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The Sculptress
May 1917: The elegant streets of Boston are thousands of miles away from the carnage of the Western Front. Yet even here, amid the clatter of horse-drawn carriages and automobiles, it is impossible to ignore the war raging across Europe. Emma Lewis Swan’s husband, Tom, has gone to France, eager to do his duty as a surgeon. Emma, a sculptress, has stayed behind, pursuing her art despite being dismissed by male critics. On the bustling sidewalk she spies a returned soldier. His brutally scarred face inspires first pity, and then something more—a determination to use her skill to make masks for disfigured soldiers.
“Leaving Boston for France also means leaving behind Linton Bower, a fiery, gifted artist determined to win her. Emma’s union with Tom has been steady yet passionless, marred by guilt over a choice she made long ago. In Paris, she crafts intricate, lifelike masks to restore these wounded men to the world. But in the course of her new career she will encounter one man who compels her to confront the secret she’s never revealed, not even to Tom. Only by casting off the façade she has worn for so long can she pursue a path through heartbreak and turmoil toward her own unexpected future. . . .
“Leaving Boston for France also means leaving behind Linton Bower, a fiery, gifted artist determined to win her. Emma’s union with Tom has been steady yet passionless, marred by guilt over a choice she made long ago. In Paris, she crafts intricate, lifelike masks to restore these wounded men to the world. But in the course of her new career she will encounter one man who compels her to confront the secret she’s never revealed, not even to Tom. Only by casting off the façade she has worn for so long can she pursue a path through heartbreak and turmoil toward her own unexpected future. . . .
304 pages, ebook
First published February 23, 2021
77 people are currently reading
2160 people want to read
About the author
V.S. Alexander
11 books837 followersAlso see Michael Meeske
I'm happy to share my historical women's fiction with you thanks to Kensington Publishing. My novels feature strong women protagonists whose lives take them on incredible journeys in settings fraught with danger and intrigue. Along the way, they learn about life, love, and themselves.
My writings include: The Magdalen Girls (2017), The Taster (2018), The Irishman's Daughter (2019), The Traitor (2020), and The Sculptress (2021). Two more novels are scheduled for the coming years. I hope you enjoy reading my books as much as I enjoy writing them.
Thank you, and happy reading!
I'm happy to share my historical women's fiction with you thanks to Kensington Publishing. My novels feature strong women protagonists whose lives take them on incredible journeys in settings fraught with danger and intrigue. Along the way, they learn about life, love, and themselves.
My writings include: The Magdalen Girls (2017), The Taster (2018), The Irishman's Daughter (2019), The Traitor (2020), and The Sculptress (2021). Two more novels are scheduled for the coming years. I hope you enjoy reading my books as much as I enjoy writing them.
Thank you, and happy reading!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 119 reviews
February 5, 2021
The Sculptress by V.S. Alexander is a 2021 Kensington publication.
A First World War Saga-
I’ve been on a mission to locate new historical fiction that is NOT set during the second world war. This book, although still a wartime drama- at least transpires during a different world war.
The story is centered around the life of Emma Lewis, a sculptress, who was fortunate enough to study under a world- renowned artist.
But, when Emma falls in love, she is left with a broken heart. Vowing to never allow her emotions to rule her head or heart ever again, she marries Tom, a doctor devoid of passion. Eventually, the marriage began to fray, becoming strained.
Then when war breaks out, Tom feels it is his duty to help with the war effort, and leaves Emma alone in Boston.
From there, Emma focuses on her art, only to feel frustrated by the lack of credit given to female artists. She also finds herself tempted by a blind artist who awakens her repressed feelings. Fearing further scandal, she departs for France to reunite with Tom.
It is there she discovers a purpose for her work- molding masks for soldiers disfigured in the war. While her marriage remains in shambles, Emma’s past comes roaring back in a most unexpected way. As stunning revelations mount, along with the heaviness of loss and missed opportunities, Emma rises up to take command of her life independently.
This is a strangely absorbing story, tragic and fraught with intense dramatics, but is also unflinching in its depictions of war. The author deftly draws the reader into the center of the horrors of war, and the tumultuous betrayals and desires of the heart.
That said, I wasn’t quite sure how to feel about this book. Because it draws from true events, ( the real-life sculptress, Anna Coleman-Ladd), and because it comes perilously close to becoming a retelling or re-imagining of Madame Bovary, the originality is thin- provided one is somewhat familiar with Gustave Flaubert's classic, that is.
It’s not the most cheerful novel, but boldly explores subject matter rarely acknowledged back in the early 1900s. The characters are not especially likeable, but, perhaps one could claim Emma’s work during the war provided her with some redemptive qualities.
The conclusion turned out to be a bit ambiguous, leaving me with some conflicted feelings about how things were left.
While I can commend the research behind the novel, the homage to a renowned classic, and the way art brought about healing in the darkest of times, from a personal standpoint, the book didn't quite reach the its intended goal.
3 stars
A First World War Saga-
I’ve been on a mission to locate new historical fiction that is NOT set during the second world war. This book, although still a wartime drama- at least transpires during a different world war.
The story is centered around the life of Emma Lewis, a sculptress, who was fortunate enough to study under a world- renowned artist.
But, when Emma falls in love, she is left with a broken heart. Vowing to never allow her emotions to rule her head or heart ever again, she marries Tom, a doctor devoid of passion. Eventually, the marriage began to fray, becoming strained.
Then when war breaks out, Tom feels it is his duty to help with the war effort, and leaves Emma alone in Boston.
From there, Emma focuses on her art, only to feel frustrated by the lack of credit given to female artists. She also finds herself tempted by a blind artist who awakens her repressed feelings. Fearing further scandal, she departs for France to reunite with Tom.
It is there she discovers a purpose for her work- molding masks for soldiers disfigured in the war. While her marriage remains in shambles, Emma’s past comes roaring back in a most unexpected way. As stunning revelations mount, along with the heaviness of loss and missed opportunities, Emma rises up to take command of her life independently.
This is a strangely absorbing story, tragic and fraught with intense dramatics, but is also unflinching in its depictions of war. The author deftly draws the reader into the center of the horrors of war, and the tumultuous betrayals and desires of the heart.
That said, I wasn’t quite sure how to feel about this book. Because it draws from true events, ( the real-life sculptress, Anna Coleman-Ladd), and because it comes perilously close to becoming a retelling or re-imagining of Madame Bovary, the originality is thin- provided one is somewhat familiar with Gustave Flaubert's classic, that is.
It’s not the most cheerful novel, but boldly explores subject matter rarely acknowledged back in the early 1900s. The characters are not especially likeable, but, perhaps one could claim Emma’s work during the war provided her with some redemptive qualities.
The conclusion turned out to be a bit ambiguous, leaving me with some conflicted feelings about how things were left.
While I can commend the research behind the novel, the homage to a renowned classic, and the way art brought about healing in the darkest of times, from a personal standpoint, the book didn't quite reach the its intended goal.
3 stars
February 20, 2021
"The Sculptress" by V.S. Alexander is a WWI Historical Fiction novel.
Emma Lewis Swan studies sculpting under the tutelage of a famous sculptor and later as a student at the School of Fine Arts in Boston. But, her art is rebuked in the world of sculptor's. How can a female mind possibly grasp the concept of producing art worthy of notice in the art world? How indeed!
