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Mutige Frauen zwischen Kunst und Liebe #2
The Bridal Chair
"In prose as painterly and evocative as Chagall's own dazzling brushstrokes, Gloria Goldreich finely evokes one of the most significant masters of modern art through the discerning eyes of [his] loyally protective daughter."—Cynthia Ozick, award-winning author of Foreign Bodies
Beautiful Ida Chagall, the only daughter of Marc Chagall, is blossoming in the Paris art world beyond her father's controlling gaze. But her newfound independence is short-lived. In Nazi-occupied Paris, Chagall's status as a Jewish artist has made them all targets, yet his devotion to his art blinds him to their danger.
When Ida falls in love and Chagall angrily paints an empty wedding chair (The Bridal Chair) in response, she faces an impossible choice: Does she fight to forge her own path outside her father's shadow, or abandon her ambitions to save Chagall from his enemies and himself?
Brimming with historic personalities from Europe, America and Israel, The Bridal Chair is a stunning portrait of love, fortitude, and the sharp divide between art and real life.
"Only Gloria Goldreich could write a novel so grounded in historical truths yet so exuberantly imaginative. The Bridal Chair is Goldreich at her best, with a mesmerizing plot, elegant images, and a remarkable heroine who...will remain with you long after the last page."—Francine Klagsburn, Jewish Week columnist and acclaimed author of Voices of Wisdom
495 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 1, 2015
About the author
Gloria Goldreich
41 books63 followersGloria Goldreich graduated from Brandeis University and did graduate work in Jewish history at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. She was a coordinator in the Department of Jewish Education at National Hadassah and served as Public Relations Director of the Baruch College of the City University of New York.
While still an undergraduate at Brandeis, she was a winner of the Seventeen Magazine short story contest where her first nationally published work appeared. Subsequently, her short fiction and critical essays have appeared in Commentary, McCalls, Redbook, Ladies Home Journal, Mademoiselle, Ms., Chatelaine, Hadassah Magazine and numerous other magazines and journals. Her work has been widely anthologized and translated.
She is the author of a series of children's books on women in the professions entitled What Can She Be? She has also written novels for young adults, Ten Traditional Jewish Stories, and she edited a prize-winning anthology A Treasury of Jewish Literature.
Her novel, Leah's Journey won the National Jewish Book Award for fiction in 1979, and her second novel Four Days won the Federation Arts and Letters Award. Her other novels include Promised Land, This Burning Harvest, Leah's Children, West to Eden, Mothers, Years of Dreams and That Year of Our War. Her books have been selections of the Book of the Month Club, the Literary Guild and the Troll Book Club.
She has lectured throughout the United States and in Canada.
Gloria Goldreich is married to an attorney and is the mother of two daughters and a son, and the grandmother of six grandchildren.
While still an undergraduate at Brandeis, she was a winner of the Seventeen Magazine short story contest where her first nationally published work appeared. Subsequently, her short fiction and critical essays have appeared in Commentary, McCalls, Redbook, Ladies Home Journal, Mademoiselle, Ms., Chatelaine, Hadassah Magazine and numerous other magazines and journals. Her work has been widely anthologized and translated.
She is the author of a series of children's books on women in the professions entitled What Can She Be? She has also written novels for young adults, Ten Traditional Jewish Stories, and she edited a prize-winning anthology A Treasury of Jewish Literature.
Her novel, Leah's Journey won the National Jewish Book Award for fiction in 1979, and her second novel Four Days won the Federation Arts and Letters Award. Her other novels include Promised Land, This Burning Harvest, Leah's Children, West to Eden, Mothers, Years of Dreams and That Year of Our War. Her books have been selections of the Book of the Month Club, the Literary Guild and the Troll Book Club.
She has lectured throughout the United States and in Canada.
Gloria Goldreich is married to an attorney and is the mother of two daughters and a son, and the grandmother of six grandchildren.
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December 11, 2014
A lush powerful sprawling novel of glorious art, history, war, politics, love, lies, secrets, Jewish history -Jewish culture, betrayal, reconciliation, friendships, community, death, birth, which spans over two continents.
"The Bridal Chair" is good old fashion storytelling entertainment. The perfect 'escape' novel. The characters linger in your heart and mind, as they are very well-developed.
Gloria Goldreich's excellent pacing creates a page-turner that is hard to put down, although length might give pause to some readers. What I loved was the atmospheric fairytale-like novel she mixes with history.
The Jewish storytelling was a 'at home' feeling to me personally -and learning about the "Chagall" family was completely fascinating.
Marc Chagall (Popatchka), Bella (Momotchka) his wife, and their daughter Ida (Idotchka), were an enchanted Trio: lively elfin-faced Marc, fragile dark-haired Bella, and Ida, their precocious, vivacious daughter whose hair was the color of firelight.
Marc was already celebrated as Commissar of Arts in has native country of Russia (Vitebsk), when without warning, he, Bella and 6 year old Ida were refugees, seeking safety.
They navigated their way from Russia to Berlin to France.
France is where 'the trio' made their home. Marc's work was appreciated in France. Writers, poets, intellectuals, diplomats visited their home.
Marc painted with intensity --hating to be disturbed when working --always in a studio with natural light.
Bella was the lovely supportive wife and mother. "She glides through air, a blackbird of a woman". Bella arranged and rearranged furniture and paintings, filled bowls and vases with flowers, her home was her insular fortess, her safe heaven, in the face of an ugly uncertain world. She loved silks, and colors.
Ida grew up pampered, and protected. Bella taught her that beauty and style were the key in the treacherous game of social survival.
Marc painted a visual journal of Ida's life -chronicling the days of her childhood. He painted his daughter in the nude --as he did his wife.
Marc also painted his village --his Jewish synagogue where he celebrated his Bar Mitzvah. He painted bearded rabbis, Klezmer musicians, floating synagues, a Jewish wedding, crucifixion depictions, disturbing suffering Jews.
His biblical drawings were his answer to Hitler, his graphic assertion that Jewish people would survive.
"History moved on but suffering and persecution remained"
When Ida is 17 --meets Michel Rapaport, (also a Russian Jewish emigres), Marc feels his devotion has been betrayed, shamed him, when she gives news of being pregnant. Bella just feels grief.
An abortion takes place -yet a 'family' choice is made for the couple to marry. It was thought since Ida was no longer a virgin --then she was as good as married by Jewish Law. "The Bridal Chair" is the painting Marc paints --and gives to the couple as a wedding gift. This painting will have more symbolic meaning as the story continues.
After Ida's marriage to Michael, she accompanied her father to dealers, galleries, cafes, where she was basked in admiring gazes of artists. Her marriage did not diminish her pleasure in recognition of her vivacity, her tantalizing sensuality. She charmed visitors to Marc's studio, smiled enticingly at collectors, spoke knowingly of the value of each painting.
In time --Ida managed her father's business and personal life.
Ida was a shrew-assertive woman --and her exuberance was contagious.
