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All the Colour in the World
The story of the restorative power of art in one man's life, set against the sweep of the twentieth century--from Toronto in the '20s and '30s, through the killing fields of World War II, to 1960s Sicily."Bold and resplendent. . . . Leave it to CS Richardson to find a way to paint with words." --Nita Prose, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The MaidHenry, born 1916, thin-as-sticks, nearsighted, is an obsessive doodler--copying illustrations from his Boy's Own magazines. Left in the care of a nurturing, Shakespeare-quoting grandmother, eight-year-old Henry receives as a gift his first set of colouring pencils (and a pocket knife for the sharpening). As he commits these colours to memory--cadmium yellow; burnt ochre; deep scarlet red--a passion for art, colour, and the stories of the great artists takes hold, and becomes Henry's unique way of seeing the world. It is a passion that will both haunt and sustain him on his journey through the from boyhood dreams on a summer beach to the hothouse of art academia and a love cut short by tragedy; from the psychological wounds of war to the redemption of unexpected love.Projected against a backdrop of iconic masterpieces--from the rich hues of the European masters to the technicolour magic of Hollywood-- All the Colour in the World is Henry's part miscellany, part memory palace, exquisitely precise with the emotional sweep of a great modern romance.
208 pages, Hardcover
Published January 17, 2023
43 people are currently reading
2004 people want to read
About the author
C.S. Richardson
9 books62 followersCS Richardson’s first novel, The End of the Alphabet, was an international bestseller published in thirteen countries and ten languages. Winner of the Commonwealth Writers Prize for Best Book (Canada & the Caribbean), it was named on four Best of the Year lists and was adapted for radio drama by BBC Radio 4.
Richardson is also an accomplished and award-winning book designer. He lives and works in Toronto and is currently the Vice President and Creative Director at Random House Canada.
Richardson is also an accomplished and award-winning book designer. He lives and works in Toronto and is currently the Vice President and Creative Director at Random House Canada.
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October 26, 2023
A Novel in Vignettes
Review of the Knopf Canada hardcover edition (January 17, 2023)
All the Colour in the World was longlisted and then was announced as one of the five books shortlisted for Canada's 2023 Scotiabank Giller Prize. The winner will be announced on November 13, 2023.
All the Colour in the World is a historical fiction life story told in vignettes of the life of Henry, an art copyist, historian and teacher who was born in Toronto, Canada in the 1920s. It is somewhat experimental in the sense that it is not a continuous narrative. The chronological life story is often interrupted by information about the history of painting and drawing materials esp. the names and sources of colours. There are also anecdotes about significant paintings in history.
The book is perhaps not completely emotionally engaging due to the interruptions in the narrative. The 195 vignettes are very brief, many of them being less than half a page in length. There is much trauma and loss in the life of Henry, particularly after his experiences in the 2nd World War during the invasion of Sicily by the Allied Forces. The book has a resolution to Henry's trauma when he returns to Sicily many years afterwards.
I enjoyed reading All the Colour of the World perhaps more for the history of art, painting and colour than for Henry's story. But that is just me. This book fits more into the experimental side of the Giller shortlist along with Sarah Bernstein's Study for Obedience.
Other Reviews
A Celebration of Life by Brett Josef Grubisic, Toronto Star, January 19, 2023.
Trivia and Links
One of the paintings discussed in All the Colour in the World is "Las Meninas" (The Ladies in Waiting) (1656) by Diego Velázquez (1599-1660).
Image sourced from Wikipedia.
I was especially pleased to read the anecdote about "Las Meninas" as I had previously encountered a humorous, but also thought provoking story about it:
Review of the Knopf Canada hardcover edition (January 17, 2023)
All the Colour in the World was longlisted and then was announced as one of the five books shortlisted for Canada's 2023 Scotiabank Giller Prize. The winner will be announced on November 13, 2023.
All the Colour in the World is a historical fiction life story told in vignettes of the life of Henry, an art copyist, historian and teacher who was born in Toronto, Canada in the 1920s. It is somewhat experimental in the sense that it is not a continuous narrative. The chronological life story is often interrupted by information about the history of painting and drawing materials esp. the names and sources of colours. There are also anecdotes about significant paintings in history.
The book is perhaps not completely emotionally engaging due to the interruptions in the narrative. The 195 vignettes are very brief, many of them being less than half a page in length. There is much trauma and loss in the life of Henry, particularly after his experiences in the 2nd World War during the invasion of Sicily by the Allied Forces. The book has a resolution to Henry's trauma when he returns to Sicily many years afterwards.
I enjoyed reading All the Colour of the World perhaps more for the history of art, painting and colour than for Henry's story. But that is just me. This book fits more into the experimental side of the Giller shortlist along with Sarah Bernstein's Study for Obedience.
Other Reviews
A Celebration of Life by Brett Josef Grubisic, Toronto Star, January 19, 2023.
Trivia and Links
One of the paintings discussed in All the Colour in the World is "Las Meninas" (The Ladies in Waiting) (1656) by Diego Velázquez (1599-1660).
It has become one of the most widely analyzed works in Western painting due to the way its complex and enigmatic composition and how Velazquez “sought to build a bridge between art and reality”, between subjects and viewers as well as a declaration of painting as a liberal art. - an excerpt from the article at Wikipedia (see link below).
Image sourced from Wikipedia.
