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Pollock's Last Lover: A Novel of Art and Deception – A Multigenerational Story of Women's Ambition and Jackson Pollock's Legacy
Set in New York City in alternating time periods—the 1960s and the early 2000s—
Pollock’s Last Lover
is the engrossing tale of two women whose lives collide as they contend with the art and legacy of the brilliant, tragic painter Jackson Pollock.
In 2006, Sotheby’s sells a painting by Jackson Pollock for $140 million—the highest sum ever paid for a work of art. Two weeks later, an older woman named Ruth Kligman, in high heels and a dusty fascinator, contacts a smaller, less prominent auction house to announce that she was Pollock’s lover, and that he gave her his last painting. She declares that it was selfish to keep it in her apartment for fifty years, and that people should see this masterpiece in galleries and museums the world over. The bidding will start at $50 million.
Gwen, an up-and-coming associate at the firm, is assigned the task of verifying the painting’s authenticity. It is her biggest project yet, and the company must have absolute certainty. With every step she takes into the investigation, though, she finds larger questions—about Ruth’s cunning climb in the art world, and even about what caused Pollock’s sudden and violent death.
What follows, in alternating chapters and time periods, is a multigenerational portrait of women’s ambition set against the life and work of Jackson Pollock. From smoky Greenwich Village dive bars to glitzy art auctions, from the empty studio of a man once known for his artistic stamina to the fine museums where his works hang, Ruth’s controversial painting is a window into two eras—and the ongoing struggle of women to develop power and freedom on their own terms.
In 2006, Sotheby’s sells a painting by Jackson Pollock for $140 million—the highest sum ever paid for a work of art. Two weeks later, an older woman named Ruth Kligman, in high heels and a dusty fascinator, contacts a smaller, less prominent auction house to announce that she was Pollock’s lover, and that he gave her his last painting. She declares that it was selfish to keep it in her apartment for fifty years, and that people should see this masterpiece in galleries and museums the world over. The bidding will start at $50 million.
Gwen, an up-and-coming associate at the firm, is assigned the task of verifying the painting’s authenticity. It is her biggest project yet, and the company must have absolute certainty. With every step she takes into the investigation, though, she finds larger questions—about Ruth’s cunning climb in the art world, and even about what caused Pollock’s sudden and violent death.
What follows, in alternating chapters and time periods, is a multigenerational portrait of women’s ambition set against the life and work of Jackson Pollock. From smoky Greenwich Village dive bars to glitzy art auctions, from the empty studio of a man once known for his artistic stamina to the fine museums where his works hang, Ruth’s controversial painting is a window into two eras—and the ongoing struggle of women to develop power and freedom on their own terms.
352 pages, Hardcover
Published May 19, 2026
About the author
Stephen P. Kiernan
10 books1,048 followersStephen P. Kiernan's latest novel is POLLOCK'S LAST LOVER, which came out in May, 2026.
His most recent before that is THE GLASS CHATEAU, a rebuilding story that begins one month after the end of World War II. A group of men and women, all damaged emotionally by the war, gather at a chateau that has been making stained glass windows for 400 years. Together the people begin to mend, in part by working together to make windows for all of France's bombed out cathedrals -- and beyond.
Stephen also wrote the novel UNIVERSE OF TWO, a love story set in 1944, amid the development of the atomic bomb. Charlie is a young math whiz drafted into the Manhattan Project, where his duty tests his morals. His sweetheart Brenda, prohibited for security reasons from knowing what he's doing, sees these ethical hesitations as weakness, and urges him to be a soldier, be a man. After the war, Charlie feels culpable for thousands of deaths, while Brenda feels guilty for making him contradict his conscience. Together they spend the rest of their lives seeking redemption -- and they find it.
Stephen authored THE BAKER'S SECRET, the story of D-Day from the French perspective: what it was like to live in occupied Normandy with no rights, little food and less hope, until one day hundreds of thousands of soldiers and sailors arrive to fight for liberation.
He also wrote THE HUMMINGBIRD, about a hospice nurse whose husband has returned from his 3rd deployment in Iraq with PTSD, and she is determined to help him heal. It is a story about loyalty, patience, and fierce love.
Stephen's first novel was THE CURIOSITY, a scientific thriller and a love story across two centuries. The book came out in numerous foreign editions, and it is currently in development as a television series.
Stephen worked for decades as a journalist, winning over 40 awards. His first book, LAST RIGHTS, was a nonfiction expose of the overly aggressive medical treatment most people receive in the last chapter of their lives, with many suggestions for ways of providing more humane care. His second non-fiction book, the Silver Nautilus Award-winning AUTHENTIC PATRIOTISM, describes the potential for national renewal through nonpartisan civic engagement and volunteerism.
A graduate of Middlebury College, Johns Hopkins University, and the University of Iowa's Writers Workshop, he lives in Vermont.
His most recent before that is THE GLASS CHATEAU, a rebuilding story that begins one month after the end of World War II. A group of men and women, all damaged emotionally by the war, gather at a chateau that has been making stained glass windows for 400 years. Together the people begin to mend, in part by working together to make windows for all of France's bombed out cathedrals -- and beyond.
Stephen also wrote the novel UNIVERSE OF TWO, a love story set in 1944, amid the development of the atomic bomb. Charlie is a young math whiz drafted into the Manhattan Project, where his duty tests his morals. His sweetheart Brenda, prohibited for security reasons from knowing what he's doing, sees these ethical hesitations as weakness, and urges him to be a soldier, be a man. After the war, Charlie feels culpable for thousands of deaths, while Brenda feels guilty for making him contradict his conscience. Together they spend the rest of their lives seeking redemption -- and they find it.
Stephen authored THE BAKER'S SECRET, the story of D-Day from the French perspective: what it was like to live in occupied Normandy with no rights, little food and less hope, until one day hundreds of thousands of soldiers and sailors arrive to fight for liberation.
He also wrote THE HUMMINGBIRD, about a hospice nurse whose husband has returned from his 3rd deployment in Iraq with PTSD, and she is determined to help him heal. It is a story about loyalty, patience, and fierce love.
Stephen's first novel was THE CURIOSITY, a scientific thriller and a love story across two centuries. The book came out in numerous foreign editions, and it is currently in development as a television series.