Although, Michel is faithful and dependable, and the couple love each other --they live parallel lives--and it is only a matter of time until they separate...but not until after Michel comes back from the the french army. He had been drafted during the war.
When its clear the family needs to leave Europe due to Adolf Hitler and the killing of Jews, they cross the border to Spain.
On the ship to New York --many people were sick with typhoid, vomiting, elevated temperatures, bloody diarrhea, gonorrhea. Many Jews prayed --as they were traveling during Yom Kippur, the day of Atonement. "Mi yichye, umi yamut" -Who will live and who will die?" "Save us. Save our Children, they prayed". Disease continued to sweep through the ship ---yet--the family arrived safely ....
With the painting of "The Bridal Chair".
After Bella dies --(after morning her death) --
The story continues: ...(history...parties... travel ...moving ...challenging relationships),
The post war brings more wealth and success. New York to Mexico City -Back to France, visits to other European countries and Israel --back to France again
Many more twists and turns for Marc and Ida -- Characters you won't forget, Picasso, Matisse, the wise Elsa, and the lovers for both Marc and Ida.
Yet,no matter what happens, Ida Chagall is always Marc Chagall's daughter!
Readers who have enjoyed storytelling by Kate Morton, or Walley Lamb will especially enjoy this novel.
Artistically magnificent!
Thank you to the author --and Netgalley!
"The Bridal Chair" is good old fashion storytelling entertainment. The perfect 'escape' novel. The characters linger in your heart and mind, as they are very well-developed.
Gloria Goldreich's excellent pacing creates a page-turner that is hard to put down, although length might give pause to some readers. What I loved was the atmospheric fairytale-like novel she mixes with history.
The Jewish storytelling was a 'at home' feeling to me personally -and learning about the "Chagall" family was completely fascinating.
Marc Chagall (Popatchka), Bella (Momotchka) his wife, and their daughter Ida (Idotchka), were an enchanted Trio: lively elfin-faced Marc, fragile dark-haired Bella, and Ida, their precocious, vivacious daughter whose hair was the color of firelight.
Marc was already celebrated as Commissar of Arts in has native country of Russia (Vitebsk), when without warning, he, Bella and 6 year old Ida were refugees, seeking safety.
They navigated their way from Russia to Berlin to France.
France is where 'the trio' made their home. Marc's work was appreciated in France. Writers, poets, intellectuals, diplomats visited their home.
Marc painted with intensity --hating to be disturbed when working --always in a studio with natural light.
Bella was the lovely supportive wife and mother. "She glides through air, a blackbird of a woman". Bella arranged and rearranged furniture and paintings, filled bowls and vases with flowers, her home was her insular fortess, her safe heaven, in the face of an ugly uncertain world. She loved silks, and colors.
Ida grew up pampered, and protected. Bella taught her that beauty and style were the key in the treacherous game of social survival.
Marc painted a visual journal of Ida's life -chronicling the days of her childhood. He painted his daughter in the nude --as he did his wife.
Marc also painted his village --his Jewish synagogue where he celebrated his Bar Mitzvah. He painted bearded rabbis, Klezmer musicians, floating synagues, a Jewish wedding, crucifixion depictions, disturbing suffering Jews.
His biblical drawings were his answer to Hitler, his graphic assertion that Jewish people would survive.
"History moved on but suffering and persecution remained"
When Ida is 17 --meets Michel Rapaport, (also a Russian Jewish emigres), Marc feels his devotion has been betrayed, shamed him, when she gives news of being pregnant. Bella just feels grief.
An abortion takes place -yet a 'family' choice is made for the couple to marry. It was thought since Ida was no longer a virgin --then she was as good as married by Jewish Law. "The Bridal Chair" is the painting Marc paints --and gives to the couple as a wedding gift. This painting will have more symbolic meaning as the story continues.
After Ida's marriage to Michael, she accompanied her father to dealers, galleries, cafes, where she was basked in admiring gazes of artists. Her marriage did not diminish her pleasure in recognition of her vivacity, her tantalizing sensuality. She charmed visitors to Marc's studio, smiled enticingly at collectors, spoke knowingly of the value of each painting.
In time --Ida managed her father's business and personal life.
Ida was a shrew-assertive woman --and her exuberance was contagious.
Although, Michel is faithful and dependable, and the couple love each other --they live parallel lives--and it is only a matter of time until they separate...but not until after Michel comes back from the the french army. He had been drafted during the war.
When its clear the family needs to leave Europe due to Adolf Hitler and the killing of Jews, they cross the border to Spain.
On the ship to New York --many people were sick with typhoid, vomiting, elevated temperatures, bloody diarrhea, gonorrhea. Many Jews prayed --as they were traveling during Yom Kippur, the day of Atonement. "Mi yichye, umi yamut" -Who will live and who will die?" "Save us. Save our Children, they prayed". Disease continued to sweep through the ship ---yet--the family arrived safely ....
With the painting of "The Bridal Chair".
After Bella dies --(after morning her death) --
The story continues: ...(history...parties... travel ...moving ...challenging relationships),
The post war brings more wealth and success. New York to Mexico City -Back to France, visits to other European countries and Israel --back to France again
Many more twists and turns for Marc and Ida -- Characters you won't forget, Picasso, Matisse, the wise Elsa, and the lovers for both Marc and Ida.
Yet,no matter what happens, Ida Chagall is always Marc Chagall's daughter!
Readers who have enjoyed storytelling by Kate Morton, or Walley Lamb will especially enjoy this novel.
Artistically magnificent!
Thank you to the author --and Netgalley!
December 28, 2018
Vienu metu pagalvojau, kad į Šagalo paveikslus nebenorėsiu ir žiūrėti. Paskui prisiminiau sesers močiutės frazę "Все артисты куку" ir apsiraminau. Šeimos santykiai man pasirodė tikrai nesmagūs ir išnaudotojiški, tačiau pasakojimas labai greitai įtraukė ir vis laukiau, kada visas tas cirkas baigsis. Baigės :)
April 25, 2018
My book club met today and all agreed that this book was a disappointment. This was a fictional biography of Marc Chagall and his family, particularly his daughter, Ida. I think that the writing suffered from lack of astute editing. For one thing, it was overly long. Much of the repetition could have been pared down. In particular, descriptions of Ida's extreme beauty, her auburn tresses and how men everywhere were attracted to her all became unnecessary, as well as hyperbolic. Also, Marc Chagall's "elfin face"and "curly ringlets" were redundant descriptions.
It was interesting to read how driven this artist was and to learn of the descriptions of his work. I admit concern when I read of how he painted his young daughter nude frequently. However, I need not have been concerned, since his approach to art was often more symbolic and modern than I was able to appreciate . His efforts and his attitudes were certainly influenced by the intense anti-Semitism that followed him from his early life in Russia, through WW ll and the Holocaust, and beyond.
Goldreich also painted a vivid picture of the troubling relationship between father and daughter. In my opinion, Chagall was an unpleasant, selfish, narcissistic human being, despite the fact that he was much acclaimed .