When her husband Dr. Thomas Swan tells Emma he plans to go to France to assist with injured soldiers during WWI, it is a shock to her. They agree to live separate lives. Emma remains in Boston to focus on her sculpting. Tom travels to France to focus on saving wounded soldiers.
During a walk, Emma sees an injured soldier with horrific facial scars begging with a tin cup. She stares at him, feels pity for him, yet she's drawn to him. How can he return to a meaningful life? How can he survive like this?
Emma's husband offers her an invitation to travel to France to assist a British doctor with creating sculpted masks for injured soldiers with disfiguring facial scars. Emma sees an opportunity to use her art to assist others, thinking of the soldier she saw while walking.
Once in France, Emma visits Tom at his assigned medical location. After living apart for so many months, their meeting is awkward, uncomfortable and eventually life changing.
When Emma's story begins she is bright, young and carefree. As it progresses it begins to feel dark, almost sepia-tinted and largely depressing. She is a woman who is haunted by a decision she made years ago. She continues to make poor choices, seemingly dissatisfied with her life. Will she ever find happiness?
I wanted to love this book! But, I didn't. So deliciously described in the synopsis, I couldn't wait to begin! But, this story is more about Emma's romantic life than her work as a sculptress.
I wish I could describe it as a 'slow burn' but it was just slow, long and I became disengaged. So many characters, too many different directions, so much going on around Emma. Everything, except her sculpting! The second half of the book improved but I can't love only half of a book, right?
I do recommend this book to those who love Romantic Historical Fiction. What I was looking for was more detail about how Emma's art form and the sculpted masks impacted the lives of wounded soldiers and Emma's life, as well.
Thanks you to Goodreads, V.S. Alexander, & Kensington publications for a complimentary e-copy of this book. This is my honest and voluntary review.
Emma Lewis Swan studies sculpting under the tutelage of a famous sculptor and later as a student at the School of Fine Arts in Boston. But, her art is rebuked in the world of sculptor's. How can a female mind possibly grasp the concept of producing art worthy of notice in the art world? How indeed!
When her husband Dr. Thomas Swan tells Emma he plans to go to France to assist with injured soldiers during WWI, it is a shock to her. They agree to live separate lives. Emma remains in Boston to focus on her sculpting. Tom travels to France to focus on saving wounded soldiers.
During a walk, Emma sees an injured soldier with horrific facial scars begging with a tin cup. She stares at him, feels pity for him, yet she's drawn to him. How can he return to a meaningful life? How can he survive like this?
Emma's husband offers her an invitation to travel to France to assist a British doctor with creating sculpted masks for injured soldiers with disfiguring facial scars. Emma sees an opportunity to use her art to assist others, thinking of the soldier she saw while walking.
Once in France, Emma visits Tom at his assigned medical location. After living apart for so many months, their meeting is awkward, uncomfortable and eventually life changing.
When Emma's story begins she is bright, young and carefree. As it progresses it begins to feel dark, almost sepia-tinted and largely depressing. She is a woman who is haunted by a decision she made years ago. She continues to make poor choices, seemingly dissatisfied with her life. Will she ever find happiness?
I wanted to love this book! But, I didn't. So deliciously described in the synopsis, I couldn't wait to begin! But, this story is more about Emma's romantic life than her work as a sculptress.
I wish I could describe it as a 'slow burn' but it was just slow, long and I became disengaged. So many characters, too many different directions, so much going on around Emma. Everything, except her sculpting! The second half of the book improved but I can't love only half of a book, right?
I do recommend this book to those who love Romantic Historical Fiction. What I was looking for was more detail about how Emma's art form and the sculpted masks impacted the lives of wounded soldiers and Emma's life, as well.
Thanks you to Goodreads, V.S. Alexander, & Kensington publications for a complimentary e-copy of this book. This is my honest and voluntary review.
December 10, 2020
3.5 stars
Massachusetts, 1905. Emma Lewis at fifteen meets Daniel Chester French, the world-renowned sculptor. He takes her under his patronage. She learns “to love the process of bringing an idea, a drawing, to full form.” – And this is what I was looking forward to, her evolving into a skilled artist. Later, she continues her education at the School of Fine Arts in Boston. And again, it’s just in words.
I was excited about her studying under such famous artist and her choosing sculpture, an art done by men only. But her studying is only expressed in words, there is no action. We don’t get to experience her developing into a sculptress.
The story begins with her meeting Kurt. A man she loves, but he doesn’t love her. In Boston, she meets Tom, a good man, but she doesn’t love him and still marries him and still dreams about Kurt. Then her husband, who is a doctor, volunteers for Red Cross in France. She stays in Boston and develops feelings for another man named Linton. – The way this story turns is not what I was expecting.
I understand that Linton is a wounded soldier with disfigured face and he becomes her inspiration for using her skill to sculpt masks for face disfigured soldiers. But I wished she went straight to France with her husband and got that inspiration there.
I appreciate this author exploring less discussed subjects, but this story did not resonate with me. And once I got disconnected with the main character I struggled to stay engaged in the story.
I thought that the character development would evolve around artistry, instead it’s more about social issues including premarital sex and abortion.
As much as I enjoyed The Taster and The Traitor by this author, this book went in a different direction. However, those are personal preferences and you may still enjoy this story. Thus, I don’t want to discourage anyone from reaching for this book.
Source: ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Massachusetts, 1905. Emma Lewis at fifteen meets Daniel Chester French, the world-renowned sculptor. He takes her under his patronage. She learns “to love the process of bringing an idea, a drawing, to full form.” – And this is what I was looking forward to, her evolving into a skilled artist. Later, she continues her education at the School of Fine Arts in Boston. And again, it’s just in words.
I was excited about her studying under such famous artist and her choosing sculpture, an art done by men only. But her studying is only expressed in words, there is no action. We don’t get to experience her developing into a sculptress.
The story begins with her meeting Kurt. A man she loves, but he doesn’t love her. In Boston, she meets Tom, a good man, but she doesn’t love him and still marries him and still dreams about Kurt. Then her husband, who is a doctor, volunteers for Red Cross in France. She stays in Boston and develops feelings for another man named Linton. – The way this story turns is not what I was expecting.
I understand that Linton is a wounded soldier with disfigured face and he becomes her inspiration for using her skill to sculpt masks for face disfigured soldiers. But I wished she went straight to France with her husband and got that inspiration there.
I appreciate this author exploring less discussed subjects, but this story did not resonate with me. And once I got disconnected with the main character I struggled to stay engaged in the story.
I thought that the character development would evolve around artistry, instead it’s more about social issues including premarital sex and abortion.
As much as I enjoyed The Taster and The Traitor by this author, this book went in a different direction. However, those are personal preferences and you may still enjoy this story. Thus, I don’t want to discourage anyone from reaching for this book.
Source: ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
May 30, 2022
My last book for May by The Sculptress by VS Alexander has received mixed reviews. Emma longs to be an artist. She goes to class to become a sculptress. An artist in a man’s world. She marries a doctor, Tom who goes into WW1 to assist the American Red cross with the wounded. Emma meets a man and starts a romance with a blind artist. This is a fast moving book about a woman who struggles with her past and a man who struggles with his present. I enjoyed this book of drama, action and romance.