I was especially pleased to read the anecdote about "Las Meninas" as I had previously encountered a humorous, but also thought provoking story about it:
"La primera vez que T. Gautier vio Las Meninas de Velázquez dijo: "¡¿Pero dónde está el cuadro!?". Es el mejor elogio que se le puede hacer a una obra de arte." - Enrique Vila-Matas.
"The first time T. Gautier saw Las Meninas by Velázquez, he said: "But where is the painting!?". That is the best compliment that can be paid to a work of art." - Enrique Vila-Matas.
October 28, 2023
Henry Parker was born in Toronto, in the 1920s. From the start, he was fascinated by drawing and colours, spending all his time drawing boats, ships and copying any picture he found. He loved his Crayola crayons and coloured pencils and knew every colour and their associated numbers by heart. Henry became quite an accomplished young artist! Sadly, both parents died young, so he went to live with his Gran from the age of five; his sister was just an infant. Gran was financially comfortable and adored the children. She kindly bankrolled Henry’s tuition because, after all, he was her “young prince”! When he failed his first year at University, he decided to transfer into the Fine Arts program. But after studying Henry’s portfolio of meticulously copied artwork, the admissions board suggested he might find Art History a more appealing (and appropriate) course of study. Turned out to suit him very well!
Reading All the Colour in the World is a little like reading two books. On the one hand, it's a nonfiction book about the history of art and colour. And on the other hand, it’s the life story of Henry Parker, with the two themes interspersed, alternating very short chapters of each. Some readers may find this frequent change of focus unsettling, but having a relatively short attention span, it seemed fine to me. I was enchanted with Henry from the start. He’s a very caring, thoughtful man, so I connected with him easily. His is a story, though, with many more valleys🔽 than hills🔼, and his poor luck took a toll on my emotions.
Overall, it’s quite a lovely, engaging story that follows Henry from childhood to adulthood, through the war, and afterwards. And the conclusion was just right, I thought. Actually, it put me in mind of some very wise words from Forrest Gump: “Momma always said you've got to put the past behind you before you can move on.” And “that's all I have to say about that.”😉
4 “War-is-Hell” stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Reading All the Colour in the World is a little like reading two books. On the one hand, it's a nonfiction book about the history of art and colour. And on the other hand, it’s the life story of Henry Parker, with the two themes interspersed, alternating very short chapters of each. Some readers may find this frequent change of focus unsettling, but having a relatively short attention span, it seemed fine to me. I was enchanted with Henry from the start. He’s a very caring, thoughtful man, so I connected with him easily. His is a story, though, with many more valleys🔽 than hills🔼, and his poor luck took a toll on my emotions.
Overall, it’s quite a lovely, engaging story that follows Henry from childhood to adulthood, through the war, and afterwards. And the conclusion was just right, I thought. Actually, it put me in mind of some very wise words from Forrest Gump: “Momma always said you've got to put the past behind you before you can move on.” And “that's all I have to say about that.”😉
4 “War-is-Hell” stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐
December 16, 2023
This small book may please the artistic readers.
From the blurb: “The story of the restorative power of art in one man’s life, set against the sweep of the twentieth century—from Toronto in the ’20s and ’30s, through the killing fields of World War II, to 1960s Sicily.”
I did appreciate the concept and the writing, as well as the structure of the book. But the development was not very engaging and shallow at the same time.
The chapters are very short, more like vignettes, so it’s hard to feel any attachment to the character.
There are some very interesting information about art, and sometimes I had to Google, just to refresh my memory and visualize the art work with that perspective.
But during the reading process I didn’t feel entertained.
Hardcover (Knopf Canada): 208 pages, 195 chapters, 24k words.
From the blurb: “The story of the restorative power of art in one man’s life, set against the sweep of the twentieth century—from Toronto in the ’20s and ’30s, through the killing fields of World War II, to 1960s Sicily.”
I did appreciate the concept and the writing, as well as the structure of the book. But the development was not very engaging and shallow at the same time.
The chapters are very short, more like vignettes, so it’s hard to feel any attachment to the character.
There are some very interesting information about art, and sometimes I had to Google, just to refresh my memory and visualize the art work with that perspective.
But during the reading process I didn’t feel entertained.
Hardcover (Knopf Canada): 208 pages, 195 chapters, 24k words.
February 1, 2023
This is definitely not your traditional novel and it will not be for everyone. The writing style is – well – different.
This is Henry’s life as he remembers it – his memories meander through time interspersed with world events and, being an art historian, he associates his life with paintings and colours.
“The visions, the terrors: colourless. Beginning as dull sepia, only to drain to blacks and whites. There is no lively pastels to divert your attention; no comforting hues. All is blinding glare and unnerving shadow.” (Pg.149)
Henry’s life is filled with tragedy. Loss of parents, brought up by his Shakespeare-quoting grandmother, the accidental death of his wife, and one particular event during the war that almost completely shatters him.
It is not until Henry revisits the place where he lost himself during the war that he finds solace and perhaps gives the reader hope that he is going to be ok.
Words on the pages are sparse, the book is 195 pages. The last few pages are crushingly poignant. But as I said this book will not be to everyone’s taste.
This is Henry’s life as he remembers it – his memories meander through time interspersed with world events and, being an art historian, he associates his life with paintings and colours.