It was interesting to read how driven this artist was and to learn of the descriptions of his work. I admit concern when I read of how he painted his young daughter nude frequently. However, I need not have been concerned, since his approach to art was often more symbolic and modern than I was able to appreciate . His efforts and his attitudes were certainly influenced by the intense anti-Semitism that followed him from his early life in Russia, through WW ll and the Holocaust, and beyond.
Goldreich also painted a vivid picture of the troubling relationship between father and daughter. In my opinion, Chagall was an unpleasant, selfish, narcissistic human being, despite the fact that he was much acclaimed .
Read
May 13, 2019Nepabaigiau! :(
Perskaičiau 200 puslapių ir neužkabino, tai nusprendžiau nebetęsti. Biografinės detalės ir charakterių apybraižos kaip ir būtų įdomios, bet kartais kyla įtarimas, kad autorė nusprendė parašyti ilgesnę knygą negu turėjo jai "mėsos", todėl daug kur kartojamasi ir daugiažodžiaujama.
Pavyzdžiui, kai knygos herojė išteka, subtiliai, bet tikrai aiškiai parodoma, kad, na, fainas jai tas bičas, bet nelabai ji nori būti su juo susituokusi visą gyvenimą. Bet paskui dar kelis kartus rašoma, kaip jinai abejoja, bet vis bando save įtikinti, kad "ne, viskas gerai, jis gi fainas", kažkaip jau nebesinori skaityti tos abejonės dar ir dar, kai ji jau buvo gana tvirtai establishinta anksčiau. Čia kaip žmogus, kuris pasakodamas istoriją, vis grįžta įtvirtinti dalykus, kuriuos jau pasakojo, kol galiausiai tau pasidaro neįdomu ir pradedi nebesekti. Nors gal aš čia išlepinta greito informacijos pateikimo, nežinau.
Perskaičiau 200 puslapių ir neužkabino, tai nusprendžiau nebetęsti. Biografinės detalės ir charakterių apybraižos kaip ir būtų įdomios, bet kartais kyla įtarimas, kad autorė nusprendė parašyti ilgesnę knygą negu turėjo jai "mėsos", todėl daug kur kartojamasi ir daugiažodžiaujama.
Pavyzdžiui, kai knygos herojė išteka, subtiliai, bet tikrai aiškiai parodoma, kad, na, fainas jai tas bičas, bet nelabai ji nori būti su juo susituokusi visą gyvenimą. Bet paskui dar kelis kartus rašoma, kaip jinai abejoja, bet vis bando save įtikinti, kad "ne, viskas gerai, jis gi fainas", kažkaip jau nebesinori skaityti tos abejonės dar ir dar, kai ji jau buvo gana tvirtai establishinta anksčiau. Čia kaip žmogus, kuris pasakodamas istoriją, vis grįžta įtvirtinti dalykus, kuriuos jau pasakojo, kol galiausiai tau pasidaro neįdomu ir pradedi nebesekti. Nors gal aš čia išlepinta greito informacijos pateikimo, nežinau.
April 23, 2017
A very well researched and well told story. An over-protected daughter just begins to assert her independence when WWII catches up to the family and she must acquire the role of parent to her own parents who are paralyzed by fear and denial. The story itself and how it is told is remarkable on its own. The fact that it is about, and contains so many references to, famous people in the arts world of the era makes it even more fascinating. A very good read!
January 13, 2020
Metų iššūkio sąraše užims vietą: "knyga, kurioje minima reali, istorinė figūra".
Kadangi neskaičiau anotacijos, tai tik atsivertusi knygą sužinojau, kad autorė - ne Šagalo duktė. Ir tai nėra atsiminimų knyga, o fikcija "kaip galbūt galėjo būti".
Retas atvejis, kai antra knygos pusė - žymiai įdomesnė ir sklandesnė. Pradžioj net buvo kilęs noras mesti knygą šalin dėl daugžodžiavimo tempiant gumą ir didinant knygos apimtį.
3,51*
Kadangi neskaičiau anotacijos, tai tik atsivertusi knygą sužinojau, kad autorė - ne Šagalo duktė. Ir tai nėra atsiminimų knyga, o fikcija "kaip galbūt galėjo būti".
Retas atvejis, kai antra knygos pusė - žymiai įdomesnė ir sklandesnė. Pradžioj net buvo kilęs noras mesti knygą šalin dėl daugžodžiavimo tempiant gumą ir didinant knygos apimtį.
3,51*
November 14, 2018
Nuostabi knyga :) Labai patiko :)
Read
April 20, 2015First half was interesting and then it slowed down for me. Marc was so selfish, naive and irresponsible that it was hard for me care enough to keep reading through the second half of the book and I didn't finish it.
December 11, 2019
Atvirai kalbant, aš nesu didelė meno gerbėja. Man tai kaip devintas vanduo nuo kisieliaus. Todėl meno parodose tikrai manęs nesutiksite. Šioje srityje aš nieko neišmanau: žinau tiek, kiek man reikia ir to pakanka. Jei į akiratį papuola koks gražus dailės kūrinys, aš pasigrožiu, bet tikrai kaip pamišusi nesidomiu, kas jo autorius. Todėl ir kūriniai apie meno žmones man papuola visiškai atsitiktinai. Šįsyk toks kūrinys, kurį pasiėmiau iš bibliotekos smalsumo dėka, o dar gerokai anksčiau apkalbėtas su bibliotekininke, kad gal vertėtų paskaityti ir buvo pastarasis Gloria Goldreich romanas "Mano tėvas Šagalas". Būsiu tiesmuka, bet tikrai neimsiu pasakoti, kas toks per vienas buvo Markas Šagalas, nes kas domisi menu, jo pavardė bus tikrai žinoma. O jei trumpai, tai buvo vienas žymiausių XX a. tapytojų. Tačiau ne apie jį noriu kalbėti, o apie šį kūrinį, kurį skaičiau neatsitraukdama su malonumu, smalsumu ir net pykčiu. Bet apie viską nuo pradžių. Knyga "Mano tėvas Šagalas" yra tikrais faktais paremtas romanas apie Idą, Marko Šagalo dukterį. Tačiau, kad ir kiek bus daug kalbėta apie ją šioje knygoje, tačiau turbūt patį svarbiausią vaidmenį jos gyvenime atliko tėvas, kuris sutinkamas beveik kiekviename knygos puslapyje. Šioje meniškoje istorijoje kalbama apie nesveiką tėvo meilę savo dukrai, kurią jis saugojo kaip savo akį. Mergina augusi tokioje šeimoje kaip Šagalų, buvo jiems kaip saulės spindulys, kaip trapus gėlės žiedas. Todėl perdėtas rūpestis, savininkiškumo jausmas, baimė ją prarasti, tik dar labiau kurstė Idą pabėgti iš kontroliuojančių tėvų gniaužtų. Tam ji ir pasirinko studijas Paryžiuje, kuriame jos laukė meilė-jos širdį pavergė neturtingas studentas. Tačiau Idos meilė kaip ir nepriklausomybė yra labai trapios: nacių okupuotoje Prancūzijoje žydų tautybės Šagalas-yra vienas ryškiausių taikinių. Tačiau šis, tik savo tapybą matantis meninkas, nenori pripažinti artėjančios karo grėsmės. Ir čia didžiausia užduotis tenka Idai, kuriai reikės rinktis: ar išsivaduoti iš tėvo šešėlio, ar palaidoti savarankiško gyvenimo iliuzijas ir gelbėti tėvą nuo tykančių pavojų. Kokį variantą pasirinko Ida? Kaip jai sekėsi kovoti su tėvu ir kokius sprendimus turės priimti prieš karui prasidedant? Kviečiu ir Jus pasinerti stačia galva į šią verpetų bei pavojų kupiną kelionę, kuri tęsiasi per beveik 600 puslapių. Ar buvo nuobodu skaityti? Tikrai ne, nes ši istorija buvo iš tokių, kurios