Die Surrealistin

by Michaela Carter

For fans of Amy Bloom’s White Houses and Colm Tóibín’s The Master , a page-turning novel about Surrealist artist Leonora Carrington and the art, drama, and romance that defined her coming-of-age during World War II.London, 1937: Leonora Carrington is a twenty-year-old on the cusp of independence, discovering her own creative powers as a painter, when she falls into a turbulent, passionate love affair with Max Ernst, a married artist twenty-six years older. Determined to break free from her family’s upper-class expectations, she follows him to Paris, where she is thrust into the vibrant, revolutionary world of studios and cafes, where rising visionaries of the Surrealist movement, like Andre Breton, Pablo Picasso, Lee Miller, Man Ray, and Salvador Dali, are challenging conventional approaches to art and life. Inspired by their freedom, Leonora begins to experiment with her own work, translating vivid stories of her youth onto canvas and gaining recognition under her own name—until, suddenly, the shadow of war and occupation begins to spread over Europe, and headlines emerge denouncing Max and his circle as “degenerates.”Forced to flee France, Max and Leonora are separated, but both begin remarkable journeys that will shape them as artists and individuals. On the run from an internment camp, Max seeks the aid of Peggy Guggenheim, who is helping artists escape from the Nazis, while Leonora, once trapped in a Spanish asylum, begins to claim her identity and unleash the quiet, inner power that will eventually make her one of the most influential women of our time.Based on true events and historical figures, Leonora in the Morning Light is an unforgettable story of love, art, and destiny that restores a twentieth-century heroine to her rightful place.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Art, France, Historical, World War II, Biographical Fiction

Paperback

First published April 6, 2021

About the author

Michaela Carter is an award-winning poet and writer. She studied theater at UCLA and holds an MFA in creative writing, and her poetry has been nominated for two Pushcart Prizes, won the Poetry Society of America Los Angeles New Poets Contest, and appeared in numerous journals. Recently she cofounded the Peregrine Book Company, an independent bookstore in Prescott, Arizona, where she works as a book buyer and storyteller. She lives in Prescott with her two inscrutable children and teaches creative writing at Yavapai College.

Reviews

[MarilynW · Rating 3 out of 5]

Leonora in the Morning Light by Michaela Carter

Leonora in the Morning is based on a period in time in real lives of Max Ernst, Leonora Carrington, and other renowned artists and people connected to the art world, during the events surrounding WWII. Because I had very little knowledge of the Surrealist movement other than knowing a little about the work of Picasso and Salvador Dali, I needed the help of the internet to inform me of all the people we meet through Max and Leonora. It was hard for me to be invested in these people and by attempting to learn more about their backgrounds and futures, I was hoping I could become more interested in the story that is being told in the book. 

The story is told in a sometimes dreamlike way and it was often hard to tell what are hallucinations, dreams, or reality, especially in the case of Leonora. At some point she is in an insane asylum and her drugged state adds to the confusion of what is real or not. But she definitely seems to have had a mental breakdown before she enters the asylum. Does this type of break with reality make the art or does the creation, in the mind, of this kind of art, lead to a more disheveled concept of reality? I never have connected with the work of Surrealists and I think it would have been better if I had continued to know less about their lifestyles than I know now. 

Max and his inner and outer circle seem to be immersed in all the trappings of free sex while claiming to sometimes love the sex partners they happened to be with at the moment. Their lifestyles seem so chaotic and with no sense of responsibility. Max and Leonora, together for a few years, seemed content to think someone else will pick up the bill for their meals or their lifestyles. The constant swapping of partners, threesomes, group sex country get togethers, sex with strangers, and all to do with sex, reminds me of the true stories of rocks stars and rock groups. There seemed to be no attempt at something permanent in the life of Max...yes, he might marry a woman or four, but there were always other women in his bed (although he seems to prefer outdoors for sex) and marriage seemed to have no significance to him other than that his future, present, or ex wives might be a source of funds. Mostly I'm going by what I read in this story so I'm not sure how things were for him after he married his fourth wife. 

I think this story is best suited for those more knowledgeable of the artwork and the people in it. It's amazing how many of the artists of this style and time made it out of France and the other occupied countries when Hitler was gunning for those he labeled “degenerates”. Because of this book, and the research I did while reading it, I now have a greater knowledge of a lot of the artists mentioned in the story. I read this story with DeAnn and I'm glad I could discuss the story with her. We both stepped out of our comfort zone with this one. 