“The visions, the terrors: colourless. Beginning as dull sepia, only to drain to blacks and whites. There is no lively pastels to divert your attention; no comforting hues. All is blinding glare and unnerving shadow.” (Pg.149)
Henry’s life is filled with tragedy. Loss of parents, brought up by his Shakespeare-quoting grandmother, the accidental death of his wife, and one particular event during the war that almost completely shatters him.
It is not until Henry revisits the place where he lost himself during the war that he finds solace and perhaps gives the reader hope that he is going to be ok.
Words on the pages are sparse, the book is 195 pages. The last few pages are crushingly poignant. But as I said this book will not be to everyone’s taste.
May 9, 2024
2.5. I often struggle with novels written in a fragmentary style, and this was unfortunately no exception. I liked the initial concept. The end papers are lovely, looking like those of a sketchbook, with a spot to fill out who to return it to if found. The first short chapter references zaibitsu, described as a Japanese writing style characterized by both linked essays and disparate ideas (referring to Sei Shonagon’s Pillow Book), and Renaissance Italy’s equivalent, a personal almanac called a zibaldone.
What follows, then, is intended to draw on this inspiration, interspersing observations about colour and art with the story, told in second-person, of protagonist Henry. He is born in early twentieth century Toronto, and we follow him from boyhood to midlife, as he builds a career as an art historian and skilled copyist, and grapples with his life’s tragedies. This should all have worked for me - I like the underlying concept very much, and enjoy fiction about art, and reading about Toronto (and Italy, where some critical events of Henry’s life take place). But I was confounded by the fragmentary style, which made it challenging to engage fully with the story, and I had a sneaking sense that I couldn’t really understand why this particular story was worth telling. Clearly it has worked well for many other readers, but not for me.
What follows, then, is intended to draw on this inspiration, interspersing observations about colour and art with the story, told in second-person, of protagonist Henry. He is born in early twentieth century Toronto, and we follow him from boyhood to midlife, as he builds a career as an art historian and skilled copyist, and grapples with his life’s tragedies. This should all have worked for me - I like the underlying concept very much, and enjoy fiction about art, and reading about Toronto (and Italy, where some critical events of Henry’s life take place). But I was confounded by the fragmentary style, which made it challenging to engage fully with the story, and I had a sneaking sense that I couldn’t really understand why this particular story was worth telling. Clearly it has worked well for many other readers, but not for me.
December 29, 2022
I have just finished reading All The Colour In The World, by Author CS Richardson.
I did enjoy the art aspect of this book, as well as the history, and the descriptions of Toronto in the 20’s and 30’s, however to me it had the feel of a textbook.
I also had difficulty with the writing style and the flow of it.
Thank You To NetGalley, The Author and Knopf Canada for my advanced copy to read and review.
#netgalley
I did enjoy the art aspect of this book, as well as the history, and the descriptions of Toronto in the 20’s and 30’s, however to me it had the feel of a textbook.
I also had difficulty with the writing style and the flow of it.
Thank You To NetGalley, The Author and Knopf Canada for my advanced copy to read and review.
#netgalley
October 20, 2023
This is my winner for the Giller Prize. I don't feel like I need to read any of the others on the Shortlist. I doubt they will provide the same reading experience I had with Richardson's beautiful story of Henry. Once I got used to the flow of the writing (there is never a page with text longer than half the page, most are only a quarter page long), got used to the fragmented thoughts of Henry, I fell in love. Henry's story is mostly sad, but it so beautifully told. Interspersed with Henry's life, which is told through colour and in sparse, fragmented thoughts and memories, are descriptions of works of art or artists that mirror Henry's experiences and feelings. I loved it.
I bang on a lot about this prize being one that is supposed to award the best in Canadian literary fiction and it never seems to choose books, in my opinion, that achieve that and therefore leaves me disappointed. All the Colour in the World is a literary achievement in my opinion and I hope its awarded as such.
I bang on a lot about this prize being one that is supposed to award the best in Canadian literary fiction and it never seems to choose books, in my opinion, that achieve that and therefore leaves me disappointed. All the Colour in the World is a literary achievement in my opinion and I hope its awarded as such.
January 16, 2023
This non-traditional novel frustrated me at first, but I ended up loving it.
The novel, set in Toronto, begins with the birth of its protagonist Henry in 1916. Henry is raised by his grandmother who for his eighth birthday gifts him a box of colouring pencils, thus beginning his passion for colour and art which eventually translates into a career as an art historian. His love of art and the stories of the great artists also help him navigate through his life which includes struggle and tragedy.
The structure is not what one finds in most novels. Henry’s story is interspersed with factual information, most often about colour, artists, and artistic movements. It is best not to actually think of this book as a novel; it begins with a brief discussion of Sei Shōnagon’s Pillow Book, “a collection of anecdotes, musings about life . . . favourite quotations, poetry, lists, daily affirmations – to be for her eyes only” and a zibaldone, “an informal miscellany containing everything from landscape sketches to currency exchange rates, medicinal recipes to family trees.” This opening explains what this book is, a personal journal of sorts which Henry keeps within an art history textbook.
The book ends with a mention of the journals of Marcus Aurelius and their “notes and philosophical mementos intended solely for personal guidance and self-improvement . . . at times written in the second person, and vary in length from one sentence to several paragraphs.” Leonardo da Vinci’s description of his notebooks is quoted: “’without order, drawn from many papers, which I have copied here hoping to arrange them later, each in its place, according to the subjects of which they treat.’” These references again remind the reader of the author’s intention. Interestingly, the second person point of view is used in that Henry is addressed as “you.”