Stephen worked for decades as a journalist, winning over 40 awards. His first book, LAST RIGHTS, was a nonfiction expose of the overly aggressive medical treatment most people receive in the last chapter of their lives, with many suggestions for ways of providing more humane care. His second non-fiction book, the Silver Nautilus Award-winning AUTHENTIC PATRIOTISM, describes the potential for national renewal through nonpartisan civic engagement and volunteerism.
A graduate of Middlebury College, Johns Hopkins University, and the University of Iowa's Writers Workshop, he lives in Vermont.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
June 28, 2026
4.25 stars "Set in New York City in alternating time periods—the 1950s and the early 2000s—Pollock’s Last Lover is the engrossing tale of two women whose lives collide as they contend with the art and legacy of the brilliant, tragic painter Jackson Pollock."
In 2006, Sotheby's holds an auction of a Jackson Pollack painting and it sells for 140 million dollars. Two weeks later, Ruth's Kligman contacts a smaller auction house and claims she was Pollack's last lover and has held on to his last painting for fifty years. Ruth wants it to be seen and the bidding will start at 50 million dollars.
Gwen, ambitious and a stand out associate at the firm, is tasked with authenticating the painting. It is her biggest project yet and the stakes are high. She has the potential to personally make at least one million dollars but there can be no doubt that it is authentic.
In chapters alternating from 1956 to 2006, we learn the history of Jackson Pollack and Ruth Kligman's relationship and the last months leading up to his sudden and violent death, as well as Gwen's investigation and interviews with Ruth.
Kiernan's writing is stunning and Impeccably researched. We feel all the emotions of a tormented artist, his muse, and an ambitious art expert. This was a fascinating read and I enjoyed learning more about Pollack's art. Gwen's character is likable, relatable and informative. The character sketches are absolutely fantastic even though many are unlikable. If you are interested in art, the New York lifestyle, or Pollack himself, I highly recommend this engaging and entertaining read.
Many thanks to NetGalley, William Morrow and Stephen P. Keirnan for the gifted advance reader's copy. All opinions are my own.
In 2006, Sotheby's holds an auction of a Jackson Pollack painting and it sells for 140 million dollars. Two weeks later, Ruth's Kligman contacts a smaller auction house and claims she was Pollack's last lover and has held on to his last painting for fifty years. Ruth wants it to be seen and the bidding will start at 50 million dollars.
Gwen, ambitious and a stand out associate at the firm, is tasked with authenticating the painting. It is her biggest project yet and the stakes are high. She has the potential to personally make at least one million dollars but there can be no doubt that it is authentic.
In chapters alternating from 1956 to 2006, we learn the history of Jackson Pollack and Ruth Kligman's relationship and the last months leading up to his sudden and violent death, as well as Gwen's investigation and interviews with Ruth.
Kiernan's writing is stunning and Impeccably researched. We feel all the emotions of a tormented artist, his muse, and an ambitious art expert. This was a fascinating read and I enjoyed learning more about Pollack's art. Gwen's character is likable, relatable and informative. The character sketches are absolutely fantastic even though many are unlikable. If you are interested in art, the New York lifestyle, or Pollack himself, I highly recommend this engaging and entertaining read.
Many thanks to NetGalley, William Morrow and Stephen P. Keirnan for the gifted advance reader's copy. All opinions are my own.
May 22, 2026
2.5 stars.
I have read and enjoyed three of Stephen Kiernan’s other books, and I thought the premise for this sounded fascinating. So this book was a surprising disappointment for me.
This was entirely due to the two main characters (in alternating timelines) being entirely unlikable. Gwen (2007, fictional) was better than Ruth (1956, real person).
How much of that was the real Ruth and how much author choice?
If this were the first book I’d read by Kiernan, I would think, “Ugh, a misogynist who can’t write women!” These characters are every cynical stereotype of women as manipulative and overly sexual.
BUT I know that Kiernan can and has done a good job at portraying well-rounded women. In fact, at an author event for Universe of Two, I specifically complimented him on writing women well!
Not much happens in this book plot-wise. Gwen is charged with investigating the provenance and authenticity of a potential final Pollock painting. Ruth is Pollock’s lover in 1956.
I think this book could be a compelling read for anyone who likes reading unlikable characters in a psychological study kind of way. Certainly there are real women who are promiscuous, delusional, obsessive and desperate for attention. But it doesn’t make for fun and exciting reading.
I received a complimentary digital copy from NetGalley and William Morrow. All opinions are my own and shared voluntarily.
I have read and enjoyed three of Stephen Kiernan’s other books, and I thought the premise for this sounded fascinating. So this book was a surprising disappointment for me.
This was entirely due to the two main characters (in alternating timelines) being entirely unlikable. Gwen (2007, fictional) was better than Ruth (1956, real person).
How much of that was the real Ruth and how much author choice?
If this were the first book I’d read by Kiernan, I would think, “Ugh, a misogynist who can’t write women!” These characters are every cynical stereotype of women as manipulative and overly sexual.
BUT I know that Kiernan can and has done a good job at portraying well-rounded women. In fact, at an author event for Universe of Two, I specifically complimented him on writing women well!
Not much happens in this book plot-wise. Gwen is charged with investigating the provenance and authenticity of a potential final Pollock painting. Ruth is Pollock’s lover in 1956.
I think this book could be a compelling read for anyone who likes reading unlikable characters in a psychological study kind of way. Certainly there are real women who are promiscuous, delusional, obsessive and desperate for attention. But it doesn’t make for fun and exciting reading.
I received a complimentary digital copy from NetGalley and William Morrow. All opinions are my own and shared voluntarily.
June 3, 2026
A highly recommended summer read.
In early 2007, just a few months after a Jackson Pollock masterpiece sells for a record amount, an older woman named Ruth Kligman contacts a second-tier New York City auction house to handle the sale of what she claims is a Pollock painting. Young associate Gwen must verify with certainty Ruth’s claim that she received Pollock’s last painting as a personal gift while she was his muse, shortly before he died in 1956.
Gwen’s obsessive investigation impacts her personal life, while flashbacks to the last months of Pollock’s life portray Ruth’s quest for survival upon arrival in the Big Apple, and her calculated entry into Pollock’s world as his much younger, pretty seductress. Ruth’s unabashed social-climbing pursuit of Pollock leads to an illicit affair that is the backdrop for exploring the demons that haunted Pollock and stifled his creativity in the last years of his life.