June 23, 2021
Emma Lewis is given the opportunity to study sculpture with Daniel Chester French, a form of art that many men think isn’t suitable for women and the feminine mind can’t create works of merit and how sexists is that! Later on Emma meets Dr. Thomas Swan, he takes her mind off her broken heart, they marry and it’s not the passionate union she hoped for. Surgeons are needed in France during WW I and Tom quickly volunteers to help the Red Cross. Emma’s left behind in Boston, she’s busy with her sculpting and gets distracted by another male artist Linton Bower.
Tom keeps asking Emma to join him in France and she’s not keen until one day she notices a returned soldier begging on a footpath. He’s badly disfigured, people ignore him and turn away disgusted. Emma is horrified by his injuries and appalled at the way people treat him and maybe she’s needed in France after all. Emma decides to go Paris, use her skills as a sculptress and create facial masks for mutilated soldiers. Arriving in Paris Emma opens her studio and her patient’s wounds are horrific, taking casts with plaster and bandages she then creates a mask made out of copper and hand painted to match the patient’s skin tone.
Emma’s relationship with her husband Tom has always been strained, it only gets worse with both Emma and Tom continually making more poor choices. For me the story focuses too much on Emma’s romantic relationships, her controversial decisions and her disastrous marriage to Tom. I thought the story would be about WW I, Emma being a sculptress, helping the wounded, maybe working alongside her husband, changing damaged men’s lives and I was really disappointed with The Sculptress’s plot. I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review and sadly I can only give it three and a half stars. https://karrenreadsbooks.blogspot.com/
Tom keeps asking Emma to join him in France and she’s not keen until one day she notices a returned soldier begging on a footpath. He’s badly disfigured, people ignore him and turn away disgusted. Emma is horrified by his injuries and appalled at the way people treat him and maybe she’s needed in France after all. Emma decides to go Paris, use her skills as a sculptress and create facial masks for mutilated soldiers. Arriving in Paris Emma opens her studio and her patient’s wounds are horrific, taking casts with plaster and bandages she then creates a mask made out of copper and hand painted to match the patient’s skin tone.
Emma’s relationship with her husband Tom has always been strained, it only gets worse with both Emma and Tom continually making more poor choices. For me the story focuses too much on Emma’s romantic relationships, her controversial decisions and her disastrous marriage to Tom. I thought the story would be about WW I, Emma being a sculptress, helping the wounded, maybe working alongside her husband, changing damaged men’s lives and I was really disappointed with The Sculptress’s plot. I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review and sadly I can only give it three and a half stars. https://karrenreadsbooks.blogspot.com/
February 11, 2021
The Sculptress is supposed to be about a woman that is a sculptress that can't get the recognition allowing her to get patrons to support her. She ultimately finds that she can go to France and help the war effort by making masks for injured soldiers. However, this book is more about a woman struggling with her baser desires and wanting to have sex with every man she meets. Not that she actually does have sex with all of them, but she struggles not to. There is also a very graphic scene where she rapes a man, and that wouldn't be tolerated by most readers if it was a man raping her.
There was a doctor in France at the end of WWI that did the work of constructing masks for these valiant men, it's too bad that this book didn't dwell more on that endeavor. Thank you #NetGalley for allowing me the freedom to give my honest opinion on #TheSculptress.
There was a doctor in France at the end of WWI that did the work of constructing masks for these valiant men, it's too bad that this book didn't dwell more on that endeavor. Thank you #NetGalley for allowing me the freedom to give my honest opinion on #TheSculptress.
December 22, 2020
I'd like to thank Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC. This is my honest review.
Unfortunately, this is a book that I won't be finishing. I had a really hard time getting into it, particularly because the main character, who we are going through the whole journey with, made a really questionable decision early on in the book that made me quite uncomfortable.
I also read this book hoping to read more about her as a sculptor and her love of art, but this is barely mentioned. We hear about none of her studies, and her artistry seems more like a side note as opposed to something that truly drives her. Instead, she fusses more over her love life (or lack there of) and seems to be characterized more by her marriage and the abortion she had in her youth than anything else.
Emma is incredibly hollow and lifeless, which is unfortunate. I think the author tried hard to round her out and make her interesting, but that is only because other characters in the book tell her she is. They point out how unique she is, and as a reader, I was left without any actual evidence that she was.
DNF'd at 35%.
Unfortunately, this is a book that I won't be finishing. I had a really hard time getting into it, particularly because the main character, who we are going through the whole journey with, made a really questionable decision early on in the book that made me quite uncomfortable.
I also read this book hoping to read more about her as a sculptor and her love of art, but this is barely mentioned. We hear about none of her studies, and her artistry seems more like a side note as opposed to something that truly drives her. Instead, she fusses more over her love life (or lack there of) and seems to be characterized more by her marriage and the abortion she had in her youth than anything else.
Emma is incredibly hollow and lifeless, which is unfortunate. I think the author tried hard to round her out and make her interesting, but that is only because other characters in the book tell her she is. They point out how unique she is, and as a reader, I was left without any actual evidence that she was.
DNF'd at 35%.
April 16, 2021
Made it 13% of the way.
Couldn't listen through the scene where main character is in the stirrups waiting for an abortion. As my husband pointed out, if the novelist is going through details on what the woman experienced in the abortion chair, the character probably didn't go through with it. I tend to agree, but just couldn't make myself listen to that portion any longer without getting nauseated, and I don't generally like skipping over portions of the book.
Couldn't listen through the scene where main character is in the stirrups waiting for an abortion. As my husband pointed out, if the novelist is going through details on what the woman experienced in the abortion chair, the character probably didn't go through with it. I tend to agree, but just couldn't make myself listen to that portion any longer without getting nauseated, and I don't generally like skipping over portions of the book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 26, 2021
I absolutely loved The Taster so was excited to see this author’s latest book available and even more thrilled when I received an advanced audio copy. However, the publisher’s description led me to believe that this book would primarily be about the construction of masks for WW1 veterans to hide their grotesque facial deformities, which was not the case. This plot element was only a very small part of the story and wasn’t even mentioned until after the halfway point. This book is actually about Emma, the sculptress, and her relationships with men. Her lover, her husband and the love of her life are weaved in throughout the story as she learns to sculpt, and eventually moves to France to help in the war efforts.
I would describe this book as historical romance since there were few details and focus on WW1. The war is more of a background setting in which Emma navigates the trials and tribulations of love. If romance is your thing, then this may be a good fit.
I also found the pacing off. The beginning moved quickly and hinted at being a scandalous story yet then the plot stalled. For most of the middle, it was difficult to engage as nothing really happened. I kept waiting for Emma to get involved in mask construction and experience the war but it took forever to get there. The story really picked up at about 70% at which time there were numerous twists and surprises. I will admit I rolled my eyes a bit as some of the decisions and situations were hard to believe.
The writing and audio performance were both good. I just think the plot needed a healthy dose of editing and more depth so the romance aspect was carved out better, and/or it had focused more on the war history and its impact on soldiers and their lives.
Thank you to HighBridge Audio and Netgalley for an advanced audio copy in exchange for an honest review.
I would describe this book as historical romance since there were few details and focus on WW1. The war is more of a background setting in which Emma navigates the trials and tribulations of love. If romance is your thing, then this may be a good fit.
