wimpering, flat character with fits of jealousy that sounded like they'd been plucked from a teen romance novel with less literary merit than Twilight. Lee Miller might have been sexually free and open to flings with all manner of men, and good for her! But good lord, I had to read about her "needing a little nookie" (actual, legitimate line) every other page, and it did nothing for the plot at all. It was almost as if the author was sheepishly giggling at her computer while writing this book, thinking, "Teehee! I'm gonna make her have SEX!" And seriously, it got so, so boring after the first few sex scenes (and was written so cheesily) that I rolled my eyes and waited for it to be over.
The only part approaching interesting were the last few pages, when Lee and Man are reminiscing about their time together. Lee's reflection about her time as WWII photographer were nicely done, but then sprinkled with vague references to a developing drug addiction. I don't even know. They were dropped so flippantly into the text.
2 stars for references of Paris and the premise and the beautiful cover art. Just wish it had been executed better.
April 25, 2015
This book is a rollicking read, drawing you immediately right into the life and times of Lee Miller, student and muse of Man Ray, and later photographer rivaling her mentor. With her keen eye for detail, author Dana Gynther makes you feel like you are there with Lee and her sometimes outrageous contemporaries. Gynther does an excellent job painting the picture of the 1920's Paris surrealist scene, as well as giving us an intimate look into a complicated woman's life. I highly recommend this novel to anyone who enjoys reading a well-told story, and learning a little history along the way.
September 4, 2015
Received free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
The Woman in the Photograph is the fictional account of the real relationship between acclaimed photographer Man Ray and his lover Lee Miller. Apparently, these two are well known, but not exactly being a photography fan, I've never heard of them.
To me this book reads like a typical romance novel. There really doesn't seem to be much substance, just Lee's on-and-off relationships with the men around her. I would have loved to read more about her career than her love life, because from what I've heard, she was quite the photographer herself. Where was that in this book, Dana Gynther?
The Woman in the Photograph is the fictional account of the real relationship between acclaimed photographer Man Ray and his lover Lee Miller. Apparently, these two are well known, but not exactly being a photography fan, I've never heard of them.
To me this book reads like a typical romance novel. There really doesn't seem to be much substance, just Lee's on-and-off relationships with the men around her. I would have loved to read more about her career than her love life, because from what I've heard, she was quite the photographer herself. Where was that in this book, Dana Gynther?
September 30, 2015
Book of the week for me! Excellent biographical novel of not one but TWO of my admired artists. My only reservation is that Man Ray came over as less than admirable, as a man. But....why do I feel a desire to see the person behind the work as somehow above human frailty? I guess we all like to look up to someone, no? Anyway, both of them came over as very human! Miller was a fascinating woman, not least for her post-Holocaust photography. Given that experience and the other biographical data used, it was hardly surprising she had problems as life went on. Very much the tortured artist, really.
Aside from the biographical nature of the novel the book also outlines very powerfully the demise of a relationship following the early perfection of a new relationship and how it feels to be backed into a corner by a partner who is no longer a desirable companion. Miller clearly had a difficulty with making emotional attachments and Ray seems to have been insecure to the point of being stiflingly possessive. The issues of artistic validity for a woman in that era would have added the final nail in the coffin of the relationship, I believe. I can easily imagine how enraged I would have been myself at a lover publishing my work as his own - and seeing nothing wrong in doing so!
Finally, the interesting examination of the nature of a Muse is thought-provoking. History tends to deliver The Muse to us as a passive - and female - version of helpmeet to a male creator (except in cases such as Antinous, obviously; as far as I am concerned he meets all the criteria to be called a Muse even if his lover was an Emperor rather than an artist: more is created in the world than the purely Creative). For the record, I am of the view that any artist's most powerful work is more likely to be driven by emotion/pain/suffering than by happy experience - because the former provides us with motive power to learn/grow/develop/move forward and happiness tends to encourage one to stay still. But what would I know?
Aside from the biographical nature of the novel the book also outlines very powerfully the demise of a relationship following the early perfection of a new relationship and how it feels to be backed into a corner by a partner who is no longer a desirable companion. Miller clearly had a difficulty with making emotional attachments and Ray seems to have been insecure to the point of being stiflingly possessive. The issues of artistic validity for a woman in that era would have added the final nail in the coffin of the relationship, I believe. I can easily imagine how enraged I would have been myself at a lover publishing my work as his own - and seeing nothing wrong in doing so!