Ruth’s motivations are explored with depth, as are Pollock’s addiction and behaviors that ultimately made him a tragic character. Story pacing is very good as the reader toggles between Gwen’s quest to validate Ruth’s claim and Ruth’s pursuit of Pollock, with parallels being drawn between young women decades apart both dealing with challenges and yearning for respect, and with the sometime cynicism of surviving difficult big city daily life. Narrative provides impressive detail on the abstract expressionist movement and its painting techniques, and on the inner workings of a New York City auction house. Several sexual scenes, not only within the affair that is central to the story but also in Gwen’s personal life, are presented more suggestively than graphically, and often wittily. A terrific suspenseful novel for readers open to a fictionalized filling-in of some of the blanks of Jackson Pollock’s tragic ending.
This review first appeared in the May 2026 issue of HISTORICAL NOVELS REVIEW.
In early 2007, just a few months after a Jackson Pollock masterpiece sells for a record amount, an older woman named Ruth Kligman contacts a second-tier New York City auction house to handle the sale of what she claims is a Pollock painting. Young associate Gwen must verify with certainty Ruth’s claim that she received Pollock’s last painting as a personal gift while she was his muse, shortly before he died in 1956.
Gwen’s obsessive investigation impacts her personal life, while flashbacks to the last months of Pollock’s life portray Ruth’s quest for survival upon arrival in the Big Apple, and her calculated entry into Pollock’s world as his much younger, pretty seductress. Ruth’s unabashed social-climbing pursuit of Pollock leads to an illicit affair that is the backdrop for exploring the demons that haunted Pollock and stifled his creativity in the last years of his life.
Ruth’s motivations are explored with depth, as are Pollock’s addiction and behaviors that ultimately made him a tragic character. Story pacing is very good as the reader toggles between Gwen’s quest to validate Ruth’s claim and Ruth’s pursuit of Pollock, with parallels being drawn between young women decades apart both dealing with challenges and yearning for respect, and with the sometime cynicism of surviving difficult big city daily life. Narrative provides impressive detail on the abstract expressionist movement and its painting techniques, and on the inner workings of a New York City auction house. Several sexual scenes, not only within the affair that is central to the story but also in Gwen’s personal life, are presented more suggestively than graphically, and often wittily. A terrific suspenseful novel for readers open to a fictionalized filling-in of some of the blanks of Jackson Pollock’s tragic ending.
This review first appeared in the May 2026 issue of HISTORICAL NOVELS REVIEW.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I have read other books by Stephen P. Kiernan that I have enjoyed, especially The Baker’s Secret and Universe of Two, so I was excited to see that he had a new book coming out that was historical fiction, and not on a topic that’s been written about regularly.
In a roundabout way, his book about Jackson Pollack does bring up some interesting points, including the fight women have to be taken seriously and as respected as their male colleagues, and that someone can be immensely talented and an absolutely awful human being.
Covering the latter item first, Jackson Pollack was an immensely talented artist (occasionally) and an awful human being (all the time in this book). Since the book provides only the barest of glimpses of his life before he met Ruth Kligman, and I haven’t read any biographies about him, it’s hard to know if he was a messed up human who was enabled with his bad behavior because of his talent, or because art was such a consuming part of his life that normal behavior was out of the realm of his capabilities. He’s basically a one dimensional character in this book that isn’t even producing art during the time of the story, he’s just rutting, drinking, moping, and driving at high speeds.
To the first point, the primary protagonists, Ruth and Gwen, kind of ruin it for me. The women I felt the worst for were Janet Vogel and Pollack’s artist wife Lee Krasner (though her appearance was actually a historical liberty taken by Kiernan) in the brief appearances they make.
Ruth was for me a problematic character. There’s not much redeeming about the character. She pursues Pollack knowing exactly who he is and knowing he’s married, but doing it because it could benefit her to be associated with him. She convinces herself that’s she’s his muse, while enabling his drinking and reckless behavior, and actually moves herself into the house he shares with Krasner while she’s in Europe. Her willingness to do whatever Pollack wants may speak to the ability of women to sell their body and their loyalty to someone who can elevate their status in a way that isn’t mirrored to the same extent in men, but it does nothing to elevate women to being regarded equally for their integrity, intelligence, and hard work.
Gwen, in the later storyline, is working for an auction house that Ruth comes to, trying to convince them to sell a painting she owns that she claims was painted by Pollack, despite dubious provenance. Gwen is almost the exact opposite of Ruth, an obsessive workaholic who has no time for fun or friends, and is often blunt to the point of being rude. This is also problematic to me because it presents her as a woman who focuses so singularly on her career to succeed that she sacrifices any kind of life she could have outside it. That she experiences harassment and it takes threatening to go public in professional circles before her boss will do anything about it, and experiences disrespect from both a male coworker and a female coworker who has seniority over her who are resentful she was given the project over her feels both unsurprising and predictable.
Both major female characters feel one dimensional in their pursuit of a goal, whether it’s a man or a career, and the storylines don’t do them any favors by being particularly interesting. Most of Ruth’s story is her fawning over Pollack, and there’s a lot of snarky conversations between Gwen and various people about how important the Pollack project is, as well as her friend and colleague Chillie trying to convince her to come to brunch. This and the constant yelling of their colleagues to tell them to be quiet in the workplace feel like tired shticks to try and talk about anything but the Pollack project in the later timeline.
Finally, the later timeline is all focused on trying to prove the provenance of the painting in Ruth’s possession in 2007, but it has nothing to do with the storyline between her and Pollack in the fifties. I get that it would be speculative on Kiernan’s part to write a history that isn’t actually historically documented, but I kept waiting for the painting to bring the storylines together and it just doesn’t. According to the author’s note the ending he gives it has historical accuracy, but the only thing connecting the dual timelines is Ruth. She doesn’t come off as the most ‘with it’ in 2007. If she had, the painting could have at least served as a transition to telling Gwen about her time with Pollack and why she made the choices she did.
As much as I wanted to like this, unlikable, one-dimensional characters, storylines with limited connections, and those storylines not having a lot of depth to them sunk this book for me.
A complimentary copy of this book was provided by the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
In a roundabout way, his book about Jackson Pollack does bring up some interesting points, including the fight women have to be taken seriously and as respected as their male colleagues, and that someone can be immensely talented and an absolutely awful human being.