The non-fiction elements, which read like anecdotes that Henry in his role as professor or art history might mention in a class, are not entirely random: logical connections can be found. For instance, his despair after the death of a loved one is interspersed with references to Manet��s painting entitled Le Suicidé; suffering the psychological effects of warfare, Henry thinks about van Gogh’s mental health issues; and a woman introducing herself as Pazienza has Henry thinking of Behan’s engraving entitled Patientia. The Yann Martel quotation at the beginning (“Art is seed, art is memory, art is vaccine”) is an excellent summary of the theme of this book.
Readers will find themselves empathizing with Henry. He is a sensitive soul who struggles to find his way in life and who experiences more than one trauma. His comment about 1941 is truthful foreshadowing: “It is the last time you remember not having a worry in the world.” I kept hoping that he would find peace and happiness.
This book will not be for everyone. At first, I was frustrated with the constant digressions but I was won over. My interest in art and art history obviously influenced my reaction. I was familiar with some of the paintings referenced but not with others, and I can see myself re-reading the book and looking at photos of the paintings. I was reminded of my enjoyment of A History of the World in 10 ½ Chapters by Julian Barnes which includes a detailed analysis of Géricault's painting, The Raft of the Medusa.
This is not a lengthy read and a reader willing to be open-minded may be surprised by how the book will resonate.
Note: I received a digital galley of the book from the publisher via NetGalley.
Please check out my reader's blog (https://schatjesshelves.blogspot.com/) and follow me on Twitter (@DCYakabuski).
The novel, set in Toronto, begins with the birth of its protagonist Henry in 1916. Henry is raised by his grandmother who for his eighth birthday gifts him a box of colouring pencils, thus beginning his passion for colour and art which eventually translates into a career as an art historian. His love of art and the stories of the great artists also help him navigate through his life which includes struggle and tragedy.
The structure is not what one finds in most novels. Henry’s story is interspersed with factual information, most often about colour, artists, and artistic movements. It is best not to actually think of this book as a novel; it begins with a brief discussion of Sei Shōnagon’s Pillow Book, “a collection of anecdotes, musings about life . . . favourite quotations, poetry, lists, daily affirmations – to be for her eyes only” and a zibaldone, “an informal miscellany containing everything from landscape sketches to currency exchange rates, medicinal recipes to family trees.” This opening explains what this book is, a personal journal of sorts which Henry keeps within an art history textbook.
The book ends with a mention of the journals of Marcus Aurelius and their “notes and philosophical mementos intended solely for personal guidance and self-improvement . . . at times written in the second person, and vary in length from one sentence to several paragraphs.” Leonardo da Vinci’s description of his notebooks is quoted: “’without order, drawn from many papers, which I have copied here hoping to arrange them later, each in its place, according to the subjects of which they treat.’” These references again remind the reader of the author’s intention. Interestingly, the second person point of view is used in that Henry is addressed as “you.”
The non-fiction elements, which read like anecdotes that Henry in his role as professor or art history might mention in a class, are not entirely random: logical connections can be found. For instance, his despair after the death of a loved one is interspersed with references to Manet��s painting entitled Le Suicidé; suffering the psychological effects of warfare, Henry thinks about van Gogh’s mental health issues; and a woman introducing herself as Pazienza has Henry thinking of Behan’s engraving entitled Patientia. The Yann Martel quotation at the beginning (“Art is seed, art is memory, art is vaccine”) is an excellent summary of the theme of this book.
Readers will find themselves empathizing with Henry. He is a sensitive soul who struggles to find his way in life and who experiences more than one trauma. His comment about 1941 is truthful foreshadowing: “It is the last time you remember not having a worry in the world.” I kept hoping that he would find peace and happiness.
This book will not be for everyone. At first, I was frustrated with the constant digressions but I was won over. My interest in art and art history obviously influenced my reaction. I was familiar with some of the paintings referenced but not with others, and I can see myself re-reading the book and looking at photos of the paintings. I was reminded of my enjoyment of A History of the World in 10 ½ Chapters by Julian Barnes which includes a detailed analysis of Géricault's painting, The Raft of the Medusa.
This is not a lengthy read and a reader willing to be open-minded may be surprised by how the book will resonate.
Note: I received a digital galley of the book from the publisher via NetGalley.
Please check out my reader's blog (https://schatjesshelves.blogspot.com/) and follow me on Twitter (@DCYakabuski).
October 15, 2023
I loved this book... it was written in the style of zuihitsu (a Japanese writing style) or zihaldone (a Renaissance Italy personal almanac) and alternated between the fictional story of Henry and bits of facts and non-fiction often focused on art history.
It was an easy read (one evening) and there were bits of art history that connected with what my daughter is studying in university art history.
Henry's story was compelling as he struggled through his childhood with a strong Gran to guide him, found love, fought in the war and then came home to fight his demons.
I didn't know what to expect and really only picked up this book because it is on the giller prize shortlist but perhaps this is a book that will catapult me out of reading slump!
It was an easy read (one evening) and there were bits of art history that connected with what my daughter is studying in university art history.
Henry's story was compelling as he struggled through his childhood with a strong Gran to guide him, found love, fought in the war and then came home to fight his demons.
I didn't know what to expect and really only picked up this book because it is on the giller prize shortlist but perhaps this is a book that will catapult me out of reading slump!