I also found the pacing off. The beginning moved quickly and hinted at being a scandalous story yet then the plot stalled. For most of the middle, it was difficult to engage as nothing really happened. I kept waiting for Emma to get involved in mask construction and experience the war but it took forever to get there. The story really picked up at about 70% at which time there were numerous twists and surprises. I will admit I rolled my eyes a bit as some of the decisions and situations were hard to believe.
The writing and audio performance were both good. I just think the plot needed a healthy dose of editing and more depth so the romance aspect was carved out better, and/or it had focused more on the war history and its impact on soldiers and their lives.
Thank you to HighBridge Audio and Netgalley for an advanced audio copy in exchange for an honest review.
February 23, 2021
Complex!
Oh my! I was almost speechless by the time I finished this. I was exhausted by the gamit of emotionally charged situations. I felt like I’d run a marathon. I’m still wondering about that. Is being played out like this the sign of a great read or a super complicated read, or both? Or is this the story of a person subjugated by and subjected to social rules made by male traditions taken to another level.
This story of a woman’s life journey begins with fifteen years old Emma Lewis, gifted with artistic talents, a young girl with dreams that soured. Of falling in love too young, leading to secrets and tragedies. Eventually Emma becomes a female sculptor striving for acceptance in the hidebound, male dominated world of the arts in the traditional Boston society of the early 1900’s. Beyond that, this is a story of relationships, of marriage, of betrayals and near betrayals, of unforgiveness and heartache, and a woman who has huge regrets and anger.
Eventually Emma marries a doctor, Thomas Evan Swan. Prior to the United States entering the war Tom leaves for the France working at the frontline trenches out of Paris during World War I. Emma eventually goes to Paris. Tom persuades her to use her skills of sculpting to make masks for armed forces personnel whose faces have been severely damaged.
I must admit my first glimpses of Emma were not flattering. Shaped by an overbearing mother, fearful of going against social mores, and a father who quietly encouraged her talent, in many ways Emma seesaws through life either looking for acceptance or standing strong. And when Emma decides to take back, to set right in her own mind that time of anguish in her early years, it’s forceful to the point of shockingly unexpected. Is she meting out punishment or being coldly expedient?
As things come full circle, the idea of self forgiveness, of rising beyond being mired in actions of the past, of exonerating those who’ve deceived her—all this is prominent. There were moments when I found this a hard read. Sometimes frustrating at other times appalling.
The author’s note and research gives gravitas to this most unusual and often harrowing story.
A Kensington Books ARC via NetGalley
Oh my! I was almost speechless by the time I finished this. I was exhausted by the gamit of emotionally charged situations. I felt like I’d run a marathon. I’m still wondering about that. Is being played out like this the sign of a great read or a super complicated read, or both? Or is this the story of a person subjugated by and subjected to social rules made by male traditions taken to another level.
This story of a woman’s life journey begins with fifteen years old Emma Lewis, gifted with artistic talents, a young girl with dreams that soured. Of falling in love too young, leading to secrets and tragedies. Eventually Emma becomes a female sculptor striving for acceptance in the hidebound, male dominated world of the arts in the traditional Boston society of the early 1900’s. Beyond that, this is a story of relationships, of marriage, of betrayals and near betrayals, of unforgiveness and heartache, and a woman who has huge regrets and anger.
Eventually Emma marries a doctor, Thomas Evan Swan. Prior to the United States entering the war Tom leaves for the France working at the frontline trenches out of Paris during World War I. Emma eventually goes to Paris. Tom persuades her to use her skills of sculpting to make masks for armed forces personnel whose faces have been severely damaged.
I must admit my first glimpses of Emma were not flattering. Shaped by an overbearing mother, fearful of going against social mores, and a father who quietly encouraged her talent, in many ways Emma seesaws through life either looking for acceptance or standing strong. And when Emma decides to take back, to set right in her own mind that time of anguish in her early years, it’s forceful to the point of shockingly unexpected. Is she meting out punishment or being coldly expedient?
As things come full circle, the idea of self forgiveness, of rising beyond being mired in actions of the past, of exonerating those who’ve deceived her—all this is prominent. There were moments when I found this a hard read. Sometimes frustrating at other times appalling.
The author’s note and research gives gravitas to this most unusual and often harrowing story.
A Kensington Books ARC via NetGalley
February 20, 2021
I have enjoyed all of this author's books and was excited when i saw that he had a new book. It wasn't one of my favorites but I still recommend that you read it to learn more about a strong woman artist in the early part of the 20th century.
My main problem with this book is that I never connected with Emma. She wanted to be an artist but she seemed to be more interested in being part of high society and falling in love than she did with her art. However, it was great to read about a strong female who was determined to practice art in a style that women at the time didn't do. Her early sculptures were dismissed by the critics not because of her work but due to her sex. She did redeem herself when she started working with disfigured soldiers from the war. If you enjoy books about WWI, you need to read The Sculptress!
Thanks to NetGalley for a copy of this book to read and review. All opinions are my own.
My main problem with this book is that I never connected with Emma. She wanted to be an artist but she seemed to be more interested in being part of high society and falling in love than she did with her art. However, it was great to read about a strong female who was determined to practice art in a style that women at the time didn't do. Her early sculptures were dismissed by the critics not because of her work but due to her sex. She did redeem herself when she started working with disfigured soldiers from the war. If you enjoy books about WWI, you need to read The Sculptress!
Thanks to NetGalley for a copy of this book to read and review. All opinions are my own.
June 8, 2021
I am generally not keen on WWl novels and prefer WWll as they depict women more favourably and with stronger characters. While I have read and enjoyed other books from V.S. Alexander, this is my least favourite.
I was unable to connect with any of the characters and was tempted to DNF this novel. However, I continued to read to discover the historical “Easter eggs” that he always puts in his books. This discovery is always interesting.
First, the main character is Emma, the “Sculptress”. She is based on Anna Coleman Ladd who’s actual life differs from that depicted by Emma’s. Anna was a very talented sculptor and trained for many years. Her work is now called anaplastology: which is the art, craft, and science of restoring absent or malformed anatomy through artificial means.
A century ago, wounded soldiers were getting the latest in plastic surgery. Surgeon Harold Gillies developed a new method of facial reconstructive surgery in 1917. Dr. Gilies is the father of modern plastic surgery. I highly recommend that you research and read about those surgeries conducted during that time, truly amazing!
All and all, it’s an OK book, there were some loose ends. One of the characters died of influenza, as did many soldiers. It brings it close to home as we currently battle COVID-19. The Spanish influenza infected 500 million people worldwide from February 1918 to April 1920.
I was unable to connect with any of the characters and was tempted to DNF this novel. However, I continued to read to discover the historical “Easter eggs” that he always puts in his books. This discovery is always interesting.
First, the main character is Emma, the “Sculptress”. She is based on Anna Coleman Ladd who’s actual life differs from that depicted by Emma’s. Anna was a very talented sculptor and trained for many years. Her work is now called anaplastology: which is the art, craft, and science of restoring absent or malformed anatomy through artificial means.
A century ago, wounded soldiers were getting the latest in plastic surgery. Surgeon Harold Gillies developed a new method of facial reconstructive surgery in 1917. Dr. Gilies is the father of modern plastic surgery. I highly recommend that you research and read about those surgeries conducted during that time, truly amazing!
All and all, it’s an OK book, there were some loose ends. One of the characters died of influenza, as did many soldiers. It brings it close to home as we currently battle COVID-19. The Spanish influenza infected 500 million people worldwide from February 1918 to April 1920.