Finally, the interesting examination of the nature of a Muse is thought-provoking. History tends to deliver The Muse to us as a passive - and female - version of helpmeet to a male creator (except in cases such as Antinous, obviously; as far as I am concerned he meets all the criteria to be called a Muse even if his lover was an Emperor rather than an artist: more is created in the world than the purely Creative). For the record, I am of the view that any artist's most powerful work is more likely to be driven by emotion/pain/suffering than by happy experience - because the former provides us with motive power to learn/grow/develop/move forward and happiness tends to encourage one to stay still. But what would I know?
September 2, 2015
Copy provided by publisher in exchange for an honest review
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The Woman in the Photograph by Dana Gynther is a deeply rich, stunning, and exciting read that is set in Paris in the 1920s that captures your full attention as the author perfectly blends history and fiction in a beautiful backdrop of fashion, photography, and arts while seductively connecting two compelling Americans living in Paris. This book is much more than photography but a blend of romance, emotions and arts. I loved that Ms. Gynther was able to spellbind and transcend her readers to a whole new era where we get to experience, live and breath of what it would feel to live in that era through the eyes of Lee Miller as she is the muse of Man Ray, a famous photographer.
Before I read The Woman in the Photograph, I wasn't aware of Lee Miller. And after reading this book, I was given a glimpse of history and fiction of Lee Miller's life. I loved that this book was a vivid, rich, stunning, and captivating read that gave readers like myself to be exposed to parts of Miller's life and her affair with Man Ray in the 1920s and early 1930s. So if you are a fan of the arts and would love to know to get to know about Lee Miller then I highly suggest you to read this book.
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Review can also be found on Four Chicks Flipping Pages: http://fourchicksflippingpages.weebly...Dana Gynther
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The Woman in the Photograph by Dana Gynther is a deeply rich, stunning, and exciting read that is set in Paris in the 1920s that captures your full attention as the author perfectly blends history and fiction in a beautiful backdrop of fashion, photography, and arts while seductively connecting two compelling Americans living in Paris. This book is much more than photography but a blend of romance, emotions and arts. I loved that Ms. Gynther was able to spellbind and transcend her readers to a whole new era where we get to experience, live and breath of what it would feel to live in that era through the eyes of Lee Miller as she is the muse of Man Ray, a famous photographer.
Before I read The Woman in the Photograph, I wasn't aware of Lee Miller. And after reading this book, I was given a glimpse of history and fiction of Lee Miller's life. I loved that this book was a vivid, rich, stunning, and captivating read that gave readers like myself to be exposed to parts of Miller's life and her affair with Man Ray in the 1920s and early 1930s. So if you are a fan of the arts and would love to know to get to know about Lee Miller then I highly suggest you to read this book.
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Review can also be found on Four Chicks Flipping Pages: http://fourchicksflippingpages.weebly...Dana Gynther
September 12, 2015
Very beautifully written story. This is the second story I have read where Lee Miller and Ray Man are featured. It's an interesting take on how Ray Man is a needy artist who is a little jealous of Lee's talents behind the camera and her relationships with other men. He doesn't want her to outgrow him. This story does a great job of portraying a mentor/assistant relationship. Lee is kind of a loner. She really doesn't have many close friends and kind of just does whatever makes her feel good. She's ambitious. This was well worth the read and made me want to research the lives of Lee Miller and Man Ray.
March 27, 2015
I couldn't turn the pages fast enough in this fascinating historical novel about Surrealist artist and photographer Man Ray and his muse, Lee Miller.
Any story about two avant-garde Americans in Paris during the 1920's has allure for me, but when the two are a glamorous and very liberated fashion model who (intentionally) collides with a well-known artist, the potential is explosive. And this book delivered.
Dana Gynther not only made her characters come alive, but the entirety of bohemian Paris was there for me every minute I was reading. The bonus in this book was the detailed and well-articulated "process" of how Man Ray and Miller's art came to fruition. She was an artistic collaborator as well as his muse; a partner as well as a rival; and a lover at the same time she perceived herself in bondage.
I loved the many dimensions of the characters and the story. It was about art and the process of creating it. It was about passion and obsession. And, sadly, it was about creative rivals.
This book was a mesmerizing peek into two creative lives and a reminder to me that liberated women were not limited to the "Swingin' 60's."