March 13, 2023
Poetic. Compassionate. Art.
5+ STARS!! I would give it more stars if I could. I enjoyed this inventive second-person narrative that was structured like a guided tour of art and colour but with a throughline of story. C.S. Richardson has distilled life and art to their very essence and cleaved every unnecessary word. The result is a beautiful and deeply touching book.
I made a Goodreads pledge to read 194 books this year LOL and this was the first I read on January 1, 2023. A stellar start! Follow me to see my other reviews.
5+ STARS!! I would give it more stars if I could. I enjoyed this inventive second-person narrative that was structured like a guided tour of art and colour but with a throughline of story. C.S. Richardson has distilled life and art to their very essence and cleaved every unnecessary word. The result is a beautiful and deeply touching book.
I made a Goodreads pledge to read 194 books this year LOL and this was the first I read on January 1, 2023. A stellar start! Follow me to see my other reviews.
March 21, 2024
Very artful prose, and interesting form. Not really sure this was my cup of tea, though. At times, too, it felt a little heavy-handed.
Updated review: the longer I sit with this the less I like it.
Updated review: the longer I sit with this the less I like it.
December 30, 2022
NetGalley Review
Have you ever read a book that made you think "this book was written specifically for me"? This is that book for me. When I got the email from NetGalley saying it was sending out 200 copies (electronically) to the first 200 people who replied I very quickly answered the call with my fingers crossed. I was delighted to receive the book and I started to read it right away.
Somehow I had never heard of CS Richardson before, though I should have. This is a little gem of a story with references to great works of art and the on-going theme of colour. Though I knew some of the artworks, there were some I had to look up on-line. Each page is a vibrant slide of a moment in Henry's life, as if he was presenting them to his university class. I will definitely be buying this book and rereading it with tabs and annotations. I have an obsession with Ondaatje's English Patient and this book will sit beside it on my shelf of favourite books.
Have you ever read a book that made you think "this book was written specifically for me"? This is that book for me. When I got the email from NetGalley saying it was sending out 200 copies (electronically) to the first 200 people who replied I very quickly answered the call with my fingers crossed. I was delighted to receive the book and I started to read it right away.
Somehow I had never heard of CS Richardson before, though I should have. This is a little gem of a story with references to great works of art and the on-going theme of colour. Though I knew some of the artworks, there were some I had to look up on-line. Each page is a vibrant slide of a moment in Henry's life, as if he was presenting them to his university class. I will definitely be buying this book and rereading it with tabs and annotations. I have an obsession with Ondaatje's English Patient and this book will sit beside it on my shelf of favourite books.
March 7, 2023
A quick paced story of a boy, becoming a man interlaced with unexpected various information from history of art, of humanity.
Very original, reminded me of sketchbook. Every short chapter is a quick, confident sketch, that becomes a part of the captivating story.
Very original, reminded me of sketchbook. Every short chapter is a quick, confident sketch, that becomes a part of the captivating story.
June 5, 2023
Touching, poetic, wonderful.
October 6, 2023
This book is only 181 pages, with each page only half full at most, and almost every second one of those is a random art fact. Somehow, in that small space a story comes together. While there are some haunting aspects of it, it was not enough to feel immersed in the story.
I wanted to rate it a two because of how choppy and bizarrely structure it is, but I do appreciate those who break the mould. However, I do not see how that one warranted a Giller nomination.
I wanted to rate it a two because of how choppy and bizarrely structure it is, but I do appreciate those who break the mould. However, I do not see how that one warranted a Giller nomination.
September 11, 2023
A solid 3.5! This book definitely grew on me, and I definitely really liked the writing and the story once I got into it. I really loved some parts of the book, and I know I’ll think about this one for a while.
October 7, 2023
A rather amazing book. Short and succinct, but conjuring enormous emotion. Fascinating.
September 27, 2023
Longlisted for the 2023 Giller Prize. Despite its sparse prose, this books packs a lot into it: art, history, emotion. It’s a story told over a lifetime, and I really appreciated all the pages on different pieces of art and historical events. I wasn’t familiar with many of them and was constantly looking them up. I usually prefer stories with more depth and a different style of writing, but this one flowed so well and has stayed with me since I’ve finished it. It’s both tragic and beautiful, and I think aims to fill us with hope.
October 25, 2023
Title:
All the Colour in the World
Author: C.S. Richardson
Genre: Fiction
Rating: 4.00
Pub Date: January 17, 2023
I received complimentary eARC copy of this book from Penguin Random House Canada via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. #Gifted #Ad
T H R E E • W O R D S
Precise • Distinctive • Colourful
📖 S Y N O P S I S
Henry, born 1916, thin-as-sticks, nearsighted, is an obsessive doodler—copying illustrations from his Boy’s Own magazines. Left in the care of a nurturing, Shakespeare-quoting grandmother, eight-year-old Henry receives as a gift his first set of colouring pencils (and a pocket knife for the sharpening). As he commits these colours to memory—cadmium yellow; burnt ochre; deep scarlet red—a passion for art, colour, and the stories of the great artists takes hold, and becomes Henry’s unique way of seeing the world. It is a passion that will both haunt and sustain him on his journey through the century: from boyhood dreams on a summer beach to the hothouse of art academia and a love cut short by tragedy; from the psychological wounds of war to the redemption of unexpected love.