At the risk of appearing prudish, I'll mention a scene in Leonora and Max's country house. Leonora and one of her contemporaries are preparing a chicken dinner so, of course, they have to strip naked to cut up and prepare the chicken so that they don't get splattered with grease. I've never been presented with so many people who are so willing to be naked in groups...I guess I need to get out more...ha ha. 

Expected publication: April 6th 2021

Thank you to Avid Reader Press / Simon & Schuster and NetGalley for this ARC.

[Elyse Walters · Rating 5 out of 5]

“I don’t talk about my art. Paintings are for what is not sayable”.

Leonora Carrington might not have liked to talk about her art....but our author, does.
Michaela Carter delivers an impressive- thoroughly researched historical fiction novel about a heroine, (Leonora Carrington).
We learn about Leonora, a Surrealist Artist, from her upper-class, British childhood and how she rebelled against her snobbish family hierarchy, about her love for drawing and writing, for horses and Irish myth, about her meeting forty-six-year-old Max Ernst when she was just twenty, and the war intervening in their relationship.

This wasn’t a page turner for me. Reading “Leonora in the Morning Light”.... became somewhat of a project—( doesn’t have to be), but I found myself looking up names - dates- places- artists mentioned —constantly referring to google.
At times I admit feeling drained. This book took some work for me....because I knew next to nothing about ANYONE mentioned.
Yet... personally and truthfully — I’m left feeling personal pride from devoting the extra invested time—rather than resist learning — (‘resistance-to-learn’ is so much easier at times—I’m guilty as the next person)...
but why I asked myself? so I could rush to some other sappy or schlocky easier - read - that would make me feel less inferior?
“YES....that would have been easier!”
But....
some books are worth our extra exploration. We gain something nobody can take away from us.
I am ready to move on...BUT I GAINED PLENTY....and have our author to thank for it.

There is lovely seductive prose, .....( treat sections of reading for me)...
but it was deeper historical facts - the learning process itself - the stopping to visit google - that really paid off.
I grew a deeper appreciation for all the research that historical writers go through. I could see it - imagine the months - years - spent of their time.
I started to think of how ( as a reader), I’m getting the spoon-feed benefits ( even ‘if’ this book took an extra week longer to read)....compared to probably YEARS of the authors research and compilation.
So....I share all this....because I’m guessing this won’t be a book for many.
Unless the reader is an art history buff - a history buff in general - or at least ‘willing’ to add a little of your own study when reading this novel...
then....I suggest skip it.
But....if willing ‘not’ to rush-read (no reason to be in a hurry: we will never read every book we want before we die anyway)....
There is a fascinating story inside this novel....written with romantic styling beauty....for:
.....the characters and their lifestyles, their talents, their innovative concepts, their passionate love, lust, atmosphere, and the brutal history of war years, lived.

Leonora Carrington was vibrant, spirited, visionary, adventurous, loved wholeheartedly, courageous & independent, a feminist before her day,
a very talented surrealist artist, and captivating woman!
I’m glad I spent time with her......( and Max Ernst the love of her life).

Leonora was inspired by many other male artists - the freedom they had - that she, too, wanted.
Artists such as: Andre Breton, Pablo Picasso, Lee Miller, Man Ray, and Salvador Dali.
Leonora’s paintings were extraordinary— (gorgeous with so much expressive feelings)> no wonder Leonora didn’t want to talk about them...
LOOK....
really look at those PAINTINGS....
.....[sorry I’m not a reviewer who knows how to insert photos].
This book didn’t include any of Leonora’s paintings either....(wish it had),
but not to indulge in viewing her work online would be a huge miss.

Women’s art sold for a fraction of what the men’s art went for.
It took women twice as long to make any sort of name for themselves.
Leonora felt as though she was one of the lucky ones. She lived long enough to see the world at least begin to notice- her- and other women artists, not only as the inspiration, or an inferior muse.

Max Ernst was Leonora’s lover. Leonora could never seem to be interviewed without somebody asking about Max Ernst —the great man—as if she were no more than another Galatea. (a sea nymph).
But truth....there was interest in Max Ernst because he, too, was a gifted surrealist artist. They loved each other passionately.....( not an easy breezy relationship- but passionate!)...
There individual and joint stories combined are what great movies are drawn from.
Juicy - gossipy dramatic stories - quite stimulating at times!

Leonora and Max....( when life was good): lovers/ not married:
“They devised their own rules. When to work (from ten to two), when to swim (before ten and after two), when to make love (whenever the spirit struck), when and how to clean (naked, in summer the cleaning was always naked)”.
Their house was at the edge of town, near a river.
Their little house was beautiful—many trees, and stone steps.
“The sun squints on the horizon. The river is a deep brownish-green, and the fields are blue fields of lavender, yellow fields of sunflowers”.