Any story about two avant-garde Americans in Paris during the 1920's has allure for me, but when the two are a glamorous and very liberated fashion model who (intentionally) collides with a well-known artist, the potential is explosive. And this book delivered.
Dana Gynther not only made her characters come alive, but the entirety of bohemian Paris was there for me every minute I was reading. The bonus in this book was the detailed and well-articulated "process" of how Man Ray and Miller's art came to fruition. She was an artistic collaborator as well as his muse; a partner as well as a rival; and a lover at the same time she perceived herself in bondage.
I loved the many dimensions of the characters and the story. It was about art and the process of creating it. It was about passion and obsession. And, sadly, it was about creative rivals.
This book was a mesmerizing peek into two creative lives and a reminder to me that liberated women were not limited to the "Swingin' 60's."
September 23, 2015
Total enjoyment! I started and did not stop reading until I finished with the exception of looking up information on Lee Miller and her life. The settings, the characters, the time period, the art.... Her treatment as a child when she was sexually abused was infuriating, but not surprising. And this is, after all, historical fiction. with that in mind, I had to wonder about 'Man' who, as with most all of the other characters, is /was a real character.
For someone who enjoys Paris, photography, women's issues, the 1920-1930's, this book has the story.
I received the book from someone who had read and enjoyed it. She had won the book in a Goodread's contest, whcih I had also entered but had not won! But luckily, I was able to be the beneficiary of the winner's luck.
For someone who enjoys Paris, photography, women's issues, the 1920-1930's, this book has the story.
I received the book from someone who had read and enjoyed it. She had won the book in a Goodread's contest, whcih I had also entered but had not won! But luckily, I was able to be the beneficiary of the winner's luck.
August 16, 2015
I wanted to love this book. It was easy enough to get into the story but as it went on I didn't find myself drawn to the characters and the writing. All in all the story was good but I think the writing was off as it took me longer to read than most novels that are three times as long. This could have been a much better read based on Lee Miller and her relationship with Man Ray set against the backdrop of Montparnasse, Paris sadly it was lackluster.
December 12, 2016
Beginning and middle are splendid, with quite a bit of dramatic romance... While the end slopes down a bit, and in my opinion cannot be seen as satisfying. The main character is left without a place.
November 21, 2023
The story of Lee Miller (photographer and model) and her relationship with Man Ray. She’s a fascinating character but I didn’t like her very much. Interesting story but hard to recommend.
July 14, 2017
What can I say? :)
June 26, 2019
Not even sure who the woman was.
July 26, 2016
It is definitely a fine line between fact and fiction and Dana Gynther has balanced on that line with aplomb and elegance. I first came across Lee Miller only about five years ago when I was searching through books about heroic women. I was concentrating on the First World War but there she was in a dark coat - obviously not from the First World War - blonde, beautiful, confident and arresting.
A model, I wondered. She was beautiful enough but she wasn’t just a model she was a fashion photographer and war photographer. It’s obvious now, reading even a short bio of this amazing woman, that she saw too much during the war and afterwards suffered severe post traumatic stress. I can’t wait to read her biography by her son, in the meantime this is a very interesting and well-written novel charting Miller’s life in Paris with the artist and photographer Man Ray.
From the back cover: “1929, Montparnasse. Model and woman-about-town Lee Miller moves to Paris, determined to make herself known amid the giddy circle of celebrated artists, authors and photographers currently holding court in the city. She seeks out the charming, charismatic artist Man Ray, hoping to secure a job as his assistant. But soon becomes much more than that: his model, his lover, his muse.”
Yep, 1929 and Paris very accurately evoked by Gynther. The author is diligent with her research and her characterisation of this fascinating woman, so why has the cover design person from Gallery Books chosen the picture of a blonde woman wearing a very chic but obviously 1950s outfit?
It’s a mystery but don’t be put off by the inept cover, this a readable yet skilfully paced novel portraying the challenges Lee faced and the decisions she made during this crucial time that would flow on to create a fearless war photographer.
A model, I wondered. She was beautiful enough but she wasn’t just a model she was a fashion photographer and war photographer. It’s obvious now, reading even a short bio of this amazing woman, that she saw too much during the war and afterwards suffered severe post traumatic stress. I can’t wait to read her biography by her son, in the meantime this is a very interesting and well-written novel charting Miller’s life in Paris with the artist and photographer Man Ray.