taip tave įsuka, kad sunku ir paleisti knygą iš rankų, o neskaitant galvoti kaip ten viskas klostėsi toliau. Su šia knyga aš kaip kokia keliautoja turėjau puikią galimybę susipažinti su Europos miestais ir vienu kitu metu pajusti amerikietišką dvasią. Labai įdomu buvo skaityti apie tai, kaip žmogus, mylintis ne tik savo gimdytoją, bet ir savo darbą rengė parodas tėvo kūriniams pristatyti. Kalbu apie Idą, kuri be proto buvo atsidavusi savo tėvui, kitaip sakant, buvo jo vergė. Nenorėdama per daug pasakoti knygos siužeto, kviečiu paskaityti patiems ir sužinoti, ką reiškia nesveika tėvų ir vaikų meilė vieni kitiems. Drįstu sakyti nesveika todėl, kad mano supratimu, jog vietomis buvo peržengtos kai kurios padorumo normos ir šiaip tai buvo ne gyvenimas, o despotiškas savo vaiko valdymas visomis išgalėmis. Tačiau tokia buvo tėvo ir dukros meilė-jie vienas be kito negalėjo. Man ši istorija nepaprastai patiko vien todėl, kad sužinojau gan nemažai apie patį Šagalą, jo santykį ne tik su menu, bet ir su savo šeima. Karo tema, kuri mane šiuo metu domina, atskleidė kiek kitokį savo vaizdą, nes parodė kaip tuo metu buvo kovojama su meno atstovais, kurie pasak priešų kėlė jiems grėsmę. Skaitant suvoki, kad vyksta karas, bet jis kitoks, tarsi Šagalo paletės spalvoms susimaišius ir išsiliejus. Na toks meniškai audringas karas. Todėl vietomis likau apstulbus, vietomis pikta. Tiesiog šis kūrinys man sukėlė įvairių emocijų pliūpsnį, kurios keitėsi taip greitai, kaip dailininkas tapantis paveikslą, pagautas įkvėpimo. Kam galėčiau rekomenduoti šią knygą? Visiems tiems, kurie myli ir kuriems įdomus meno pasaulis, kam nesvetimas menininko talentas, bet ir jo egoizmas, kam patinka genijai ir jų mūzos, grėsmės ir intrigos. Kūrinys tiktų ir tiems skaitytojams, kurie kaip ir aš, nėra dideli meno gerbėjai, bet visuomet pasiryžę avantiūrai paskaityti kiek kitokius kūrinius. Kad ir kaip nenorėjau, kad ši istorija baigtųsi, tačiau užvertusi paskutinį knygos puslapį supratau amžiną gyvenimo tiesą: "Tik menas yra amžinas. O štai gyvenimas ir meilė, deja, yra laikini"
July 12, 2017
*Only read first half*
Rating is mixed for this book. The storyline was exciting and interesting, but the writing was tiring. It seemed as if the author was getting paid per word - I think this book could have been a 5 star book if it was cut down by at least 100 pages.
The author was also extremely repetitive with her descriptions of people (I think she called Chagall "elfin" at least 30 times in the first 100 pages). Might pick it back up, but for now I would give it a low review for the writing style, a high review for the topic, ending up in the middle.
Rating is mixed for this book. The storyline was exciting and interesting, but the writing was tiring. It seemed as if the author was getting paid per word - I think this book could have been a 5 star book if it was cut down by at least 100 pages.
The author was also extremely repetitive with her descriptions of people (I think she called Chagall "elfin" at least 30 times in the first 100 pages). Might pick it back up, but for now I would give it a low review for the writing style, a high review for the topic, ending up in the middle.
August 14, 2018
I first became aware of Chagall when he was mentioned in Chaim Potok's "My Name Is Asher Lev" and have enjoyed looking at many of his paintings since. It was a joy getting involved in the Chagall family story even though he came across as very selfish and egotistical.
April 18, 2017
Extending in depth far beyond the whimsically portrayed "bridal chair" painting featured on the book's cover and in the plot summary, I was pleasantly surprised to find how much I enjoyed this richly detailed, evocative, and engrossing personal story that is based on the lives of Ida Chagall, her father and famous artist, Marc Chagall, and her mother, Bella, along with those they welcome into their circle. The characters are very well developed and there is a fulfilling amount of historical detail which effectively sets the stage to envelope the closely knit family of three as they navigate their personal and professional lives with each other and as Russian Jews in the art world (mainly in France) at the time of WW2. The story is at times eventfully quiet but compelling in its interpersonal relationships. Although the book could have perhaps been condensed a bit in certain parts, along with a slight skimming of the wealth of adjectives used early on, its length serves to make it read like a satisfying historical family saga (albeit one of a small family). The detailed language as well as the seemingly effortless writing kept me captivated as I felt I was closely witnessing, and becoming invested in, the characters' lives through their circumstances and interactions.
I listened to and liked the Audible audio book narrated by Barbara Rosenblat. There was something about her mature, relaxed, and emotive voice that I thought well complemented this strolling and intimate story focused on the family's life with its longstanding and evolving relationships.
I highly recommend this book to those who like personal character studies and historical fiction related to art and WW2.
I listened to and liked the Audible audio book narrated by Barbara Rosenblat. There was something about her mature, relaxed, and emotive voice that I thought well complemented this strolling and intimate story focused on the family's life with its longstanding and evolving relationships.
I highly recommend this book to those who like personal character studies and historical fiction related to art and WW2.
March 15, 2015
The Bridal Chair is a sprawling historical saga that follows the life and fortunes of the Chagall family, filtered through the eyes of Chagall’s daughter Ida. These are turbulent times, especially for Jews and especially in France where Chagall makes his home. It’s a wonderfully compelling tale, rich with historical and biographical detail and featuring a host of well-known names from the world of art. Marc Chagall himself certainly doesn’t come out well from his portrayal by Goldreich, and at times the reader simply wants to get hold of Ida and shake her for her worship of him. But that just demonstrates how totally absorbing the book is, a book which is well paced and atmospheric, with excellent characterisation, and although long, never feels tedious. If only it could have included reproductions of the actual pictures, that’s something that would really have enhanced the reading. An excellent biographical novel.