Leonara and Max....(when life wasn’t so good):
“Cher Nora,
It is cold here. There’s no heat. Prisoners have lost their toes, fingers. Wrapped in a thin blanket, I sleep on a pile of straw in an oven where once bricks were baked”. ...
.... .... ....
I am yours, Leonora, entirely—
Max”.
“He is alive!
Leonora wept she was so happy. He was hers ‘entirely’....and alive!

Other characters you’ll meet:
Marie-Berthe, Chaim Soutine, Nusch Eluard, Paul Eluard, Marcel Dumhamp, Etant Donnes, Dorothea Tanning, Juliet Browner, Jimmy Ernst, Lee Miller, Peggy Guggenheim, Renato Leduc, etc.

Leonora Carrington lived to be 94 years old. She created thousands of magical, mystical works of art— drawings, paintings, statues, masks, plays, short stories, and her masterful novel, “The Hearing Trumpet”.
Leonora believed intensely in human rights - justice > for people, animals, plants, and the earth itself.

“To open yourself to art is to become an initiative of the mysteries to which she is privy”.

Thank you ‘Avid Reader Press’, Netgalley, and the ambitious skillful author Michaela Carter.

[Annette · Rating 4 out of 5]

Leonora Carrington (1917-2011) was a British-born Mexican artist, surrealist painter, and novelist.

London, 1937. Leonora studies art in London, not something her father approves. She is introduced to “these Surrealists – not studying, but living their art.” One of them is Max Ernst, married and twice her age. She is captivated by his persona. When Max’s work is being seen as an immoral mind and having “bad influence on the good people of London,” he needs to leave London. When “Hitler declares Modern Art degenerate,” Peggy Guggenheim makes a bold move to support the Modern Art and the artists fleeing to safety. In Paris, despite the women not being able to fully join the movement of Surrealism, Leonora attends their meetings; followed by display of her paintings. She should be happy, but she feels some emptiness. A heart stolen by a man.

Southern France, 1940. Max once welcomed in France, now not so much. “Writers, artists, Jews.” All wanted by the Nazis. “They were enemies in a country that had welcomed them, a country they’d come to love.” From a camp, through an ordeal on a train, now on his feet, Max is making his way home, to freedom and to Leonora.

In the first half of the story, we get to know the Surrealist movement and its artists. Surrealism “was about breaking rules, living as no one had dared to live.” They rejected a rational vision of life in favor of the juxtaposition of uncommon imagery. Such artists as Salvador Dali and Pablo Picasso make only a brief appearance in this story. I wished they were a bigger part of this story, adding more vibrancy as the story slows down in the middle. It feels stagnant for a moment.

In the second half, once Peggy Guggenheim takes part in the story it picks up in pace. Her appearance adds verve. She is an art collector, bohemian and socialite.

Leonora has some hallucinations and at some point is taken to an asylum. I wished that this part of her life was just mentioned rather than given a small chunk of this story. When I read about artists I want them to be remembered for their creativity rather than what personally inflicted them. Nevertheless, I applaud the author for creative way of showing it.

This story is very ambitious, dealing with a complex artistic movement, complex characters, and complex historical setting of WWII, where some of those artists were Jews. It encompasses a lot and at some moments slows the pace in the second half.

Overall, I did enjoy this story and getting to know Surrealism better and its artists. The writing is certainly of a talented writer.


Source: ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Kerrin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Now Available
Leonora In The Morning Light is the debut novel of poet Michaela Carter. It is a fictionalized account of the real-life love affair between British debutant turned artist, Leonora Carrington, and German surrealist painter Max Ernst. Max was 27 years older than the 20-year-old Leonora and si still married to his second wife when they began seeing each other. The story is told in alternate narratives focusing mainly on Leonora beginning when they met in June 1937 and on Max beginning in June 1940 when Max is on a train trying to head west out of France. Ernst, a Jew who had lived in France for 20 years, had just left Camp des Milles in Southern France where he was interned after he had been declared an “undesirable foreigner”. He is desperate to get back to his beloved Leonora. By the middle of the novel, the two timelines converge as both Leonora and Max try to escape Europe during the war.