💭 T H O U G H T S
All the Colour in the World had piqued my interest when I saw it featured on a list of upcoming Canadian titles at the beginning of 2023. However, it wasn't until it was shortlisted for the 2023 Scotiabank Giller Prize earlier this month that I moved it to the top of my TBR. Anything I'd originally read about it was long forgotten, so I decided to go in completely blind.
What this incredibly beautiful book delivers is guided tour of 20th century art and history in a poetic and sparse nature through one man's perspective. Henry bares witness to tragedy, love, and war and as a reader I got to bare witness to his growth. The writing style is so unique, reminiscent of touring a museum. And while I typically like more depth to my stories, this distinctive approach worked flawlessly in this case. In fact, the more I read, the more I kept wanting to read, and then it was over, and I was left feeling a wave of emotion I didn't quite comprehend.
My appreciation of art isn't to the same level of some, therefore many of the art references went over my head. And I'd suspect anyone with a keen interest and understanding of the art world would relish the beauty of C.S. Richardson's word even more so. Colour plays such a powerful role throughout the narrative, and I thought this was such a clever tool to use. In a world where so much colour has been removed, as a person I don't think I take the time to appreciate the beauty of it enough.
Overall, All the Colour in the World wasn't at all what I was expecting. Yet, it delivered something so much more. It isn't going to be everyone's cup of tea, but at a slim 208 pages I was able to read it in one sitting and come away feeling richer for having picked it up. So far it is the only Giller Prize contender I have read, so I will be interested in seeing how it fares.
📚 R E C O M M E N D • T O
• Giller Prize devotees
• art enthusiasts
• readers looking for something they can read in one sitting
⚠️ CW: death, death of partner, grief, war, pregnancy, cursing, car accident, suicidal thoughts, vomit
🔖 F A V O U R I T E • Q U O T E S
"Everyone deserves a place."
Author: C.S. Richardson
Genre: Fiction
Rating: 4.00
Pub Date: January 17, 2023
I received complimentary eARC copy of this book from Penguin Random House Canada via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. #Gifted #Ad
T H R E E • W O R D S
Precise • Distinctive • Colourful
📖 S Y N O P S I S
Henry, born 1916, thin-as-sticks, nearsighted, is an obsessive doodler—copying illustrations from his Boy’s Own magazines. Left in the care of a nurturing, Shakespeare-quoting grandmother, eight-year-old Henry receives as a gift his first set of colouring pencils (and a pocket knife for the sharpening). As he commits these colours to memory—cadmium yellow; burnt ochre; deep scarlet red—a passion for art, colour, and the stories of the great artists takes hold, and becomes Henry’s unique way of seeing the world. It is a passion that will both haunt and sustain him on his journey through the century: from boyhood dreams on a summer beach to the hothouse of art academia and a love cut short by tragedy; from the psychological wounds of war to the redemption of unexpected love.
💭 T H O U G H T S
All the Colour in the World had piqued my interest when I saw it featured on a list of upcoming Canadian titles at the beginning of 2023. However, it wasn't until it was shortlisted for the 2023 Scotiabank Giller Prize earlier this month that I moved it to the top of my TBR. Anything I'd originally read about it was long forgotten, so I decided to go in completely blind.
What this incredibly beautiful book delivers is guided tour of 20th century art and history in a poetic and sparse nature through one man's perspective. Henry bares witness to tragedy, love, and war and as a reader I got to bare witness to his growth. The writing style is so unique, reminiscent of touring a museum. And while I typically like more depth to my stories, this distinctive approach worked flawlessly in this case. In fact, the more I read, the more I kept wanting to read, and then it was over, and I was left feeling a wave of emotion I didn't quite comprehend.
My appreciation of art isn't to the same level of some, therefore many of the art references went over my head. And I'd suspect anyone with a keen interest and understanding of the art world would relish the beauty of C.S. Richardson's word even more so. Colour plays such a powerful role throughout the narrative, and I thought this was such a clever tool to use. In a world where so much colour has been removed, as a person I don't think I take the time to appreciate the beauty of it enough.
Overall, All the Colour in the World wasn't at all what I was expecting. Yet, it delivered something so much more. It isn't going to be everyone's cup of tea, but at a slim 208 pages I was able to read it in one sitting and come away feeling richer for having picked it up. So far it is the only Giller Prize contender I have read, so I will be interested in seeing how it fares.
📚 R E C O M M E N D • T O
• Giller Prize devotees
• art enthusiasts
• readers looking for something they can read in one sitting
⚠️ CW: death, death of partner, grief, war, pregnancy, cursing, car accident, suicidal thoughts, vomit
🔖 F A V O U R I T E • Q U O T E S
"Everyone deserves a place."
November 26, 2023
The Age of Reason moves European thinking from superstition and unquestioned religious doctrine toward scientific discipline and irrefutable fact....logic gradually supercedes emotion. p145
If there is a logic to this book it is the sweeping progression of time and the perspective that offers. Emotion flares but logically, even the bitterest grief fades, is incorporated, "becoming an ache not to be overcome but to be managed. Chronic, endurable." p88
Once the reader adjusts to the bold format and the leaps between the mostly rather obscure facts and the sedate tone of the narrative, All the Colour in the World is a Pandora's box of delights.
A budding artist becomes an art historian; living in imagination, sorrow and restraint. He appears as an art object himself.
Only tangentially was I familiar with the artists singled out. I'm so glad I couldn't resist dipping in to the wealth of material that has accumulated about these artists and their startling impact.