From the back cover: “1929, Montparnasse. Model and woman-about-town Lee Miller moves to Paris, determined to make herself known amid the giddy circle of celebrated artists, authors and photographers currently holding court in the city. She seeks out the charming, charismatic artist Man Ray, hoping to secure a job as his assistant. But soon becomes much more than that: his model, his lover, his muse.”
Yep, 1929 and Paris very accurately evoked by Gynther. The author is diligent with her research and her characterisation of this fascinating woman, so why has the cover design person from Gallery Books chosen the picture of a blonde woman wearing a very chic but obviously 1950s outfit?
It’s a mystery but don’t be put off by the inept cover, this a readable yet skilfully paced novel portraying the challenges Lee faced and the decisions she made during this crucial time that would flow on to create a fearless war photographer.
September 15, 2016
The Woman in the Photograph is a novel about the model /photographer Lee Miller who moved to Paris in the 1920s to study with Man Ray, a surrealist painter and photographer. Lee becomes his muse and they enter into a complicated relationship. Over the years she develops into an accomplished photographer in her own right. The book seemed to focus on the "eccentric" aspects of Lee's personality instead of providing a better sense of the 1920s Paris art scene. Again a book that seemed a bit more romance than historical.
August 31, 2015
Enjoyed this book by my friend Dana Gynther -- I could just hear her voice reading me the story. (In fact, this is the first time since listening to Shakespeare's works on cassette tape on long drives that I've wanted to have an audio book experience . . . .) I will have to be honest, though (even if she is my friend . . . or, maybe even especially because she is my friend): I didn't like it as well as her first. But that is more about me than the book; I'm not a fan of Man Ray, nor have I been much interested in Paris and/or the Surrealists since I was in my 20s. Still, I learned a lot and got refreshed on some art history, never a bad thing. Interestingly from a style perspective, it seemed like the very end of this book was written more like "Crossing," and I found it to be the most engrossing section. I think maybe the dialogue seemed richest here?? Also, it was more about Lee Miller sans Man Ray, which is of more interest to me (again, personal prejudice). Would definitely recommend to anyone interested in the subjects and/or setting of the book, and fans of modern historical fiction/fictionalized biographies.
January 31, 2016
First off thank you Simon & Schuster for sending me a free book to read and review.
I really loved this book set in Paris during the late 20's and early 30's. It is based on real artists of the time. Lee Miller is the main character. She was a young model, muse, photographer, party girl and surrealist at the time. Her mentor was Man Ray. I found the book to be a truly fascinating look into that world.
I really loved this book set in Paris during the late 20's and early 30's. It is based on real artists of the time. Lee Miller is the main character. She was a young model, muse, photographer, party girl and surrealist at the time. Her mentor was Man Ray. I found the book to be a truly fascinating look into that world.
April 25, 2016
I've been reading historical novels about great artists, and The Woman in the Photograph is one of the best. Lee Miller, the model, actress turned photographer and Man Ray, plus all of the players in the avant garde Paris of the 1920's, capture this fascinating period of Surrealism. The author keeps the plot moving, ending the story in 1946 Hollywood after Miller has become one of the most prolific and daring photographers of World War II and the horrors of the Holocaust.
February 5, 2020
I did not enjoy this book. The dialogue felt forced, the characters weren’t likable, and while I’m sure the author did plenty of research into the themes (Surrealism!) and people (Cocteau!) of the time and place, it felt like a lot of name dropping that would only be interesting to other people who’d done that kind of research - the cameo appearances by various famous characters were flat. Fun to have a female protagonist who had a healthy interest in sex, but that didn’t save this story.
owned-to-read
July 2, 2015*I received a free ARC of The Woman in the Photograph from Gallery Books via Edelweiss in exchange of an honest and unbiased review*
This book counts for the COYER scavenger hunt item 42: Read a book set in the 1920’s (3 points)
ARC received on July 2nd, 2015
This book counts for the COYER scavenger hunt item 42: Read a book set in the 1920’s (3 points)
ARC received on July 2nd, 2015
May 10, 2015
Fun window into "interwar" Paris. And, the egotistical, decadent world of the artists (and their at times imperialistic eye of "primitives" and orientalism) who populated it. Loved the view via a woman. And, there's a fun reference to Tuscaloosa...
July 9, 2018
I had high hopes for this book. Unfortunately, I was thoroughly disappointed. In my opinion, it was not well written and I actually stopped reading long before the end (which is a rarity for me).