This novel will a perfect read for art-history lovers, especially those intrigued by surrealism. The author takes the reader into the minds and creative process of these two artists. The account of Leonora’s temporary mental breakdown during the war is heartbreaking. Max and Leonora’s circle of friends includes many other famous artists such as Man Ray, Leonor Fini, Lee Miller, Paul Eluard, and eventually the American heiress, Peggy Guggenheim who helps financially support many of them. Prior to World War II, this group lived a rather hedonistic lifestyle full of adultery, nudity, and drunkenness. They believed that surrealism “was all about breaking rules, living as no one dared to live.” Apparently, their lifestyles did not hinder their health since Max lived 84 years and Leonora 94 years.

The author’s note makes it clear that this is not a story of the Great Man’s Woman. This is the story of the Great Woman. She sees Leonora as a heroine, but unfortunately, I did not see her that way. I personally did not respect the audacious lifestyles of the surrealists. The sections of the novel describing the great lengths their friends went through to help the two escape Nazi-occupied Europe were the most interesting part of the story. 3-stars for me, but I would not want to discourage anyone else from reading it. Just because it isn’t my cup of tea, doesn’t mean it won’t be yours.

Many thanks to Avid Reader Press / Simon & Schuster for my Advanced Reader Copy.

[Lorna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Leonora in the Morning Light was a stunningly beautiful historical fiction novel written by award-winning poet and author Michaela Carter about Surrealist artist Leonora Carrington. Carter's gorgeous and moving prose shines throughout the pages. The title of the book is taken from the Surrealist painting by Max Ernst in 1940, with its significance beautifully told throughout this story of renowned Mexican artist, Leonora Carrington. At age twenty, she turned her back on her debutante status in London society. Of English and Irish descent, Leonora thrived on the stories about Ireland told to her by her beloved grandmother as she saw a magical way of seeing the world through the "murmurings of the little people, their ancient tongue misty as the shores of Ireland." Becoming estranged from her father, Leonora ran off to Paris pursuing a bohemian life with surrealist painter Max Ernst. It is through him that she is introduced to many artists part of the Surrealist movement, namely, Andre Breton, Pablo Picasso, Man Ray, and Salvador Dali. Told from alternate points of view by Leonora Carrington and Max Ernst, the pacing of the book is riveting. It was a book that I could only put down to research more paintings as they were discussed.

During the next few years Carrington and Ernst pursued their art as their lives became more entwined in Paris and their home in St. Martin. However, the threat of Hitler and the spread of fascism throughout Europe began to loom large culminating in the arrest and subsequent imprisonment of Max Ernst as Vichy France began rounding up the Jews. The individual journeys of Leonora Carrington and Max Ernst as they are forced to flee from France during World War II was both heartbreaking and uplifting.

I admit that I had no idea who Leonora Carrington was until I began researching her paintings and her life in Mexico where she became one of Mexico's most renowned artists. It was when she saw a piece of art work by Frida Kahlo, that she knew where she belonged, Mexico City. As Leonora Carrington says so beautifully:

"This woman, Frida Kahlo, painted her anguish. Raw and plain, without a vestige of disquise it hangs here for everyone to see. She hides nothing. To become the master, she has killed the muse. It is that simple."

One cannot read this book without googling all of the beautiful paintings part of the Surrealist movement that become an integral part of the fabric of the story as well. There are some striking interviews on-line with Leonora Carrington well up into her eighties and nineties that are delightful and certainly gives one a taste of the strong individuality and creativity she possessed. In one clip, Ms. Carrington takes on the interviewer's questions about creativity, admonishing her that creativity has to be felt, that one cannot talk nor intellectuallize it, and that one must experience creativity, as she lit another cigarette.

A special thanks to Morgan Hoit, Avid Reader Press, and Simon and Schuster for providing me with an Advanced Reader's Copy of Leonora in the Morning Light.

[DeAnn · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.25 Surrealist Art History Stars

This novel is highly researched and covers a lot of complex history! From the late 1930s through WWII and beyond, this one shares more about surrealist artists in Europe and their lives. We learn about Leonora Carrington, a Mexican/British artist and Max Ernst, a German artist. I hadn’t heard of either of these artists and spent some time looking up photos of their art. Other famous artists were mentioned as well – Dali, Picasso, and Eluard the writer to name just a few.

There are alternating timelines, one features time before the war and the decadent lifestyle of these artists and later, when Leonora is battling mental illness and Max is sent to various camps because he is a German man living in France. Later much of this surrealist art is declared subversive by the Germans and many artists are sent to camps. Many artists also seek out the wealthy Peggy Guggenheim and she purchases a lot of art for a future museum and helps some of them escape to the U.S., including Max.

Max and Leonora, despite a 27-year age gap, have a love affair and Leonora becomes his muse, appearing in many of his paintings. For various reasons, they don’t have a lasting relationship and yet seem to have difficulties staying out of each other’s lives.