April 20, 2021
*received for free from netgalley for honest review* Expected more. the story itself wasn't horrible but doesn't mean there isn't a lot to unpack. The book was long enough looking over something was easy, but the more repetitive things were pretty annoying ngl. We get it, author thinks abortion is a sin and that it should literally haunt women through life until they eventually.... rape the man they blame for it, again? Like she wanted to have sex with him, did, then tried to black mail him into having more sex with her. She then get pregnant from forcing him to continue having sex with her, and again blames him for her going to get an abortion. She blames him and getting an abortion for her inability to capture faces correctly. She marries a man out of convivence, catches feelings for another man when her husband leaves her to go to war. and eventually exbaby daddy gets messed up in the war(in just the way she can fix!!!) and comes finds her, pretending to not be him. Gaslights her with his replies and then stalks her. Follows her one night and confesses it was really him(and hey HE can has just the thing that can fix her husband not being able to give her kids!) he wants to knock her up again! to "Fix things", like thats how it works? so she decides later to go show up, rape him, and then again black mail him to keep doing it. Her dickless husband had gotten another woman pregnant before he lost his balls and never told wife bc surely her indiscretions were worse? i mean i could just go on but like still so much to unpack.
this book could have been way better but it ended up way too preachy and annoying about it. books like this make me happy i listen to them quickly and i didnt waste 12ish hours reading this and only like 4.
this book could have been way better but it ended up way too preachy and annoying about it. books like this make me happy i listen to them quickly and i didnt waste 12ish hours reading this and only like 4.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 7, 2021
War, Love and Heartache
The time is 1917 and WWI is raging on overseas. In Boston it is not felt so much. Emma's doctor husband goes to France to help with the injured soldier with the Red Cross.
Emma wants to work as a sculptress, making art from lumps of clay. She is very good at it except she cannot get the faces correct. I love the part where she goes to Paris and make masks from clay for soldiers that have lost part of their face in the War. That was very interesting and I would have liked to have read more about it.
I have to say I love V.S. Alexander's books, this one I was a bit disappointed in. I need to write an honest review. I would have liked to hear more about her sculpted masks and perhaps some of the stories of the men she helped. However, the storyline was of her different love's and it appeared to be the focus of the story rather than her sculpting which the title would lead you to believe. There were some sexual scenes and one at the end that just really didn't add to the story and personally I felt like it didn't belong.
I will continue to read V.S. Alexander's books and I did enjoy part of the story.
Thanks to V.S. Alexander, Kensington Books, and NetGalley for allowing me to read a copy for an honest review.
The time is 1917 and WWI is raging on overseas. In Boston it is not felt so much. Emma's doctor husband goes to France to help with the injured soldier with the Red Cross.
Emma wants to work as a sculptress, making art from lumps of clay. She is very good at it except she cannot get the faces correct. I love the part where she goes to Paris and make masks from clay for soldiers that have lost part of their face in the War. That was very interesting and I would have liked to have read more about it.
I have to say I love V.S. Alexander's books, this one I was a bit disappointed in. I need to write an honest review. I would have liked to hear more about her sculpted masks and perhaps some of the stories of the men she helped. However, the storyline was of her different love's and it appeared to be the focus of the story rather than her sculpting which the title would lead you to believe. There were some sexual scenes and one at the end that just really didn't add to the story and personally I felt like it didn't belong.
I will continue to read V.S. Alexander's books and I did enjoy part of the story.
Thanks to V.S. Alexander, Kensington Books, and NetGalley for allowing me to read a copy for an honest review.
January 7, 2022
This historical fiction novel was my first read of 2022. It held some very touching scenes as well as some heartbreaking ones. Was a tad slow for me though prompting 3 stars.
Emma is a struggling artist in Boston in the early 1900s. While many feel this is no place for woman in art she also struggles with the ability to capture faces.
Stuck in a loveless marriage with a doctor who goes to France in WWI Emma's life in Bostin gets harder. When he husband asks her to go to France she thinks perhaps they can rekindle. She also plans to sculpt faces for soldiers that have been destroyed in war to help with her biggest weakness.
While her reasons for going are selfish she makes a difference in the lives of many while hers on a personal level continues to crumble.
I really loved the making of masks for soldiers restoring lives. It was very unique and this is a good story.
Emma is a struggling artist in Boston in the early 1900s. While many feel this is no place for woman in art she also struggles with the ability to capture faces.
Stuck in a loveless marriage with a doctor who goes to France in WWI Emma's life in Bostin gets harder. When he husband asks her to go to France she thinks perhaps they can rekindle. She also plans to sculpt faces for soldiers that have been destroyed in war to help with her biggest weakness.
While her reasons for going are selfish she makes a difference in the lives of many while hers on a personal level continues to crumble.
I really loved the making of masks for soldiers restoring lives. It was very unique and this is a good story.
December 5, 2020
Alexander is one of my fav authors. She writes historical fiction in a way that is different from others as she addresses hard topics like abortion and homosexuality which clearly has always existed.
I really enjoyed this one and the strong female protagonist.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for letting me review this book
I really enjoyed this one and the strong female protagonist.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for letting me review this book
October 24, 2021
There is so much going on in this historical novel it's really hard to know where to start.
Young Emma Swan becomes a sculptress during WW1 in a male dominated field.
Taking us from the art galleries of Boston to the war raging across Europe in the 1910's we find ourselves immersed in history.
The author has written with an authenticity in all of his historical novels and continues the tradition with this one as well.
Emma is a chaarcter who is hard to get a handle on, she has relationships with men and she either doesn't care about them or they don't care about her. The one man she loved didn't give her the love and respect she needed so she has soured on men.
Despite how much she has going for her I don't think she is a truly happy person.
Emma settles into making masks for disfigured soldiers returning from war so they can have a somewhat normal life after the ravages of war.
There is so much betrayal taking place here, from a friend,from men,she herself doing it.
I enjoy reading about flawed characters but I want to see how they have spiritual and mental awareness and growth and it was not shown in this book.
There are also some hard to read about subjects here.
Overall I did enjoy the book.
Pub Date: 23 Feb 2021
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. Thank you.
All opinions expressed are my own.
Young Emma Swan becomes a sculptress during WW1 in a male dominated field.
Taking us from the art galleries of Boston to the war raging across Europe in the 1910's we find ourselves immersed in history.
The author has written with an authenticity in all of his historical novels and continues the tradition with this one as well.
Emma is a chaarcter who is hard to get a handle on, she has relationships with men and she either doesn't care about them or they don't care about her. The one man she loved didn't give her the love and respect she needed so she has soured on men.
Despite how much she has going for her I don't think she is a truly happy person.
Emma settles into making masks for disfigured soldiers returning from war so they can have a somewhat normal life after the ravages of war.
There is so much betrayal taking place here, from a friend,from men,she herself doing it.
I enjoy reading about flawed characters but I want to see how they have spiritual and mental awareness and growth and it was not shown in this book.
There are also some hard to read about subjects here.
Overall I did enjoy the book.
Pub Date: 23 Feb 2021
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. Thank you.
All opinions expressed are my own.