Covering the latter item first, Jackson Pollack was an immensely talented artist (occasionally) and an awful human being (all the time in this book). Since the book provides only the barest of glimpses of his life before he met Ruth Kligman, and I haven’t read any biographies about him, it’s hard to know if he was a messed up human who was enabled with his bad behavior because of his talent, or because art was such a consuming part of his life that normal behavior was out of the realm of his capabilities. He’s basically a one dimensional character in this book that isn’t even producing art during the time of the story, he’s just rutting, drinking, moping, and driving at high speeds.
To the first point, the primary protagonists, Ruth and Gwen, kind of ruin it for me. The women I felt the worst for were Janet Vogel and Pollack’s artist wife Lee Krasner (though her appearance was actually a historical liberty taken by Kiernan) in the brief appearances they make.
Ruth was for me a problematic character. There’s not much redeeming about the character. She pursues Pollack knowing exactly who he is and knowing he’s married, but doing it because it could benefit her to be associated with him. She convinces herself that’s she’s his muse, while enabling his drinking and reckless behavior, and actually moves herself into the house he shares with Krasner while she’s in Europe. Her willingness to do whatever Pollack wants may speak to the ability of women to sell their body and their loyalty to someone who can elevate their status in a way that isn’t mirrored to the same extent in men, but it does nothing to elevate women to being regarded equally for their integrity, intelligence, and hard work.
Gwen, in the later storyline, is working for an auction house that Ruth comes to, trying to convince them to sell a painting she owns that she claims was painted by Pollack, despite dubious provenance. Gwen is almost the exact opposite of Ruth, an obsessive workaholic who has no time for fun or friends, and is often blunt to the point of being rude. This is also problematic to me because it presents her as a woman who focuses so singularly on her career to succeed that she sacrifices any kind of life she could have outside it. That she experiences harassment and it takes threatening to go public in professional circles before her boss will do anything about it, and experiences disrespect from both a male coworker and a female coworker who has seniority over her who are resentful she was given the project over her feels both unsurprising and predictable.
Both major female characters feel one dimensional in their pursuit of a goal, whether it’s a man or a career, and the storylines don’t do them any favors by being particularly interesting. Most of Ruth’s story is her fawning over Pollack, and there’s a lot of snarky conversations between Gwen and various people about how important the Pollack project is, as well as her friend and colleague Chillie trying to convince her to come to brunch. This and the constant yelling of their colleagues to tell them to be quiet in the workplace feel like tired shticks to try and talk about anything but the Pollack project in the later timeline.
Finally, the later timeline is all focused on trying to prove the provenance of the painting in Ruth’s possession in 2007, but it has nothing to do with the storyline between her and Pollack in the fifties. I get that it would be speculative on Kiernan’s part to write a history that isn’t actually historically documented, but I kept waiting for the painting to bring the storylines together and it just doesn’t. According to the author’s note the ending he gives it has historical accuracy, but the only thing connecting the dual timelines is Ruth. She doesn’t come off as the most ‘with it’ in 2007. If she had, the painting could have at least served as a transition to telling Gwen about her time with Pollack and why she made the choices she did.
As much as I wanted to like this, unlikable, one-dimensional characters, storylines with limited connections, and those storylines not having a lot of depth to them sunk this book for me.
A complimentary copy of this book was provided by the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This was a very interesting book, told in two time periods, 1950s and early 2000s (iphones are the fancy new thing and get a lot of commentary without actually being identified as the Apple product). We follow a fictionalize version of Ruth, a woman who had an affair with modern artist Jackson Pollack before his death; and Gwen, an ambitious woman working for a prestigious auction house, tasked with verifying the veracity of Ruth's claim that she has an unseen Pollack that she is ready to sell. As Sotheby's just sold a large Pollack canvas for 150 million dollars, if Ruth's claims are true, it would be a huge coup for Gwen and her bosses.
Ruth is single, and new to the big city, she wants a BIG life but isn't sure how to go about it. She finds a savvy roommate and a job at a small art gallery. To supplement her income, she begins to do some modeling. Just as she begins to start getting bigger contracts, unbeknownst to her the photographer takes photos of her changing clothing and circulates nudes of her, costing her her ability to get big jobs. Fortunately, at the art gallery she begins to do more than make coffee and sweep up, getting to know the artists and even selling several paintings. When one artist asks her to meet him for a drink to discuss his upcoming showing, she accepts, which changes the trajectory of her life.
That evening at the Cedar, she learns that artist Jackson Pollack frequents the establishment and she makes it her mission to meet the great man.
Gwen has a list of things to do and not much time to do it. The painting in question has the paint drop style of a Pollack but it's much smaller than his other works and not painted on canvas. On the other hand, it is a known fact that Ruth was involved with Pollack and could have been gifted this piece. Gwen needs an authenticator to verify the age of the painting, the paint, the style etc. Next, she needs to get Ruth to provide provenance. Did Pollack actually give it to her? Did she steal it? Did his wife Lee know about it? Is it technically part of the Pollack Estate and not Ruth's to sell?
Gwen does a deep dive into all things Pollack and goes to meet Ruth to start asking questions.
The Ruth Gwen meets is a Miss Havisham type character who in their first seconds together is sobbing about an errant lipstick. Ruth has a story to tell and an audience, she will take her time, much to Gwen's chagrin. Ruth refuses to say anything relevant about the painting, a small work done on wood, that she calls Red, Black and Silver.
Gwen has a month to figure out if this is a genuine Jackson Pollack painting, if Ruth is the rightful owner, and if so, mount a public auction that could bring in millions and millions of dollars including a nice commission for herself. She pursues this information with a single mindedness that worries her friend Chilton and Arthur a potential love interest.
Being a New Yorker, I have always known about Jackson Pollack, local phenom but wasn't necessarily a fan of his style. I didn't know what to make of the splatters of paint on enormous canvases that seemed to fall in that window of where do a child's casual scribbles turn into a talented artist's deliberate brush strokes? I don't know enough about art to really understand his work, so this made for an interesting read.
The way they describe his paintings, and explain his method and particular genius, it did make me curious enough to google some images.
Additionally, this book is bound by some real-world facts, though the author makes a deliberate choice to have Gwen encounter Lee Pollack years after the real Lee would have died. A funny moment has Gwen instructing her BlackBerry and Palm Pilot wielding boss and rival in all things smartphone next gen (unnamed iPhone).
Readers can find out for themselves if Red, Black and Silver is the real thing or not.