August 15, 2017
The most attractive character in this historical-fiction novel is the city of Paris in the late 1920s and 30s. The author beautifully evokes the sense of place and excitement of the Montparnasse area of Paris, its "beautiful people" and artists. Also to the author's credit is that she manages to make the two main characters-- photographers Lee Miller and Man Ray-- believable and somehow worthy of empathy despite their major character flaws.
Lee Miller, fashion model, muse, and photographer becomes Man Ray's protege and lover seemingly overnight after a one-night stand upon first meeting. The empathy I felt for her derived from her strong desire to be recognized for her talent behind the camera lens rather than as just a beautiful face and figure in front of it. She seeks pleasure and novelty in all life experiences, including sexual ones. Despite her fatal attractions to practically any man she meets, she is unable to love. Surprisingly her relationship with Man Ray extends to several years, as she is a sucker for his favors. Eventually she finds her purpose in life and the bizarre extreme of life and death she seeks by becoming a war correspondent. The author wisely does not expand on this phase of Lee Miller's life, as the events of war and prison camps might be beyond her scope of research.
Man Ray is the leading man in this tale. He is extremely talented and is the ultimate photography teacher Lee Miller seeks. However, his possessiveness and need to control all phases of Lee's life, including her social life, are his undoing that leads him to despair.
The writing is uneven. In the beginning chapters, there seems to be no conflict as Lee Miller reaches her personal goals without effort, and things fall into place for her. She meets Man Ray, and bingo-- she is his assistant and lover-- no problem! Midway, the story picks up as Lee begins to realize her own talents as a photographer and wishes to establish herself on her own terms, not as "Madame Man Ray." Of course, they never marry. Neither have a strong sense of commitment to fidelity. This interesting section of the novel eventually deteriorates into one sexual affair after another for Lee, along with her growing popularity as a photographer. At this stage, she is tiring of Man Ray's possessiveness and control; then will she-won't she- leave him becomes tiresome.
Several typos throughout the book.
Lee Miller, fashion model, muse, and photographer becomes Man Ray's protege and lover seemingly overnight after a one-night stand upon first meeting. The empathy I felt for her derived from her strong desire to be recognized for her talent behind the camera lens rather than as just a beautiful face and figure in front of it. She seeks pleasure and novelty in all life experiences, including sexual ones. Despite her fatal attractions to practically any man she meets, she is unable to love. Surprisingly her relationship with Man Ray extends to several years, as she is a sucker for his favors. Eventually she finds her purpose in life and the bizarre extreme of life and death she seeks by becoming a war correspondent. The author wisely does not expand on this phase of Lee Miller's life, as the events of war and prison camps might be beyond her scope of research.
Man Ray is the leading man in this tale. He is extremely talented and is the ultimate photography teacher Lee Miller seeks. However, his possessiveness and need to control all phases of Lee's life, including her social life, are his undoing that leads him to despair.
The writing is uneven. In the beginning chapters, there seems to be no conflict as Lee Miller reaches her personal goals without effort, and things fall into place for her. She meets Man Ray, and bingo-- she is his assistant and lover-- no problem! Midway, the story picks up as Lee begins to realize her own talents as a photographer and wishes to establish herself on her own terms, not as "Madame Man Ray." Of course, they never marry. Neither have a strong sense of commitment to fidelity. This interesting section of the novel eventually deteriorates into one sexual affair after another for Lee, along with her growing popularity as a photographer. At this stage, she is tiring of Man Ray's possessiveness and control; then will she-won't she- leave him becomes tiresome.
Several typos throughout the book.
July 13, 2019
3.5 stars. I quite enjoyed this book about Lee Miller and her relationship with the photographer Man Ray. Considering the time frame (starting in the late 1920's), Lee Miller was an adventurous young woman making her own way in Paris. She was a model, a muse and a lover of celebrated photographer Man Ray. This novel chronicles her growth as an independent woman and artist in her own right. For whatever reason, I did not clue in initially that this novel was based on real people and real events. Once I realized this the novel became more engaging and I have been reading up a little more on the primary characters. The novel focuses on Lee's time in Paris where she was a sought after model and found herself in eclectic Parisian company. Lee became a photographer in her own right. She was part of an accredited war correspondent team and photographed the liberation of Dachau and Buchenwald. Her photographs were some of the first documenting Nazi atrocities. This part of her life was touched on very briefly at the end of the book, but probably could have been another full novel on its own.
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