February 19, 2021
It's really unfortunate that this story was so bogged down with bizarre choices and the constant affirmation of Emma's "appeal" rather than exploring the universe more. Set in WWI in Boston and France, there is a lot that could be done. The parts about the soldiers whose masks are being sculpted by the protagonist were interesting but were less about the soldiers themselves than how Emma felt about all this. Were it written in the first person rather than the third, I would more understand it but honestly, it just felt like she was the (male) author's insert into this universe where everyone is endlessly attracted to this beguiling woman, even in the middle of the war.
I have a few bones to pick with some of the things that happened in the book. First, a civilian woman would never have been permitted to dress up in a dead man's uniform and go to the front to see her husband. Second, the out-of-the-blue reveal about the author of the letters was completely absurd and felt like the remnants of a re-write that was either never caught for continuity or was added at the last second as a solution for a problem the author didn't know how to otherwise deal with.
Ultimately, Emma was a shallow, selfish person who could have been better with a little growth, but she actually just got worse. And I maintain she's a rapist. No matter how much of a cad a dude is, and Kurt SUCKED, if you coerce someone into a sexual relationship through blackmail, you're not having consensual sex, you're committing rape. Not even going to comment on the heartlessness of Kurt's last scene; I was infuriated on his behalf and every last thing that Emma did and said to him was criminally cruel.
I will say that I loved the character of Linton, and Anne (when she was around) was delightful.
The narrator of the audiobook is Sarah Mollo-Christensen. She has a lovely speaking voice and as others have noted, is very good with the female characters but the men mostly sound the same. Occasionally there was a weird, gaspy quality that I didn't love (it's a pet peeve), but it wasn't a trial to listen to.
As far as historical fiction goes, this is fine. It gets points for talking about the actual work that actual artists (like Anna Coleman Ladd ) did to help men who had been brutally disfigured in battle find some semblance of normalcy, but loses points by using a total jerk to talk about it and focusing more on weird, clumsy sex scenes between a woman and the men who worshiped her for no reason I could discern.
I received a copy of this audiobook for free from NetGalley and HighBridge Audio in exchange for an honest, voluntary review.
I have a few bones to pick with some of the things that happened in the book. First, a civilian woman would never have been permitted to dress up in a dead man's uniform and go to the front to see her husband. Second, the out-of-the-blue reveal about the author of the letters was completely absurd and felt like the remnants of a re-write that was either never caught for continuity or was added at the last second as a solution for a problem the author didn't know how to otherwise deal with.
Ultimately, Emma was a shallow, selfish person who could have been better with a little growth, but she actually just got worse. And I maintain she's a rapist. No matter how much of a cad a dude is, and Kurt SUCKED, if you coerce someone into a sexual relationship through blackmail, you're not having consensual sex, you're committing rape. Not even going to comment on the heartlessness of Kurt's last scene; I was infuriated on his behalf and every last thing that Emma did and said to him was criminally cruel.
I will say that I loved the character of Linton, and Anne (when she was around) was delightful.
The narrator of the audiobook is Sarah Mollo-Christensen. She has a lovely speaking voice and as others have noted, is very good with the female characters but the men mostly sound the same. Occasionally there was a weird, gaspy quality that I didn't love (it's a pet peeve), but it wasn't a trial to listen to.
As far as historical fiction goes, this is fine. It gets points for talking about the actual work that actual artists (like Anna Coleman Ladd ) did to help men who had been brutally disfigured in battle find some semblance of normalcy, but loses points by using a total jerk to talk about it and focusing more on weird, clumsy sex scenes between a woman and the men who worshiped her for no reason I could discern.
I received a copy of this audiobook for free from NetGalley and HighBridge Audio in exchange for an honest, voluntary review.
March 5, 2021
I received an audio ARC of this book through NetGalley in exchange for my unbiased opinion.
Emma has always loved art, with her father's encouragement. When she is 16, a local sculptor takes her on as a student. Eventually, she goes to art school in Boston, where she meets her husband, Tom, as he is studying to become a doctor, eventually becoming a surgeon at a Boston hospital. Tom is also supportive of Emma's art career, encouraging her. In 1917, Tom enlists with the Red Cross to work as a surgeon in France for the war effort. With Tom gone, Emma meets and starts to fall in love with a fellow artist, Linton Bower. When society starts to gossip about Linton and Emma, Emma decides take up her husband's suggestion that she come to France to aid the war effort, too. A British man has been making masks for disfigured soldiers to wear, and Emma knows she can use her talent as a sculptress to do the same in France. Maybe, at the same time, she can save her marriage...
Based on the blurb that comes with the book, I expected this story to be about Emma's time in France. However, the book starts with her at age 15 and spends a lot of time dwelling on her loves, not nearly as much talking about her art. Emma spends a lot of time lamenting the problems in her life, blaming them on other people without taking any responsibility for her own actions that contributed to the problems. I guess there was a reason the men in the book all liked her, but those reasons sure weren't shown to the reader. This book has made me interested to read up on Anna Coleman-Ladd, the real life sculptress who made masks for disfigured soldiers during World War I. Sarah Mollo-Christensen did a nice job with the narration. Unfortunately, with a plodding story that focused more on Emma's love life than her art, I just couldn't get into this book.
Emma has always loved art, with her father's encouragement. When she is 16, a local sculptor takes her on as a student. Eventually, she goes to art school in Boston, where she meets her husband, Tom, as he is studying to become a doctor, eventually becoming a surgeon at a Boston hospital. Tom is also supportive of Emma's art career, encouraging her. In 1917, Tom enlists with the Red Cross to work as a surgeon in France for the war effort. With Tom gone, Emma meets and starts to fall in love with a fellow artist, Linton Bower. When society starts to gossip about Linton and Emma, Emma decides take up her husband's suggestion that she come to France to aid the war effort, too. A British man has been making masks for disfigured soldiers to wear, and Emma knows she can use her talent as a sculptress to do the same in France. Maybe, at the same time, she can save her marriage...
Based on the blurb that comes with the book, I expected this story to be about Emma's time in France. However, the book starts with her at age 15 and spends a lot of time dwelling on her loves, not nearly as much talking about her art. Emma spends a lot of time lamenting the problems in her life, blaming them on other people without taking any responsibility for her own actions that contributed to the problems. I guess there was a reason the men in the book all liked her, but those reasons sure weren't shown to the reader. This book has made me interested to read up on Anna Coleman-Ladd, the real life sculptress who made masks for disfigured soldiers during World War I. Sarah Mollo-Christensen did a nice job with the narration. Unfortunately, with a plodding story that focused more on Emma's love life than her art, I just couldn't get into this book.
November 9, 2020
V. S. Alexander’s historical fiction book, The Sculptress, to be published February 23, 2021, examines the suffering caused by World War I from a fresh perspective – that of a female artist.
Emma Lewis has already lost so much in her short life. Now her husband, Dr. Swan, has joined the Red Cross and volunteered to help on the Western Front. His leaving has caused her to sink into a deep depression that is only lifted the moment she spots a disfigured returned soldier on the sidewalk. Her initial pity for the man turns into determination as she realizes she can use her talent as a sculptress to sculpt masks for soldiers with facial disfigurement. Heading to Paris, she leaves Boston and Linton Bower behind, making this the best decision Emma has made for years. She realizes that neither can offer her the love she desires nor give her the satisfaction she craves. Throwing herself into her art, Emma crafts lifelike masks to restore wounded men. With an ocean between her and her past, Emma has no reason to believe her past will catch up with her. Yet, it is here that she meets someone who forces her to face her past in order to create a new future for herself. How ironic that she should cast aside the façade she’s worn for so long in order to fully heal herself when she’s expertly designing the opposite for others.