Ruth is single, and new to the big city, she wants a BIG life but isn't sure how to go about it. She finds a savvy roommate and a job at a small art gallery. To supplement her income, she begins to do some modeling. Just as she begins to start getting bigger contracts, unbeknownst to her the photographer takes photos of her changing clothing and circulates nudes of her, costing her her ability to get big jobs. Fortunately, at the art gallery she begins to do more than make coffee and sweep up, getting to know the artists and even selling several paintings. When one artist asks her to meet him for a drink to discuss his upcoming showing, she accepts, which changes the trajectory of her life.
That evening at the Cedar, she learns that artist Jackson Pollack frequents the establishment and she makes it her mission to meet the great man.
Gwen has a list of things to do and not much time to do it. The painting in question has the paint drop style of a Pollack but it's much smaller than his other works and not painted on canvas. On the other hand, it is a known fact that Ruth was involved with Pollack and could have been gifted this piece. Gwen needs an authenticator to verify the age of the painting, the paint, the style etc. Next, she needs to get Ruth to provide provenance. Did Pollack actually give it to her? Did she steal it? Did his wife Lee know about it? Is it technically part of the Pollack Estate and not Ruth's to sell?
Gwen does a deep dive into all things Pollack and goes to meet Ruth to start asking questions.
The Ruth Gwen meets is a Miss Havisham type character who in their first seconds together is sobbing about an errant lipstick. Ruth has a story to tell and an audience, she will take her time, much to Gwen's chagrin. Ruth refuses to say anything relevant about the painting, a small work done on wood, that she calls Red, Black and Silver.
Gwen has a month to figure out if this is a genuine Jackson Pollack painting, if Ruth is the rightful owner, and if so, mount a public auction that could bring in millions and millions of dollars including a nice commission for herself. She pursues this information with a single mindedness that worries her friend Chilton and Arthur a potential love interest.
Being a New Yorker, I have always known about Jackson Pollack, local phenom but wasn't necessarily a fan of his style. I didn't know what to make of the splatters of paint on enormous canvases that seemed to fall in that window of where do a child's casual scribbles turn into a talented artist's deliberate brush strokes? I don't know enough about art to really understand his work, so this made for an interesting read.
The way they describe his paintings, and explain his method and particular genius, it did make me curious enough to google some images.
Additionally, this book is bound by some real-world facts, though the author makes a deliberate choice to have Gwen encounter Lee Pollack years after the real Lee would have died. A funny moment has Gwen instructing her BlackBerry and Palm Pilot wielding boss and rival in all things smartphone next gen (unnamed iPhone).
Readers can find out for themselves if Red, Black and Silver is the real thing or not.
May 19, 2026
I've enjoyed Stephen Kiernan's writing for the last thirteen years and Pollock's Last Lover was just as captivating as his last five fiction novels. Told in dual timelines, this historical fiction book uniquely presents the topics of Jackson Pollock, the artist and the man, as well as the function of auction houses.
Jackson Pollock was a major artist during the 1940s and 1950s in New York during the American art movement known as abstract expressionism. Pollock's works are immediately identifiable because they appear to be spatter and drip paintings done by a child. However, the sales of his paintings have garnered millions of dollars over the years since his death. In 2016, one of his paintings sold for $200 million US.
This story introduces readers to Ruth Klingman, a young ingenue and model in New York during the early 1950s who craftily inserts herself into Pollock's life as his lover and muse until his untimely death in 1956.
When 80 year old Ruth comes forward in 2006 saying that she wants to sell a painting that was given to her from her lover, Jackson Pollock, it falls to Gwen a young art aficionado who works at a boutique auction house to authenticate the painting before it can be put up for auction for 50 million dollars.
The tension of this story increases as the day that Gwen and her employer must decide if the auction of Ruth's painting will happen. Is it an actual Jackson Pollock or is it a fake? Is Ruth telling the truth or lying? The story also asks, Are paintings by Pollock the work of madness or genius?
I would recommend this book to art lovers and fans of historical fiction alike. My sincere thanks to William Morrow and NetGalley for the digital ARC of this novel in return for an honest review.
Jackson Pollock was a major artist during the 1940s and 1950s in New York during the American art movement known as abstract expressionism. Pollock's works are immediately identifiable because they appear to be spatter and drip paintings done by a child. However, the sales of his paintings have garnered millions of dollars over the years since his death. In 2016, one of his paintings sold for $200 million US.
This story introduces readers to Ruth Klingman, a young ingenue and model in New York during the early 1950s who craftily inserts herself into Pollock's life as his lover and muse until his untimely death in 1956.
When 80 year old Ruth comes forward in 2006 saying that she wants to sell a painting that was given to her from her lover, Jackson Pollock, it falls to Gwen a young art aficionado who works at a boutique auction house to authenticate the painting before it can be put up for auction for 50 million dollars.
The tension of this story increases as the day that Gwen and her employer must decide if the auction of Ruth's painting will happen. Is it an actual Jackson Pollock or is it a fake? Is Ruth telling the truth or lying? The story also asks, Are paintings by Pollock the work of madness or genius?
I would recommend this book to art lovers and fans of historical fiction alike. My sincere thanks to William Morrow and NetGalley for the digital ARC of this novel in return for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Pollock’s Last Lover is a fascinating retelling of the relationship between Jackson Pollock and Ruth Kligman, as well as an intriguing glimpse into the world of auction houses. The book revolves around the question of if the painting attributed to him, “Red, Black, and Silver” was actually Pollock’s final painting.
Jackson Pollock has always confused me. I have never been able to wrap my head around his art style, but this story helped me understand “his” thought process a little more. This book is based on a true series of events (seen here: https://www.nytimes.com/2013/11/25/ar...) and I really enjoyed that it was more of a fictionalized retelling of real events rather than historical fiction based during a certain time period or with major historical events running in the background.
I did wish that there was a little more depth to the characters. At times, people seemed rather one-dimensional and repetitive, but I still did enjoy most of the characters (including Pollock himself - while quite unlikable, he was obviously a tortured man). I do wish that Ruth was a little more fleshed out in her later timeline - she often seemed a bit senile. I was also completely uninvested in Gwen’s romantic pursuits in the book, and honestly think it could’ve been a stronger story without it, but can admit that it did help show how much of a workaholic she is.
As we auction off my grandfathers artwork and I’ve become entertained by the world of online auctions, I really enjoyed seeing the behind the scenes of major New York auction houses, and found myself surprisingly invested in this book. While not perfect, I would (and actually already have to a few) recommend this book to the art lovers and historical fiction fans in my life.
