The Painter

by Rick Loveday

Martin and Rebecca Banks live in the quiet town of Edisto Island, South Carolina. Since childhood, Martin knew that his calling was painting. The only thing that came second to that was his love for Rebecca. After nearly twenty-five years of marriage, Martin is in the middle of painting a portrait of his wife when she is diagnosed with cancer. Quitting painting altogether to take care of her, he closes up the studio, leaving the painting unfinished. When Rebecca succumbs to the cancer soon thereafter, Martin is devastated and doesn't know what to do with his life. Several months later after an obviously emotional ordeal, Martin goes back to the painting, but as he is looking the next day, he seems to notice things changing. Could he have found a way to have Rebecca back in his life or is he going crazy from the grief of losing her?

248 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2008

About the author

Rick Loveday is the author of two novels, The Painter and Becoming My Father's Son.

Reviews

[KB · Rating 5 out of 5]

This review contains hints that may be construed as spoilers.

Martin and Rebecca are a happily married couple living by the ocean in South Carolina's Lowcountry. They hold to hope when Rebecca is diagnosed with cancer, but Martin is shattered when the love of his life succumbs to the disease. Dazed and angry, he returns to their beach house and shuts himself in to grieve. Months later, he remembers the promise he made to his wife to finish her portrait. After the painting of Rebecca is complete, creepy things (I couldn't read some chapters at night) begin to happen, causing him to wonder if grief and solation have driven him insane.

A little southern gothic, a little suspense in the spirit of Twilight Zone, The Painter is a beautifully written, haunting story that captivates from the start. The ending is unconventional, but as Martin wonders if he saw what he thinks he did, the reader will have to ask themselves if they read that correctly.

[Melissa Osborne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting read

I chose this book because it was set on Edisto Island, a place my family frequents, so i was disappointed that there wasn't much about the island itself in the book. But that said this was a beautiful story that i enjoyed very much, and would highly recommend. The story did not go in the direction i expected at all.

[Heather Simpson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good book with a relatable story. Reads somewhat like a diary.

[Melissa Osborne · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an interesting read with a surpise ending nnot what i expected. Most of the book takes place inside the mind of a grieving widower. It leaves the reader to decide what is going on for themselves. Good read if you like a book that makes you think.