If it took quite a while to feel comfortable with this book, until I realized how much I was enjoying it.
4/5
6/7
If there is a logic to this book it is the sweeping progression of time and the perspective that offers. Emotion flares but logically, even the bitterest grief fades, is incorporated, "becoming an ache not to be overcome but to be managed. Chronic, endurable." p88
Once the reader adjusts to the bold format and the leaps between the mostly rather obscure facts and the sedate tone of the narrative, All the Colour in the World is a Pandora's box of delights.
A budding artist becomes an art historian; living in imagination, sorrow and restraint. He appears as an art object himself.
Only tangentially was I familiar with the artists singled out. I'm so glad I couldn't resist dipping in to the wealth of material that has accumulated about these artists and their startling impact.
If it took quite a while to feel comfortable with this book, until I realized how much I was enjoying it.
4/5
6/7
September 24, 2023
"The Memories, the conversations, the thought of Bonnard persevering; grief becoming an ache not to be overcome, but to be managed. Chronic, endurable."
"The crunch in your neck, the stoop in your spine, the clicks in your knees: reminders of an overgrown ravine, of dry riverbeds, of the hardscrabble of dead olive groves. Of you closing in on thirty, already ancient."
"Hovering around him are his so-called night monsters - bats, owls, cats - suggesting that a creative mind no matter how logical, cannot escape its horrors."
"The visions, the terrors: colourless. Beginning as dull sepia, only to drain the blacks and whites. There are no lively pastels to divert your attention; no comforting hues. All is blinding glare and unnerving shadow."
"Think again, my friend. Confront the black dog in situ. Tighten the leash, bring it to heel. Retrace your steps, fill the gaps in your memory, close the gestalt circle. In army parlance, declare a truce with your ghostly hound."
"While the 64's spectrum changes periodically - hues added or retired, others renamed - two shades of pink stand the tests of time and taste: magenta and carnation pink, known for a time as rose pink."
"Time flatlines: you lose wheres-and-whens; any structure to your days goes soft, unsteady. You arrive too early or too late, assuming you recall the commitment at all. Gone is any sense of anticipation or urgency: you couldn't care less if your students paid any attention or even showed up; if Gran planned to serve Sunday roast or Friday fish; if the weather along the beach deserved the walk."
JL David The Death of Socrates
"The crunch in your neck, the stoop in your spine, the clicks in your knees: reminders of an overgrown ravine, of dry riverbeds, of the hardscrabble of dead olive groves. Of you closing in on thirty, already ancient."
"Hovering around him are his so-called night monsters - bats, owls, cats - suggesting that a creative mind no matter how logical, cannot escape its horrors."
"The visions, the terrors: colourless. Beginning as dull sepia, only to drain the blacks and whites. There are no lively pastels to divert your attention; no comforting hues. All is blinding glare and unnerving shadow."
"Think again, my friend. Confront the black dog in situ. Tighten the leash, bring it to heel. Retrace your steps, fill the gaps in your memory, close the gestalt circle. In army parlance, declare a truce with your ghostly hound."
"While the 64's spectrum changes periodically - hues added or retired, others renamed - two shades of pink stand the tests of time and taste: magenta and carnation pink, known for a time as rose pink."
"Time flatlines: you lose wheres-and-whens; any structure to your days goes soft, unsteady. You arrive too early or too late, assuming you recall the commitment at all. Gone is any sense of anticipation or urgency: you couldn't care less if your students paid any attention or even showed up; if Gran planned to serve Sunday roast or Friday fish; if the weather along the beach deserved the walk."
JL David The Death of Socrates
May 5, 2024
A short, sad, beautiful book about an early 20th century Toronto man whose life doesn't go as planned, but ends up finding solace in its brokenness anyway. The plot, what it is, spans from just prior to WW1 through the 1960s.
The characters are almost secondary to two other things here: art, colour, and their interweaving history with Western Civilization. Richardson intersperses his short chapters with vignettes on the nature of art and colour and how it influences us, even imperceptibly, as we go about the world. The other major "character" of this book is its format: the short chapters about the main character are written in the second person — "you" — and it really works quite well here.
I read this in a few hours — it's a quick read that leaves you feeling sad, hopeful, and a bit awed of the author's depth of knowledge.
The characters are almost secondary to two other things here: art, colour, and their interweaving history with Western Civilization. Richardson intersperses his short chapters with vignettes on the nature of art and colour and how it influences us, even imperceptibly, as we go about the world. The other major "character" of this book is its format: the short chapters about the main character are written in the second person — "you" — and it really works quite well here.
I read this in a few hours — it's a quick read that leaves you feeling sad, hopeful, and a bit awed of the author's depth of knowledge.
June 14, 2025
Gorgeous book for art history nerds + toronto people! Blended inter-generational storylines into famous works, contextualizing them!! Only regret is that if pictures were included this would be 5/5
November 2, 2023
All The Colour In The World is lean, fast-paced, and atmospheric, more prose poem than traditional novel. If you prefer expansive, detailed novels, this won’t likely be your cup of cheer. On the other hand, if you like reading outside the box, this could be your cuppa, a spare yet powerful story, anchored in Toronto but displaying all the colours of the world.
March 7, 2023
Like the masterful collage artists of La Belle Époque this wee little book tore me apart, then slowly, gently placed me back together- better than I was before.