July 16, 2016
I would have given this book 3 1/2 stars but... Anyway, I really enjoyed this book but it was much longer than it needed to be. While I love historical fiction, I kept forgetting that even though the characters, places, events were real... The story was fabricated. That made it a made confusing at times. Having said that... This book does make me want to learn more about Marc Chagall. Both my mom and mother in law adored it. So that should help.
May 4, 2017
I'm grateful to the author for the rich biographical detail about Marc Chagall. However the writing was too contrived. This book was in dire need of a better editor to cut away the unnecessary adjectives. How many times do we need reminding that Ida was full-figured? This detracted from the story enough to make me doubt the validity of its content.
July 19, 2015
Way too long! Interesting ..a lot of research...now I want to see Chagall art!
February 28, 2016
I did enjoy the story, but felt it would have been a more concise and stronger storyline with about 150 pages edited out.
April 9, 2024
4,5. Beautifully written book, telling a fascinating story, filled with so many dimensions and emotions. I learned so much about Chagall and I loved Ida - what a strong woman. It took me a while to read, but I enjoyed every minute of it. It covered so much in such a smooth way and let me repeat again - the writing was so beautiful.
January 7, 2019
2.5
Verta skaityti tik dėl faktinės medžiagos apie Šagalą, literatūriškai silpna
https://knyguziurkes.wordpress.com/20...
Verta skaityti tik dėl faktinės medžiagos apie Šagalą, literatūriškai silpna
https://knyguziurkes.wordpress.com/20...
September 2, 2015
Beim Stöbern auf Amazon bin ich zufällig auf "Die Tochter des Malers" gestoßen und habe es sofort auf meine Wunschliste gesetzt, da ich die Gemälde von Marc Chagall liebe, bisher aber nur wenig über ihn als Person weiß. Außerdem ist es ein Buch, das den 2.Weltkrieg und den Holocaust thematisiert. Da diese beiden Themen schon vor langem mein Interesse geweckt haben und mir mittlerweile auch sehr am Herzen liegen, lese ich solche Geschichten unglaublich gerne. Bis zum Erscheinungstag des Buches musste ich allerdings nicht warten, da die Buchhandlung, in der ich gerade meine Ausbildung mache, ein Leseexemplar davon erhalten hat. Ihr glaubt gar nicht wie groß meine Freude war, als ich das entdeckt habe :)
Bereits nach der ersten Seiten war ich total begeistert von dem schönen Schreibstil der Autorin. Gloria Goldreich erzählt Ida Chagalls Geschichte wirklich sehr mitreißend und äußerst bewegend. Sie lässt den Leser intensiv an Idas Gefühlen teilhaben und ihn die
unterschiedlichsten Situationen bzw. Gemütszustände mit ihr durchleben. Dieses intensive Mitfühlen und später auch die zunehmende Gefahr, die ihre Finger nach der Familie Chagall ausstreckt, sowie die tragischen Wendungen, mit denen ich hier und da konfrontiert wurde, waren der Grund, weshalb ich dieses Buch nicht zügig hintereinander weggelesen habe. Um meine Emotionen ein bisschen herunterzufahren, war eine Pause immer mal wieder nötig.
"Die Tochter des Malers" ist die Geschichte einer jungen Frau, die äußerst behütet aufgewachsen ist und seit sie denken kann, alles dafür getan hat um ihre Eltern glücklich zu machen. Doch eines Tages erkennt sie, dass es in ihrem Leben nicht immer nur nach der Pfeife ihrer Eltern gehen kann. Um glücklich zu werden, muss sie auf ihr Herz hören und eigene Entscheidungen treffen. Entscheidungen, die sie glücklich machen, aber vielleicht auch mal ihren Eltern gegen den Strich gehen. Die Abnabelung Idas von ihren Eltern ist vor allem über die Jahre des Erwachsenwerdens bzw. Älterwerdens zu spüren. Darüber hinaus erkennt sie, dass ihr Vater auch nur ein Mensch ist, der Fehler macht und manchmal falsche Entscheidung trifft. Je älter Ida wird, desto selbstbewusster und selbstbestimmter tritt sie auf.
Die vollständige Abnabelung von ihrem Vater gelingt ihr jedoch erst zu Ende des Buches. Davor sieht der Leser immer wieder, dass Vater und Tochter zu sehr an die starke Präsenz des anderen in ihrem Leben gewöhnt sind und sich, aus Angst vor dem Alleinsein, nicht trauen sich dem Einfluss des anderen zu entziehen. Dabei wäre es für beide wichtig, sie würden nicht versuchen das Leben des anderen zu lenken bzw. in diese oder jene Richtung zu steuern nur weil sie es für richtig halten. Jeder muss sein eigenes Leben führen und eigenen Entscheidung treffen, um glücklich zu werden.
Marc Chagall war mir in dieser Geschichte leider sehr unsympathisch. Zwar hat er auch eine nette und liebevolle Seite, aber er kann auch extrem hochnäsig , exzentrisch und jähzornig sein, wenn etwas nicht so läuft wie er es gerne hätte. Und auch auf den letzten Seiten hat Marcs Verhalten nicht gerade dazu beigetragen, dass sich meine Meinung über ihn verändert hat. Im Gegenteil! Er bleibt für mich ein naiver und narzisstischer Trottel. Einzig und allein seine Vergangenheit (die Flucht aus Russland und Berlin), die ständige Angst wieder ein Zuhause zu verlieren und alles hinter sich lassen zu müssen, konnte mich berühren.
Bereits nach der ersten Seiten war ich total begeistert von dem schönen Schreibstil der Autorin. Gloria Goldreich erzählt Ida Chagalls Geschichte wirklich sehr mitreißend und äußerst bewegend. Sie lässt den Leser intensiv an Idas Gefühlen teilhaben und ihn die
unterschiedlichsten Situationen bzw. Gemütszustände mit ihr durchleben. Dieses intensive Mitfühlen und später auch die zunehmende Gefahr, die ihre Finger nach der Familie Chagall ausstreckt, sowie die tragischen Wendungen, mit denen ich hier und da konfrontiert wurde, waren der Grund, weshalb ich dieses Buch nicht zügig hintereinander weggelesen habe. Um meine Emotionen ein bisschen herunterzufahren, war eine Pause immer mal wieder nötig.