Jackson Pollock has always confused me. I have never been able to wrap my head around his art style, but this story helped me understand “his” thought process a little more. This book is based on a true series of events (seen here: https://www.nytimes.com/2013/11/25/ar...) and I really enjoyed that it was more of a fictionalized retelling of real events rather than historical fiction based during a certain time period or with major historical events running in the background.
I did wish that there was a little more depth to the characters. At times, people seemed rather one-dimensional and repetitive, but I still did enjoy most of the characters (including Pollock himself - while quite unlikable, he was obviously a tortured man). I do wish that Ruth was a little more fleshed out in her later timeline - she often seemed a bit senile. I was also completely uninvested in Gwen’s romantic pursuits in the book, and honestly think it could’ve been a stronger story without it, but can admit that it did help show how much of a workaholic she is.
As we auction off my grandfathers artwork and I’ve become entertained by the world of online auctions, I really enjoyed seeing the behind the scenes of major New York auction houses, and found myself surprisingly invested in this book. While not perfect, I would (and actually already have to a few) recommend this book to the art lovers and historical fiction fans in my life.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Many thanks to the publisher/author via NetGalley for the free copy.
The history in this book was fascinating. I found myself researching as I went along to see how much of this was true, and it was a lot. I loved the learning experience during this reading. I also loved the author’s respect for Lee Krasner, which he emphasized in his author’s note.
In the beginning I was pretty invested, but by the end the book just seemed to drag on and on. I found myself internally groaning every time we got to a 1950s chapter because I’d have to endure an obscene amount of pages of literal abuse that seemed to have little to no relevant plot details most of the time, to the point that I horribly found myself wondering how long we had until Jackson died. (Spoiler: it took literally the whole book, and we saw none of the aftermath from Ruth’s point of view.)
The leading lady, Gwen, and her ambitions are extremely uninteresting. I simply did not care about her whatsoever, and for the most part, I felt no stake in her stakes. As the number of pages left dwindled, I wondered how they would wrap the book up in so little space. I think that’s because I expected more drama, and the book ended with little fanfare. I do wonder if that’s the point, though.
There are random paragraphs of semi-graphic sex, but literally just single paragraphs at a time, so they are easy to skip.
In the end, the history is interesting, but the book itself not particularly riveting.
(R rating)
The history in this book was fascinating. I found myself researching as I went along to see how much of this was true, and it was a lot. I loved the learning experience during this reading. I also loved the author’s respect for Lee Krasner, which he emphasized in his author’s note.
In the beginning I was pretty invested, but by the end the book just seemed to drag on and on. I found myself internally groaning every time we got to a 1950s chapter because I’d have to endure an obscene amount of pages of literal abuse that seemed to have little to no relevant plot details most of the time, to the point that I horribly found myself wondering how long we had until Jackson died. (Spoiler: it took literally the whole book, and we saw none of the aftermath from Ruth’s point of view.)
The leading lady, Gwen, and her ambitions are extremely uninteresting. I simply did not care about her whatsoever, and for the most part, I felt no stake in her stakes. As the number of pages left dwindled, I wondered how they would wrap the book up in so little space. I think that’s because I expected more drama, and the book ended with little fanfare. I do wonder if that’s the point, though.
There are random paragraphs of semi-graphic sex, but literally just single paragraphs at a time, so they are easy to skip.
In the end, the history is interesting, but the book itself not particularly riveting.
(R rating)
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
It was the Canadian writer Guy Vanderhaeghe who first said, “History tells us what people do; historical fiction helps us imagine how they felt.” There's a lot of truth to that, and it explains why we love to read historical fiction -- and why I devoured Stephen Kiernan's, POLLOCK'S LAST LOVER. We all know a little about Jackson Pollock and we all know a bit about the insane prices that some paintings go for in auction (including Pollock's). The wonder and beauty of a novel like this is the remarkable ways you feel (REALLY feel) what the painters, their spouses, the art house detectives, and (yes) their lovers might have experienced -- first in the 1950s, when the work is being created, and then sixty years later, when one painting may (or may not) come to auction. Is it a real Pollock or a clever forgery? Is the woman attempting to sell it who claims to be Pollock's last lover an elderly grifter or, indeed, the one witness to the painting's creation? It's riveting, all of it: the madness of a painter losing his grip, his inamorata who may never have had a grip to begin with, and the increasing desperation of one art house investigator who realizes she may have on her hands a painting worth $50 million -- or a forgery that may cost her a career. This book is an absolute gem. I loved it.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
In “Pollock’s Last Mistress,” by Stephan P. Kieran, Ruth Kligman, Pollock’s mistress in the months before his death in 1956, approaches an auction house in 2007 to sell what she claims to be an unknown painting made for her by Jackson Pollock. Gwen, an up and coming employee at the auction house, is given the potential career making or breaking task of verifying the painting’s authenticity.
The narrative alternates between Gwen and Ruth in 2007, and Ruth in 1956, when Ruth became Pollock’s mistress. The interactions between Gwen and Ruth, as Gwen tries in vain to extract background information on the painting from Ruth, is sometimes fractious, highlighting the vast differences in their personalities. While Gwen is driven and logical, Ruth tends to romanticize the past, describing her time with Pollock as “fated.”
The main and secondary characters are fully fleshed out, but it’s the dynamic dialog that draws in the reader and makes the characters come alive. Although the book contains graphic sex scenes, they are not gratuitous considering the primary focus of the book was Ruth’s purported sexual influence over Pollock’s creativity. I recommend this book to those who like historical fiction populated by vibrant, interesting characters.
Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Collins for providing me an ARC of the book in exchange for my honest review.
The narrative alternates between Gwen and Ruth in 2007, and Ruth in 1956, when Ruth became Pollock’s mistress. The interactions between Gwen and Ruth, as Gwen tries in vain to extract background information on the painting from Ruth, is sometimes fractious, highlighting the vast differences in their personalities. While Gwen is driven and logical, Ruth tends to romanticize the past, describing her time with Pollock as “fated.”
The main and secondary characters are fully fleshed out, but it’s the dynamic dialog that draws in the reader and makes the characters come alive. Although the book contains graphic sex scenes, they are not gratuitous considering the primary focus of the book was Ruth’s purported sexual influence over Pollock’s creativity. I recommend this book to those who like historical fiction populated by vibrant, interesting characters.
Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Collins for providing me an ARC of the book in exchange for my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
3.75 The author Stephen P. Kiernan and the book title, Pollock’s Last Lover drew me to request this ARC.
I have been very interested in art recently and am eager to learn about the lives of artist like Jackson Pollock.
Pollock was considered a genius and a madman at the same time. It seems like often the two words are closely related. Pollock was a genius and his lover Ruth was his muse. The story delves into his life as a painter, his drinking and his infidelity.
There is a mystery aspect to the story regarding a painting Pollock’s last lover, Ruth, is trying to sell. The painting does not look like his other paintings so before an auction house will take it they must authenticate it. This part of the story kept me reading.
There are several other artists spoken about in the story that I enjoyed learning about and researching after I finished.
Thank you NetGalley and William Morrow for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. All in all this was an enjoyable read. I always like learning something new, and I did. The only negative was that I wasn’t completely satisfied at the end.
I have been very interested in art recently and am eager to learn about the lives of artist like Jackson Pollock.
Pollock was considered a genius and a madman at the same time. It seems like often the two words are closely related. Pollock was a genius and his lover Ruth was his muse. The story delves into his life as a painter, his drinking and his infidelity.
There is a mystery aspect to the story regarding a painting Pollock’s last lover, Ruth, is trying to sell. The painting does not look like his other paintings so before an auction house will take it they must authenticate it. This part of the story kept me reading.
There are several other artists spoken about in the story that I enjoyed learning about and researching after I finished.
Thank you NetGalley and William Morrow for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. All in all this was an enjoyable read. I always like learning something new, and I did. The only negative was that I wasn’t completely satisfied at the end.
June 15, 2026
A great read! I bought this at a talk by the author, who is a great speaker. He discussed the background to the book, and the fact that it grew out of a previous attempt at a Pollock biography that didn't work. Instead this work focused on the women in Pollock's life. The story is told from two viewpoints, separated by 50-plus years. Ruth is the titular last lover of Jackson Pollock, and she has deiced to sell what she claims is an original work by him. Gwen is an up-and-coming art auction house staffer, tasked with determining the authenticity and provenance of the painting. Chapters flip between 1956 and 2007, sometimes a little confusingly. But the two almost mirror each other, as the story of the (perhaps) painting at its time of origin unfolds at the same time as we follow the steps to authenticity (or not). And the painting is not the only parallel between the times - we follow the love lives of both Ruth and Gwen, in their different ways.
Yes, it's well done. I liked it a lot.
Yes, it's well done. I liked it a lot.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A New York auction house is contacted by a woman who claims to have a Pollock painting gifted to her, his lover at the time of his death. This is a career-boosting opportunity for associate Gwen, assigned to authenticate this claim. Married to her job, Gwen is obsessed with the project. Once she meets Ruth, the owner of the artwork, she knows she has a challenge. Through their interactions we learn about the last months of Jackson Pollock, an abusive, depressed alcoholic, married to a woman who has tolerated the drunkenness and random women for years. Stephen P. Kiernan’s novel is a mystery that intrigues us. We want to witness the final determination and how it is reached. Far more interesting than the relationship between Gwen and her man is the story of Ruth and her needy artist and the work that resulted from their love affair. This alone holds my attention till the last page.
June 1, 2026
Jackson Pollock and his art may be at the heart of author Stephen P. Kiernan’s latest novel Pollock’s Last Lover, but it is the women in this tale who are the core of this fascinating story. Told in alternating timelines that follow the 2006 art investigation of an “unrecognized” painting supposedly done by Pollock as a gift to his last lover Ruth Kligman, and then going back in time to a late 1950s depiction of the affair between Kligman and Pollock, Kiernan delivers a compelling tale of Pollock as tortured, but revered artist along with the journeys of two very different women: one captivated by him, the other by his art. This book was a fast and engaging summer read, while at the same time making me think again about what has changed and not changed for women in the USA since the 1950s, both professionally and personally. I enjoyed this novel: every juicy page.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I think that this is an ambitious book, and I love that it highlights a famous person’s life, but through the lens of something maybe not everyone is super familiar with. This book merges past and present in a beautiful way where you are slowly drawn in to figure out if the painting wanting to be sold is real or not. I personally don’t know a lot about Pollock, so this was a very interesting read for me. I thought the characters were wonderfully portrayed. I think the only issue I had was that the start of the book is very slow and it takes some time to realize how all the pieces fit together.
Thank you so much to William Morrow and Netgalley for letting me read an advance copy of this title.
Thank you so much to William Morrow and Netgalley for letting me read an advance copy of this title.
June 25, 2026
I’m giving this book three stars but it is more like 2.5. The first hundred pages really had me captivated despite the fact that none of the characters are pleasant to read about. In the end, I feel that Kiernan is a bit heavy handed in creating the characters, especially Gwen. Perhaps he was trying to demonstrate that some things remain the same for women but that depends a great deal on the choices the women make. Both Ruth and Gwen made not only immature but also dangerous choices: Ruth repeatedly being abused by Pollock, and Gwen abusing herself thinking her overworking was necessary for her professional survival. Even knowing the story of Pollock, there was tension in the book which kept me going to the end but the ending was predictable and thin.
June 29, 2026
But Ruth, now you live at the center of the world. No place moves faster. You'll find yourself on the sidelines sometime and see people at their full intensity, and you'll want to be one of them. (37)
All of these lives, their dreams, love and loss and terror about the certainty of death. Hell, the person who built this table, glad to be paid for it. Everyone, everywhere. It is coursing through everything in the universe, Ruth, the history, if you allow yourself to feel it. Franz says no, I can't possibly feel all of that, it's just a glass, just wine, and I am full of shit. (103)
I could tell you were a wanting person the first second I saw you. (107)
A man sleeping beside her. This man. The idea weighs more than the person. (113)
All of these lives, their dreams, love and loss and terror about the certainty of death. Hell, the person who built this table, glad to be paid for it. Everyone, everywhere. It is coursing through everything in the universe, Ruth, the history, if you allow yourself to feel it. Franz says no, I can't possibly feel all of that, it's just a glass, just wine, and I am full of shit. (103)
I could tell you were a wanting person the first second I saw you. (107)
A man sleeping beside her. This man. The idea weighs more than the person. (113)
July 7, 2026
Pollock's Last Lover gave me a deeper appreciation for Jackson Pollock and the people who surrounded him. I enjoyed learning more about his life and legacy, and the way the story blended art, history, and fiction made for an interesting read.