October 22, 2023
“While the 64’s spectrum changes periodically - hues added or retired, others renamed - two shades of pink stand the test of time and taste: magenta and carnation pink, known for a time as rose pink”.
‘All the Colour in the World’ is a concise gem of a book, spanning a mere 208 pages adorned with remarkably short chapters and within those, mostly short paragraphs.
Within this compact narrative, we become intimately acquainted with Henry, embarking on an extraordinary journey through his life.
What astounds me most is Richardson’s ability to convey so much with so little. The brevity of the prose doesn't diminish its impact; rather, it amplifies it. As I got deeper into the story, it gradually grew on me, its narrative power becoming more apparent with each page.
While ‘All the Colour in the World’ weaves in historical facets, it's the emotional depth that resonates most profoundly. The historical and art references enrich the narrative, giving it a multifaceted allure.
What sets this book apart is its vivid exploration of colour. The author's descriptions evoke a sensory experience where every shade comes to life before your eyes. I found myself immersed in the world of colours.
‘All the Colour in the World’ is a testament to the artistry of language and the profound impact of concise storytelling.
‘All the Colour in the World’ by CS Richardson is the second book I’ve read from the @gillerprize longlist. I’ve opted for the audio version, since Libby came through first.
‘All the Colour in the World’ is a concise gem of a book, spanning a mere 208 pages adorned with remarkably short chapters and within those, mostly short paragraphs.
Within this compact narrative, we become intimately acquainted with Henry, embarking on an extraordinary journey through his life.
What astounds me most is Richardson’s ability to convey so much with so little. The brevity of the prose doesn't diminish its impact; rather, it amplifies it. As I got deeper into the story, it gradually grew on me, its narrative power becoming more apparent with each page.
While ‘All the Colour in the World’ weaves in historical facets, it's the emotional depth that resonates most profoundly. The historical and art references enrich the narrative, giving it a multifaceted allure.
What sets this book apart is its vivid exploration of colour. The author's descriptions evoke a sensory experience where every shade comes to life before your eyes. I found myself immersed in the world of colours.
‘All the Colour in the World’ is a testament to the artistry of language and the profound impact of concise storytelling.
‘All the Colour in the World’ by CS Richardson is the second book I’ve read from the @gillerprize longlist. I’ve opted for the audio version, since Libby came through first.
December 27, 2022
I won this book from entering the Giveaways.
I have given this a 3 star rating based solely on interest in reading for the mainstream reader.
If I was rating this for the merit of the writing and writing style I would give it 5 stars.
Now I feel this book should probably be in a high school Advanced English program. The prose and writing style would give many an English teacher tons to work with, discuss and assign assignments for their class.
I did learn a few things about Art History and interesting little factual tidbits like when the first 64 pack crayon box was invented and how they came up with the name.
For some, it will be a difficult book to follow and at first I wasn't sure. But I was able to understand the rhythm of the book and read until completion.
If you are in the literary world, I would definitely recommend it.
I have given this a 3 star rating based solely on interest in reading for the mainstream reader.
If I was rating this for the merit of the writing and writing style I would give it 5 stars.
Now I feel this book should probably be in a high school Advanced English program. The prose and writing style would give many an English teacher tons to work with, discuss and assign assignments for their class.
I did learn a few things about Art History and interesting little factual tidbits like when the first 64 pack crayon box was invented and how they came up with the name.
For some, it will be a difficult book to follow and at first I wasn't sure. But I was able to understand the rhythm of the book and read until completion.
If you are in the literary world, I would definitely recommend it.
November 25, 2023
An impressionistic tale of a 20th-century artist’s life, told in a series of images flashing quickly by like a slide carousel. I use the term “impressionistic” deliberately, as the story unfolds in chapters mostly of a single page, each highlighting a colour or a painting or an artist or some aspect of artistic experience that shaped Henry’s life. These colourful flashes build a picture of the artist’s life, from a grandmother’s early gift of coloured pencils that started it all, through art college and early heartbreak, through the horrors of war and on. Masterful.
January 21, 2024
It’s been said that a picture is worth a thousand words. The author takes this to heart and this novel is proof that less can always be more.
I enjoyed this historical fiction novel where the author uses art mediums, colour and a passion for art history to illustrate the restorative power of art in the life of protagonist Henry from his birth in 1916, his youth in the early 20’s in Toronto, fighting in Europe in WWII, through to the 1960’s and Henry's return to Sicily to face the ghosts of war that haunt him. Sadness and hope colour Henry’s family and romantic relations.
A colourful and inspiring novel.
I enjoyed this historical fiction novel where the author uses art mediums, colour and a passion for art history to illustrate the restorative power of art in the life of protagonist Henry from his birth in 1916, his youth in the early 20’s in Toronto, fighting in Europe in WWII, through to the 1960’s and Henry's return to Sicily to face the ghosts of war that haunt him. Sadness and hope colour Henry’s family and romantic relations.
A colourful and inspiring novel.
October 2, 2025
This is a novel in vignettes of 3-6 paragraphs, written in the second person singular. It mingles art history with the story of a young Canadian man raised by his grandmother in Toronto and who ends up fighting in Italy in the Second World War. I picked this up because it was on the Giller shortlist, and it seemed very much like the CanLit that gets published because there are grants to ensure that Canadian art isn't subsumed into the American hegemony. I'm not saying this was bad! But it was all a little to contrived for me, and seemed a bit self-consciously capital-L Literary for my taste.
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