"Die Tochter des Malers" ist die Geschichte einer jungen Frau, die äußerst behütet aufgewachsen ist und seit sie denken kann, alles dafür getan hat um ihre Eltern glücklich zu machen. Doch eines Tages erkennt sie, dass es in ihrem Leben nicht immer nur nach der Pfeife ihrer Eltern gehen kann. Um glücklich zu werden, muss sie auf ihr Herz hören und eigene Entscheidungen treffen. Entscheidungen, die sie glücklich machen, aber vielleicht auch mal ihren Eltern gegen den Strich gehen. Die Abnabelung Idas von ihren Eltern ist vor allem über die Jahre des Erwachsenwerdens bzw. Älterwerdens zu spüren. Darüber hinaus erkennt sie, dass ihr Vater auch nur ein Mensch ist, der Fehler macht und manchmal falsche Entscheidung trifft. Je älter Ida wird, desto selbstbewusster und selbstbestimmter tritt sie auf.
Die vollständige Abnabelung von ihrem Vater gelingt ihr jedoch erst zu Ende des Buches. Davor sieht der Leser immer wieder, dass Vater und Tochter zu sehr an die starke Präsenz des anderen in ihrem Leben gewöhnt sind und sich, aus Angst vor dem Alleinsein, nicht trauen sich dem Einfluss des anderen zu entziehen. Dabei wäre es für beide wichtig, sie würden nicht versuchen das Leben des anderen zu lenken bzw. in diese oder jene Richtung zu steuern nur weil sie es für richtig halten. Jeder muss sein eigenes Leben führen und eigenen Entscheidung treffen, um glücklich zu werden.
Marc Chagall war mir in dieser Geschichte leider sehr unsympathisch. Zwar hat er auch eine nette und liebevolle Seite, aber er kann auch extrem hochnäsig , exzentrisch und jähzornig sein, wenn etwas nicht so läuft wie er es gerne hätte. Und auch auf den letzten Seiten hat Marcs Verhalten nicht gerade dazu beigetragen, dass sich meine Meinung über ihn verändert hat. Im Gegenteil! Er bleibt für mich ein naiver und narzisstischer Trottel. Einzig und allein seine Vergangenheit (die Flucht aus Russland und Berlin), die ständige Angst wieder ein Zuhause zu verlieren und alles hinter sich lassen zu müssen, konnte mich berühren.
February 26, 2015
Originally posted on blog:
http://mamareniazen.wordpress.com
The Bridal Chair is telling us a story about life of an artist, Marc Chagall, through the eyes of his daughter, Ida.
Ida is describing her eccentric father, his artistic way of living and also her overprotective parents. As the story progresses, we can see that the author tries to show the reader through the eyes of young Ida the scenery of politics, art, culture of france and USA during the War. She perfected the description of Paris in 1920s, where young artists came from all over the world to learn and show their art.
The first part of the story was the most interesting for me, where Marc Chagall, full of himself and his importance in art world, refuses to flee France and seek refuge in New York City, far away from Hitler and his ways of curing the world. Only thanks to Ida's stubbornness and help from other artists the family, March, his wife Belle and Ida board a ship to New York City.
After their arrival, story is not as captivating. It's still interesting and shows how Ida is maturing and falling in love with Michael, but I missed her stubbornness there.
The main centre of the story is Ida's relationship with her father and his wedding gift, a painting of a Bridal Chair.
The story for me deserves strong 4 stars, for the well build descriptions and well developed characters.
http://mamareniazen.wordpress.com
The Bridal Chair is telling us a story about life of an artist, Marc Chagall, through the eyes of his daughter, Ida.
Ida is describing her eccentric father, his artistic way of living and also her overprotective parents. As the story progresses, we can see that the author tries to show the reader through the eyes of young Ida the scenery of politics, art, culture of france and USA during the War. She perfected the description of Paris in 1920s, where young artists came from all over the world to learn and show their art.
The first part of the story was the most interesting for me, where Marc Chagall, full of himself and his importance in art world, refuses to flee France and seek refuge in New York City, far away from Hitler and his ways of curing the world. Only thanks to Ida's stubbornness and help from other artists the family, March, his wife Belle and Ida board a ship to New York City.
After their arrival, story is not as captivating. It's still interesting and shows how Ida is maturing and falling in love with Michael, but I missed her stubbornness there.
The main centre of the story is Ida's relationship with her father and his wedding gift, a painting of a Bridal Chair.
The story for me deserves strong 4 stars, for the well build descriptions and well developed characters.
July 22, 2017
I thought this would be a history of the works of artist Marc Chagall. Instead it is a very long story of the family, and their lives in Russia, France and the United States during WWII. Frankly the author describes every one of the characters as a very disturbed individual. Ms. Goldreich goes on and on with trivia, and repeated use of words such as "tendrils" of hair, "elfin" appearance, more about hair, and clothing etc. She does not deliver a very well crafted story in my opinion. Everyone seems a bit whacky and there is none of the tension that such a work deserves. I have read several historical novels re: famed artists, and this is the least of them. If she had stuck to a flowing story, rather than inane details the book would have been half as long and a more satisfying read. Were it not for a book club selection, I would have given up and moved on to something more interesting. Anyone agree?
February 12, 2019
Suvalgiau kaip saldainį šitą biografinį romaną. Kiek jis ten yra tikras, ir kiek ten yra fantazijos, nenoriu gūglint. Man patinka įsivaizduot, kad būtent taip viskas ir buvo. Ir čia labai tinka neseniai rasta (ir man labai juokinga) Prusto citata – visa, kas didinga, mums pareina iš neurotikų.
March 6, 2019
3* su avansu.
Visą knygą įveikiau tik dėl istorijos apie garsų dalininką Marką Šagalą, tačiau siužetas labai ištęstas, išdėstytas praktiškai vienoje linijoje, nuobodžiai ir primityvokai.
Visą knygą įveikiau tik dėl istorijos apie garsų dalininką Marką Šagalą, tačiau siužetas labai ištęstas, išdėstytas praktiškai vienoje linijoje, nuobodžiai ir primityvokai.
Read
April 29, 2018I finished the book this Sunday afternoon, with a full two days to spare before our book club discussion on Tuesday night. (This is notable because I frequently finish a book just minutes before we start to discuss it.)
There are several threads here, and I'm still sorting them out in my mind. First, of course, is the fictionalized account of the life of the Chagall family, who fled pogroms in Russia, eventually settling in France and then escaping to America from occupied Paris. The main character is Ida, the daughter of Marc Chagall, who has a perhaps-too-close relationship with him (although there is some emotional abuse, it's mostly just peculiar family dynamics) for most of her life and is the agent and acolyte of the famous artist.
One of the themes I'm sure we'll discuss is the immense selfishness and sense of entitlement of the male artist (perhaps some female artists have shown similar arrogance, but none spring to mind). Chagall often refers to himself in the third person and self-consciously plays the part of the artiste, generally to considerable effect. You can almost feel the air being sucked out of any room the Great Artist deigns to enter.
Ida, an only child, is devoted to Chagall and to her mother Bella, who are happily married for many years before Bella's death in New York in 1944. Since Chagall is clearly unable, and certainly unwilling, to take care of himself in any way, Ida finds her father a new housekeeper and worshipper, Virginia, and when that relationship falls apart, finds Vava, a Russian woman who becomes his despotic second wife. The relationships between both of these women and Ida, initially cordial, become poisonous and most peculiar.