The novel started off a bit slow, and it took me some time to become fully invested in the characters and where the story was headed. Once it found its footing, though, I appreciated the relationships and the way the past and present came together.
Overall, I enjoyed the book, even if the pacing wasn't always consistent. It introduced me to a side of Pollock's story I wasn't familiar with and made me want to learn more about the people and events that inspired the novel.
The novel started off a bit slow, and it took me some time to become fully invested in the characters and where the story was headed. Once it found its footing, though, I appreciated the relationships and the way the past and present came together.
Overall, I enjoyed the book, even if the pacing wasn't always consistent. It introduced me to a side of Pollock's story I wasn't familiar with and made me want to learn more about the people and events that inspired the novel.
May 16, 2026
I really enjoyed this book about Jackson Pollock. I enjoyed the time swap going back in time where we get to know Pollock at the beginning of his success and how he meets his young mistress and then switching to the current time period where an auction house is trying to authenticate a painting he gave to his now elderly mistress. Both time periods were so fascinating. The story line about how art work is authenticated was truly fascinating. I wasn’t sure which timeline I enjoyed reading more. I also became very interested in Pollock as an artist. I was familiar with his work but can’t say I was a fan. After reading this book, I’m inspired to visit a museum to see his work in real life
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
If you are looking for a story with a lot of fascinating history and is a dual timeline then you need to check out Pollock's Last Lover. Ot is a facinating story that takes place in 2006 and in the 1950's. I will admit I knew nothing about Pollock's career and the life he lived before reading this book but after reading this book I feel like a I have a new understanding about his life and work. I will admit the characters and their backstories are quite interesting and the drama surrounding the story will have you on the edge of your seat by the time this story is over!
July 8, 2026
I received a complimentary copy of this book for review. All opinions are my own. Thanks to NetGalley.
3.5 Stars
If you have any interest in the history of Jackson Pollock, you will most likely enjoy this novelized version of his later years. It delves into his marriage and mistresses - focusing mainly on one mistress - but you can really feel the way things worked during the 1950s. It was almost like an episode of Mad Men but with artists. Pollock was such a flawed character and those who came into and out of his life were the same in many different ways.
3.5 Stars
If you have any interest in the history of Jackson Pollock, you will most likely enjoy this novelized version of his later years. It delves into his marriage and mistresses - focusing mainly on one mistress - but you can really feel the way things worked during the 1950s. It was almost like an episode of Mad Men but with artists. Pollock was such a flawed character and those who came into and out of his life were the same in many different ways.
June 24, 2026
Happened to be in the midst of enjoying listening to this when I heard the author would be giving a talk at a local library that evening. Promptly attended and got even more insight into the characters and their historical accuracy. Some of the bits that annoyed me were directly based on textual evidence (like her saying "Jackson, Jackson, Jackson" over and over again). I also appreciated the insight into big auctions, Pollock's work, and much more of that era.
July 6, 2026
4 stars
As soon as I started reading Pollock's Last Lover , I was swept away into the bohemian Art world of the 1950s. We get to know Ruth.Kligman , Pollocks last lover, but so much more. I loved hearing about her and her roommate and how they had to survive in the 50s to try to get to work. When Ruth falls in love at first sight with Pollock,, she just knows that she will love him forever and she will be his muse.... no matter what. We get to know Ruth and her use, and also as an elderly woman who wants to sell her painting that she has kept herself all these years. Get to know about Gwen, who was in charge of authenticating the painting, and trying to learn more about its origin story. We meet Ruth again at the end of her life This is a historical fiction of a period that is not often explored, but one that i was happy to be a fly on the wall during the end of the life of one of the greatest painters in American history I fell in love with. the characters and I will definitely recommend to others. The audiobook was excellent
As soon as I started reading Pollock's Last Lover , I was swept away into the bohemian Art world of the 1950s. We get to know Ruth.Kligman , Pollocks last lover, but so much more. I loved hearing about her and her roommate and how they had to survive in the 50s to try to get to work. When Ruth falls in love at first sight with Pollock,, she just knows that she will love him forever and she will be his muse.... no matter what. We get to know Ruth and her use, and also as an elderly woman who wants to sell her painting that she has kept herself all these years. Get to know about Gwen, who was in charge of authenticating the painting, and trying to learn more about its origin story. We meet Ruth again at the end of her life This is a historical fiction of a period that is not often explored, but one that i was happy to be a fly on the wall during the end of the life of one of the greatest painters in American history I fell in love with. the characters and I will definitely recommend to others. The audiobook was excellent
March 22, 2026
A bit of a rollercoaster with alternating current and past POVs both embroiled in heated relationships. The central question of provenance of the painting creates engaging intrigue as the story moves forward. An interesting glimpse into the art world as well as the art authentication process.
Thanks to NetGalley and William Morrow for the opportunity to read this ARC.
Thanks to NetGalley and William Morrow for the opportunity to read this ARC.
May 26, 2026
Engrossing account of Jackson Pollock and his mistress as well as a contemporary setting in the world of high end art auctions. Although I couldn't relate to the motivations of the two main female characters, they were both interesting character studies. I really liked it!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A dual timeline histfic story involving Jackson Pollack, the women in his life, and the authentication of one of his paintings. Art lovers, especially, will find this fascinating.
April 26, 2026
An intriguing journey into the worlds of art, relationships and history.
With thanks to NetGalley and William Morrow for this e-ARC.
With thanks to NetGalley and William Morrow for this e-ARC.
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May 10, 2026I just couldn't get into this book. I wanted to like but I struggled with the dual time line and art scene. I like reading about lesser known people so I was hoping to like it.
June 1, 2026
Pollock’s Last Lover by Stephen P. Kieran is the story of a painting supposedly by Jackson Pollock. It takes place in the present day where Gwen is responsible for confirming the painting is by Pollock, and also in the past, seeing Ruth’s doomed affair with Pollock. As the two paths converge, is the painting a Pollock?
I enjoyed this book, but it took me a little bit to get through it. I never liked Ruth and never believed she loved Pollock. I felt she was a flat character, and we never really got to explore her complications.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for access to an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review
I enjoyed this book, but it took me a little bit to get through it. I never liked Ruth and never believed she loved Pollock. I felt she was a flat character, and we never really got to explore her complications.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for access to an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review
May 27, 2026
Fun book to read. Good story with insight into art auction.
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