Like most of his previous novels, V. S. Alexander brings to light topics not usually discussed. Abortion, premarital sex and homosexuality are not topics one finds in many historical novels set during World War One. A common thread in his writing seems to be the incorporation of a strong female protagonist. Emma Lewis can certainly hold her own in a room full of men and can initiate change for herself taking the opportunity when it presents itself, rather than waiting for a man to take the lead. It’s this trait that is paramount to Emma’s happiness. After all, she didn’t wait for her mother nor her lover to whisk her from her difficult circumstances. You’ll be silently cheering for Emma as she forges a new future for herself, one built on the back of so much suffering. It’s more than a book about a woman sculptress. It’s a book about forgiveness, healing, and finding oneself through art.
Thank you to V. S. Alexander, Kensington Books and NetGalley for this advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
Emma Lewis has already lost so much in her short life. Now her husband, Dr. Swan, has joined the Red Cross and volunteered to help on the Western Front. His leaving has caused her to sink into a deep depression that is only lifted the moment she spots a disfigured returned soldier on the sidewalk. Her initial pity for the man turns into determination as she realizes she can use her talent as a sculptress to sculpt masks for soldiers with facial disfigurement. Heading to Paris, she leaves Boston and Linton Bower behind, making this the best decision Emma has made for years. She realizes that neither can offer her the love she desires nor give her the satisfaction she craves. Throwing herself into her art, Emma crafts lifelike masks to restore wounded men. With an ocean between her and her past, Emma has no reason to believe her past will catch up with her. Yet, it is here that she meets someone who forces her to face her past in order to create a new future for herself. How ironic that she should cast aside the façade she’s worn for so long in order to fully heal herself when she’s expertly designing the opposite for others.
Like most of his previous novels, V. S. Alexander brings to light topics not usually discussed. Abortion, premarital sex and homosexuality are not topics one finds in many historical novels set during World War One. A common thread in his writing seems to be the incorporation of a strong female protagonist. Emma Lewis can certainly hold her own in a room full of men and can initiate change for herself taking the opportunity when it presents itself, rather than waiting for a man to take the lead. It’s this trait that is paramount to Emma’s happiness. After all, she didn’t wait for her mother nor her lover to whisk her from her difficult circumstances. You’ll be silently cheering for Emma as she forges a new future for herself, one built on the back of so much suffering. It’s more than a book about a woman sculptress. It’s a book about forgiveness, healing, and finding oneself through art.
Thank you to V. S. Alexander, Kensington Books and NetGalley for this advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
February 10, 2021
Trigger warnings: war, abortion, disfigured soldiers, suicide
The beginning of the novel is set in America, both in Vermont and Massachusetts. The story revolves around Emma Lewis' young life as she begins to study sculpture with the most prominent artist in the country. Her mother is displeased with the vulgarity (nudity) displayed in art and thinks that her daughter will end up a poor degenerate if she pursues art seriously.
When tragedy strikes her family, Emma is forced to give up her dreams of art school. She eventually marries Tom, who she's not in love with but provides her with a comfortable living. Emma Lewis Swan continues to sculpt and draw and her pieces are displayed and sold in a gallery.
Through the gallery, Emma meets a blind painter who she decides to use as a model because of his attractiveness. Rumors swirl around the pair, including rumors that he is homosexual and that Emma is having an affair with the man.
Emma decides to travel to France to escape the rumors and do some good instead of creating art for herself. Her new line of work is to create masks for soldiers who have disfigured faces.
Emma's past decisions come back to haunt her while she is in France, and she must choose how she wants to live her life going forward.
There are some cringy sex scenes in the novel worthy of a mention in Men Write Women but other than that the writing is adequate. The story is a bit plot-light so it becomes a slog in certain chapters.
Sarah Mollo-Christensen has a calming voice that sounds like she'd be an excellent narrator for self-help or meditation. Unfortunately, this means it's easy for the reader's attention to drift away from the story.
Recommended only for avid readers of war fiction.
I received an electronic audio recording of this title from the publisher through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Read the review here: https://guenevol.wixsite.com/novelmav...
The beginning of the novel is set in America, both in Vermont and Massachusetts. The story revolves around Emma Lewis' young life as she begins to study sculpture with the most prominent artist in the country. Her mother is displeased with the vulgarity (nudity) displayed in art and thinks that her daughter will end up a poor degenerate if she pursues art seriously.
When tragedy strikes her family, Emma is forced to give up her dreams of art school. She eventually marries Tom, who she's not in love with but provides her with a comfortable living. Emma Lewis Swan continues to sculpt and draw and her pieces are displayed and sold in a gallery.
Through the gallery, Emma meets a blind painter who she decides to use as a model because of his attractiveness. Rumors swirl around the pair, including rumors that he is homosexual and that Emma is having an affair with the man.
Emma decides to travel to France to escape the rumors and do some good instead of creating art for herself. Her new line of work is to create masks for soldiers who have disfigured faces.
Emma's past decisions come back to haunt her while she is in France, and she must choose how she wants to live her life going forward.
There are some cringy sex scenes in the novel worthy of a mention in Men Write Women but other than that the writing is adequate. The story is a bit plot-light so it becomes a slog in certain chapters.
Sarah Mollo-Christensen has a calming voice that sounds like she'd be an excellent narrator for self-help or meditation. Unfortunately, this means it's easy for the reader's attention to drift away from the story.
Recommended only for avid readers of war fiction.
I received an electronic audio recording of this title from the publisher through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Read the review here: https://guenevol.wixsite.com/novelmav...
May 20, 2022
May 1917 The elegant streets of Boston are thousands of miles away from the carnage of the Western Front. Yet even here, amid the clatter of horse-drawn carriages and automobiles, it is impossible to ignore the war raging across Europe. Emma Lewis Swan's husband, Tom, has gone to France, eager to do his duty as a surgeon. Emma, a sculptor, has stayed behind, pursuing her art despite being dismissed by male critics. Through her work, she meets a blind artist named Linton Bower. Their friendship leads to scandal, and Emma flees to Paris, where she uses her talents to sculpt face masks for disfigured soldiers.
The Sculptress was an intriguing book based loosely on the life of artist Anna Coleman Ladd, who founded the Studio for Portrait Masks in Paris where she and her team created prosthetic masks for soldiers whose faces were disfigured in combat. To find out more about her life, follow this link to the Smithsonian. https://www.si.edu/spotlight/women-in....
I love discovering historical tidbits like these, and although V. S. Alexander’s premise was fascinating, and his topic well researched, I shook my head over the writing. I found it trite, melodramatic, and repetitive, and the ending was predictable. On top of that, the main character was a despicable person. I hope she wasn’t like that in real life. 3 stars.
Published Date: February 2021
Genre: Historical fiction, women’s fiction
Read-alikes: A Forgotten Place by Charles Todd, A Good Woman by Danielle Steel, Life Class by Pat Barker.
* Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a review copy of this audiobook. The opinions are my own.