We see Ida try to untangle and reclaim her own life, eventually enjoying a very happy second marriage and children. (When she announces her first pregnancy, her father arranges his curls in the mirror and wonders whether he's not too young to be a grandfather [spoiler: he's not]). She curates many shows of her father's work around the world, and glories in the attention she invariably attracts as "Marc Chagall's daughter - isn't she beautiful?" We are reminded repeatedly of her copper-coloured curls, full figure and exquisite wardrobe. All the same, she did remain quite a sympathetic character for me, especially at the end.
My editor's and keen reader's eye couldn't fail to be annoyed by a few bloopers. Picasso introduces Ida to his latest mistress as "Ma amie" (a very basic error in French), and Ida supposedly stays in "pensiones," which is the Italian form of the French pension. The author is also fond of using "impact" in the modern sense, which breaks the flow of the period narrative. (I am fully aware that impact has been used as a verb for centuries, but this usage grated.)
In any case, the book is worth reading, not only for the art and the history, but for the family dynamics, which blended families have suffered through the centuries. The self-absorbed male artist who rides roughshod over his family for the sake of his art is a theme that seems unlikely to become outdated any time soon.
There are several threads here, and I'm still sorting them out in my mind. First, of course, is the fictionalized account of the life of the Chagall family, who fled pogroms in Russia, eventually settling in France and then escaping to America from occupied Paris. The main character is Ida, the daughter of Marc Chagall, who has a perhaps-too-close relationship with him (although there is some emotional abuse, it's mostly just peculiar family dynamics) for most of her life and is the agent and acolyte of the famous artist.
One of the themes I'm sure we'll discuss is the immense selfishness and sense of entitlement of the male artist (perhaps some female artists have shown similar arrogance, but none spring to mind). Chagall often refers to himself in the third person and self-consciously plays the part of the artiste, generally to considerable effect. You can almost feel the air being sucked out of any room the Great Artist deigns to enter.
Ida, an only child, is devoted to Chagall and to her mother Bella, who are happily married for many years before Bella's death in New York in 1944. Since Chagall is clearly unable, and certainly unwilling, to take care of himself in any way, Ida finds her father a new housekeeper and worshipper, Virginia, and when that relationship falls apart, finds Vava, a Russian woman who becomes his despotic second wife. The relationships between both of these women and Ida, initially cordial, become poisonous and most peculiar.
We see Ida try to untangle and reclaim her own life, eventually enjoying a very happy second marriage and children. (When she announces her first pregnancy, her father arranges his curls in the mirror and wonders whether he's not too young to be a grandfather [spoiler: he's not]). She curates many shows of her father's work around the world, and glories in the attention she invariably attracts as "Marc Chagall's daughter - isn't she beautiful?" We are reminded repeatedly of her copper-coloured curls, full figure and exquisite wardrobe. All the same, she did remain quite a sympathetic character for me, especially at the end.
My editor's and keen reader's eye couldn't fail to be annoyed by a few bloopers. Picasso introduces Ida to his latest mistress as "Ma amie" (a very basic error in French), and Ida supposedly stays in "pensiones," which is the Italian form of the French pension. The author is also fond of using "impact" in the modern sense, which breaks the flow of the period narrative. (I am fully aware that impact has been used as a verb for centuries, but this usage grated.)
In any case, the book is worth reading, not only for the art and the history, but for the family dynamics, which blended families have suffered through the centuries. The self-absorbed male artist who rides roughshod over his family for the sake of his art is a theme that seems unlikely to become outdated any time soon.
July 30, 2024
Greitai skaitėsi ir labai nervavo - toks blitc apibendrinimas. Apie Šagalų šeimą sužinojau daug, oi kaip genialusis Markas erzino (nors realybėje tikrai tokį kūrėją įsivaizduoju), kaip norėjosi visus juos gerai papurtyti. Papurtė pabaigoje. Vava Brodskaja. Pragmatiškai ir žydiškai (?).
Kaip romanas - ne stiprus, bet užvertus daug skaitinėjau apie Ida Chagal, interviu su jos dukromis ir kt. - be šio romano konteksto nebūčiau to padariusi. Ir tai geriausia šios knygos dalis :)
Kaip romanas - ne stiprus, bet užvertus daug skaitinėjau apie Ida Chagal, interviu su jos dukromis ir kt. - be šio romano konteksto nebūčiau to padariusi. Ir tai geriausia šios knygos dalis :)
September 22, 2018
Deja, bet turiu malonumą pažinoti savanaudžių žmonių. Tokių, kurie tave atsimena, kai kažko prisireikia. Tokių, kurie mano, kad tik jie yra nuostabūs, kuomet kiti – nieko verti. Arba tokių, kurie, būdami visiški narcizai, pamiršta aplink save esančius... ir manau neklysiu sakydama, kad visi pažįstame bent vieną tokį žmogų.
Romanas pasakoja apie garsų rusų dailininką Marką Šagalą ir jo dukterį Idą. Visas romanas – jų santykių peripetijos, šeimos ir turto valdymo pasiskirstymas ir bėgimas. Bėgimas nuo karo, nuo vokiečių, nes visa Šagalų šeima – žydai.
Skaitant kito begalės minčių, tačiau ir labai džiaugiuosi visais dalykais, kuriuos sužinojau apie patį dailininką. Tikrai maniau, kad Chagall pavardė, skambanti taip prancūziškai, parodo iš kur jis kilęs. Klydau. Ir tikrai nemaniau, kad jis buvo toks baisus žmogus. O iš pradžių skaitydama labai gailėjau Idos, ir tik vėliau supratau, kad vis tik, netoli obuolys nuo obels rieda...
Buvo įdomu skaityti apie jo kūrybos procesą. Iš to, kaip autorė aprašė jo darbus, juos įsivaizdavau absoliučiai kitokius, realistiškesnius, tikroviškesnius. O realybėje jo tapyba man simpatijų nekelia. Nei jo, nei jo didžiausio konkurento – Pikaso. Gal todėl mintyse niekaip neatgaminau darbų, matytų muziejuose.
Baisėjausi Šagalų skundais gyvenimu. Jų įsitikinimu, kad jie neliečiami, nes jis yra genijus, o genijų niekas nežudo. Pykau ant Marko, kai jis, teigdamas, kaip jam blogai, nes reikia pirkti dar vieną namą, apsimetė aklas viskam ir tarsi ignoravo savo tautiečių holokaustą. Tai knyga apie aikštingus, pasikėlusius, egoistiškus, narcisistiškus žmones, kurie nemato nieko daugiau nei save. Absoliučiai jokios empatijos kitam, žmonių išnaudojimas, išskaičiavimai. Ypač baisėjausi Ida. Siaubinga moteris. Kad Šagalas bjaurus, faktas, bet kad duktė bus tokia, tikrai pradžioje nenumaniau. Tironas išsiaugino sau tironę, kad valdytų Šagalų imperiją.
Romanas, tačiau toks tikrai biografinis. Tik jau ties pabaiga taaaaaip nuobodu ėmė darytis, tas pats per tą patį... buvo drąsiai galima vietoj tų 600psl palikti 400 ir niekas nebūtų pasikeitę... parodos būtų aprašytos, meilužių santykiai nupasakoti, šeimos išdraskytos, tos pačios klaidos padarytos... rekomenduoju tiems, ką domina ypatingos asmenybės. Ir nusiteikit, kad piktinsitės daug ir dažnai. Šiaip labai džiaugiuosi, kad skaičiau. Sužinojau įdomių dalykų.
Susitikime instagrame:
www.instagram.com/gretabrigita.lt
Visas apžvalgas rasite čia:
www.gretabrigita.lt
Leidyklos dovana.
Romanas pasakoja apie garsų rusų dailininką Marką Šagalą ir jo dukterį Idą. Visas romanas – jų santykių peripetijos, šeimos ir turto valdymo pasiskirstymas ir bėgimas. Bėgimas nuo karo, nuo vokiečių, nes visa Šagalų šeima – žydai.
Skaitant kito begalės minčių, tačiau ir labai džiaugiuosi visais dalykais, kuriuos sužinojau apie patį dailininką. Tikrai maniau, kad Chagall pavardė, skambanti taip prancūziškai, parodo iš kur jis kilęs. Klydau. Ir tikrai nemaniau, kad jis buvo toks baisus žmogus. O iš pradžių skaitydama labai gailėjau Idos, ir tik vėliau supratau, kad vis tik, netoli obuolys nuo obels rieda...
Buvo įdomu skaityti apie jo kūrybos procesą. Iš to, kaip autorė aprašė jo darbus, juos įsivaizdavau absoliučiai kitokius, realistiškesnius, tikroviškesnius. O realybėje jo tapyba man simpatijų nekelia. Nei jo, nei jo didžiausio konkurento – Pikaso. Gal todėl mintyse niekaip neatgaminau darbų, matytų muziejuose.
Baisėjausi Šagalų skundais gyvenimu. Jų įsitikinimu, kad jie neliečiami, nes jis yra genijus, o genijų niekas nežudo. Pykau ant Marko, kai jis, teigdamas, kaip jam blogai, nes reikia pirkti dar vieną namą, apsimetė aklas viskam ir tarsi ignoravo savo tautiečių holokaustą. Tai knyga apie aikštingus, pasikėlusius, egoistiškus, narcisistiškus žmones, kurie nemato nieko daugiau nei save. Absoliučiai jokios empatijos kitam, žmonių išnaudojimas, išskaičiavimai. Ypač baisėjausi Ida. Siaubinga moteris. Kad Šagalas bjaurus, faktas, bet kad duktė bus tokia, tikrai pradžioje nenumaniau. Tironas išsiaugino sau tironę, kad valdytų Šagalų imperiją.
Romanas, tačiau toks tikrai biografinis. Tik jau ties pabaiga taaaaaip nuobodu ėmė darytis, tas pats per tą patį... buvo drąsiai galima vietoj tų 600psl palikti 400 ir niekas nebūtų pasikeitę... parodos būtų aprašytos, meilužių santykiai nupasakoti, šeimos išdraskytos, tos pačios klaidos padarytos... rekomenduoju tiems, ką domina ypatingos asmenybės. Ir nusiteikit, kad piktinsitės daug ir dažnai. Šiaip labai džiaugiuosi, kad skaičiau. Sužinojau įdomių dalykų.
Susitikime instagrame:
www.instagram.com/gretabrigita.lt
Visas apžvalgas rasite čia:
www.gretabrigita.lt
Leidyklos dovana.
February 26, 2015
We've got company- guest review by Ewelina Rutyna:
The Bridal Chair is telling us a story about life of an artist, Marc Chagall, through the eyes of his daughter, Ida.
Ida is describing her eccentric father, his artistic way of living and also her overprotective parents. As the story progresses, we can see that the author tries to show the reader through the eyes of young Ida the scenery of politics, art, culture of france and USA during the War. She perfected the description of Paris in 1920s, where young artists came from all over the world to learn and show their art.
The first part of the story was the most interesting for me, where Marc Chagall, full of himself and his importance in art world, refuses to flee France and seek refuge in New York City, far away from Hitler and his ways of curing the world. Only thanks to Ida's stubbornness and help from other artists the family, March, his wife Belle and Ida board a ship to New York City.
After their arrival, story is not as captivating. It's still interesting and shows how Ida is maturing and falling in love with Michael, but I missed her stubbornness there.
The main centre of the story is Ida's relationship with her father and his wedding gift, a painting of a Bridal Chair.
The story for me deserves strong 4 stars, for the well build descriptions and well developed characters.
The Bridal Chair is telling us a story about life of an artist, Marc Chagall, through the eyes of his daughter, Ida.
Ida is describing her eccentric father, his artistic way of living and also her overprotective parents. As the story progresses, we can see that the author tries to show the reader through the eyes of young Ida the scenery of politics, art, culture of france and USA during the War. She perfected the description of Paris in 1920s, where young artists came from all over the world to learn and show their art.
The first part of the story was the most interesting for me, where Marc Chagall, full of himself and his importance in art world, refuses to flee France and seek refuge in New York City, far away from Hitler and his ways of curing the world. Only thanks to Ida's stubbornness and help from other artists the family, March, his wife Belle and Ida board a ship to New York City.
After their arrival, story is not as captivating. It's still interesting and shows how Ida is maturing and falling in love with Michael, but I missed her stubbornness there.
The main centre of the story is Ida's relationship with her father and his wedding gift, a painting of a Bridal Chair.
The story for me deserves strong 4 stars, for the well build descriptions and well developed characters.
September 5, 2017
Ida Chagall devoted her life to her father, Marc, allowing him to paint and not worry about day to day life. The beginning of this book was quite harrowing, as war kept closer and closer to France, where the Chagall had escaped to when life in Russia became untenable. As I was reading, I kept stopping to check on what really happened to them, and to look at copies of the paintings and photographs. The painting on the cover is not "The Bridal chair" so I looked that up also. The book is seen through Ida's eyes, and the author must have done quite a bit of research. The writing style, in the vein of Picoult or Higgins, and is not a style I particularly like, but the story was quite engrossing. Also, I believe that his second wife is distantly related to me, a Brodsky of Kiev. Chagall himself comes off as a self centered man, concerned only with himself and his art, understandable, but not likeable.
May 31, 2016
I am sure that I have said it before about other books, but this could actually have been the worst book I ever read and I am impressed that I actually finished it. I was ready to throw it away after page 100, 20, 300, and 400 but I finally pushed through. I better get a medal from the book group for actually finishing it.
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