The Sculptress was an intriguing book based loosely on the life of artist Anna Coleman Ladd, who founded the Studio for Portrait Masks in Paris where she and her team created prosthetic masks for soldiers whose faces were disfigured in combat. To find out more about her life, follow this link to the Smithsonian. https://www.si.edu/spotlight/women-in....
I love discovering historical tidbits like these, and although V. S. Alexander’s premise was fascinating, and his topic well researched, I shook my head over the writing. I found it trite, melodramatic, and repetitive, and the ending was predictable. On top of that, the main character was a despicable person. I hope she wasn’t like that in real life. 3 stars.
Published Date: February 2021
Genre: Historical fiction, women’s fiction
Read-alikes: A Forgotten Place by Charles Todd, A Good Woman by Danielle Steel, Life Class by Pat Barker.
* Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a review copy of this audiobook. The opinions are my own.
September 28, 2021
I got in the mail that e-book of The Sculptress for cheap I picked it up. I picked this book because I read The Taster by the same author at the beginning of the year. Well, the summary was also compelling. One of the prompts of the reading challenges that I am taking part in is to read a book set in Europe, Africa, or Asia.
I read Madame Bovary in high school, and I was not too fond of every minute of it. Only at the end, I connected that The Sculptress is a retailing of Madame Bovary by Gustave Flaubert Well, I despise The Sculptress, but there were times I felt dragging as when I read the original. Only at the end, I understand why Emma, our main character reads Madame Bovery a couple of times.
The idea of rebuilding masks for the disfigured soldiers who got their injuries during WWI is an exciting concept. It's too bad that this book didn't dwell more on that endeavor.
I read Madame Bovary in high school, and I was not too fond of every minute of it. Only at the end, I connected that The Sculptress is a retailing of Madame Bovary by Gustave Flaubert Well, I despise The Sculptress, but there were times I felt dragging as when I read the original. Only at the end, I understand why Emma, our main character reads Madame Bovery a couple of times.
The idea of rebuilding masks for the disfigured soldiers who got their injuries during WWI is an exciting concept. It's too bad that this book didn't dwell more on that endeavor.
November 12, 2021
2.5 stars. I always enjoy V.S. Alexander's writing style. I think that is what got me through most of this book. However, the main character drove me absolutely crazy from start to finish. She made so many bad decisions that I was beginning to wonder if she ever learned anything. I was hoping for more from the WWI side of things, especially the soldiers with disfigured faces needing sculpted masks. This only gave a fraction of what that could've been. There was a crazy amount of romantic drama that I could've done without. Overall, this was okay.
September 9, 2022
Comparisons have been made between this and Madame Bovary and I can see why. The problem is that I was not a fan of Madame Bovary; she was self-absorbed, selfish, and immature. Emma is exactly the same but actually a little worse because she also acts a little more entitled. I got to about 60% and realized I just didn’t care and gave up on this. While I did learn a bit about the doctors creating masks for disfigured soldiers during the war, this was completely overshadowed by her constant obsessing about sex. This could have been so much better.
I received a copy from #NetGalley for an honest review.
I received a copy from #NetGalley for an honest review.
September 13, 2021
After everything that happened in this book, the lack of a definite resolution at the end is extremely agitating. I’m highly considering removing a star based on this, but I’ll have to think about it.
Formal review to follow.
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I've taken a few days to ponder everything that happened in this book. It is a saga spanning many years in the life of the sculptress, so there is much to consider. Some of the events are rather unbelievable, especially for the time, such as when she goes to the front in disguise. The lack of definite resolution at the end still frustrates me. But, overall, I have continued to think about this book and miss reading it. I grew to care for Emma and what would become of her. For that reason, I have decided to keep the rating at four stars rather than reducing it to three. The narrator did a fantastic job. The book felt much longer than it was, perhaps due to the many years covered, but it kept up an appropriate pace.
I will include trigger warnings for explicit sexual content, abortion, death, and graphic descriptions of facial disfigurement.
I received a digital ARC of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to NetGalley and HighBridge Audio.
Formal review to follow.
--------------------
I've taken a few days to ponder everything that happened in this book. It is a saga spanning many years in the life of the sculptress, so there is much to consider. Some of the events are rather unbelievable, especially for the time, such as when she goes to the front in disguise. The lack of definite resolution at the end still frustrates me. But, overall, I have continued to think about this book and miss reading it. I grew to care for Emma and what would become of her. For that reason, I have decided to keep the rating at four stars rather than reducing it to three. The narrator did a fantastic job. The book felt much longer than it was, perhaps due to the many years covered, but it kept up an appropriate pace.
I will include trigger warnings for explicit sexual content, abortion, death, and graphic descriptions of facial disfigurement.
I received a digital ARC of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to NetGalley and HighBridge Audio.
May 3, 2021
DNF this one. Depressing, open door, abortion, adultery, did I mention depressing? I read 135 pages and couldn't go any further. Quite disappointing, as I absolutely adored Alexander's book "The Irishman's Daughter."
March 25, 2024
Dnf'd. Couldn't stand most of the characters. 2 ⭐
March 31, 2022
This could have been a great book on an interesting and little known topic based on a real person. Opportunity missed. I only finished it because I’m not a quitter.
November 19, 2020
The book starts in 1917 Boston with Emma, a young woman who becomes a sculptress and is faced with supremely difficult choices and experiences more heartache than joy in her young life. She marries Tom, a surgeon. When WWI starts Tom leaves for France to help in the war efforts where he faces unspeakable horrors of death, continually. Emma decides to remain in Boston to further her sculpting career and is haunted by her past which she holds secret. She eventually joins her husband in France and uses her talents to create face masks for soldiers who have had their faces shattered.
Both Emma and Tom harbour secrets and the consequences, including guilt. The war, of course, doesn't help. Tom is in a very depressed state. Emma sees the realities of war firsthand, too, and has to work hard to face her days. The author weaves the characters through several twists and around several unexpected turns. Each wonders and reflects and are suspicious of others and life in general as the war takes a toll in so many ways. Emma journals about her experiences. I like that perspective. The historical details really pull things together in a subtle way, beautifully done, brilliantly researched. This story is about making choices and reacting to and living with them. It is also about relationships and hardships as well as physical and mental turmoil.
A few scenes were too graphically descriptive for my preference which is my only criticism. The storylines and the vivid and raw emotions felt by the characters are well portrayed, very believable. The author's notes at the back are fascinating, including where his inspiration for this story originated.
My sincere thank you to Kensington Books and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this sobering and interesting book in exchange for an honest review. Much appreciated.
Both Emma and Tom harbour secrets and the consequences, including guilt. The war, of course, doesn't help. Tom is in a very depressed state. Emma sees the realities of war firsthand, too, and has to work hard to face her days. The author weaves the characters through several twists and around several unexpected turns. Each wonders and reflects and are suspicious of others and life in general as the war takes a toll in so many ways. Emma journals about her experiences. I like that perspective. The historical details really pull things together in a subtle way, beautifully done, brilliantly researched. This story is about making choices and reacting to and living with them. It is also about relationships and hardships as well as physical and mental turmoil.
A few scenes were too graphically descriptive for my preference which is my only criticism. The storylines and the vivid and raw emotions felt by the characters are well portrayed, very believable. The author's notes at the back are fascinating, including where his inspiration for this story originated.
My sincere thank you to Kensington Books and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this sobering and interesting book in exchange for an honest review. Much appreciated.
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