While this one was interesting, it seemed long, and I did not find the characters very likeable. I’m not quite sure how to pinpoint how it fell short for me, perhaps too intellectual? If you are a fan of surrealist art and those artists, this may be a big hit for you!

Thanks to Marilyn for sharing this one with me. On to the next :)

Thank you to Avid Reader Press/Simon & Schuster for the copy to read.

[Maureen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Leonora Carrington was an artist that I was not familiar with. It is an excellent historical fiction tale of her very interesting life.
Lenora wants to be an independent woman, her father does not approve.
She meets Max Ernst the artist and much older man, who is married.
He introduces her a world that she could only imagine. She meets many artists including Picasso and Salvador Dali along the way.
The War is coming and Hitler denounces Jews and artists. They are on the run
Leonora purchases an old abandoned stone farm house with funds from her mother. She and Max live in the farmhouse until Max is arrested for being born in Germany.
We meet Peggy Guggenheim who helps artists and Jews escape from the Nazi’s.
This is a world wind journey written in alternating chapters between Leonora and Max. It is a fascinating story.
At the end of the book the author gives a narrative on what happened to the people featured in the book.

I have won this advanced copy of this book from Goodreads.
It was a very enjoyable read.

[Britany · Rating 1 out of 5]

Just a case of "not for me"...

I think the author had the best of intentions when she researched and started writing this novel (based on real people during WWII) but it did not work for me.

Leonora Carrington is a young artist who falls in love with an older, married artist Max Ernst. They are in Paris in the late 1930s when the Nazis invade France. The writing did not connect and I felt absolutely nothing for the characters. There were a few plot points that I felt were un-necessary and just inserted for the drama. The weaving of WWII was one of the pieces I was most looking forward to, but might as well worked as a footnote. So glad to be finished and moving onto the next book.

Thank you to Netgalley and Avid Reader Press for an advanced copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.

[Lynne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book spoke to me! I really enjoyed learning about the characters, their work, and the format kept me interested. Frequently, I would stop reading and look up the pieces talked about in the story. Although I hated leaving the reading to do so! I really feel that my horizons were broadened, highly recommend this book! Thank you NetGalley for the ARC..

[Jolanta (knygupė) · Rating 4 out of 5]

3,5*

Romanas apie Leonora Carrington (dailininkę siurrealistę), neseniai Lietuvoje Raros išleisto "Klausymo ragelis" autorę. Apie jos ir Max Ernst, surrealizmo ir Dados pradininko, meilę. Ir šiek tiek apie Peggy Guggenheim, garsiąją amerikietę meno kolekcionierę, kuri dalyvavo šiame meilės trikampyje.

Kas man labiausiai patiko šiame romane, tai moters (Leonoros) žiūros taškas į labai jau mačistinę tuometinę menininkų aplinką, jų elgseną. 

Dvidešimtmetė Leonora atvykusi iš Londono į Paryžių sutinka daugiau nei dvigubai vyresnį  ir vedusį Max Ernst. Aistra ir meilė įsižiebia akimirksniu. Kaip supratau Max'ui ji buvo ir paskutinė (vienintelė?) tikroji meilė. Kad ir vėliau jis vedė Peggy, bet nepaliovė mylėjęs Leonorą. Nežinia kaip viskas būtų susiklostę, jei ne karas. Būtent jis ir sudarkė Leonoros ir Max'so santykius, nubloškė juos į Amerikas. Max'ą - į nuostabiąją Sedoną (JAV), Leonorą - į Meksiką, kur ji subrendo, kaip meninikė, sukūrė šeimą, sutiko artimiausią draugę - Remedios Varo.

Toks labai paprastas pasakojimas apie nepaprastas asmenybes. 

[Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

LEONORA IN THE MORNING LIGHT
BY MICHAELA CARTER

This historical fiction was not as accessible reading for me since I had never heard of Leonora Carrington before or her artist boyfriend Max Ernst whom was 26 years older than her while they courted each other in France. They were part of an artist movement during the twentieth century and got separated when Hitler occupied France with Max being sent off to a detention camp twice. She is known as the only woman to have had broken his heart. He was an ex pat from Germany and Hitler denounced the Surrealist art movement that they were a part of. It might help if I give a definition of what Surrealism means: A 20th-century avant-garde movement in art and literature that sought to release the creative potential of the unconscious mind, for example by the irrational juxtaposition of images. Launched in 1924 by a manifesto of Andre Breton and having strong political content, the movement grew out of symbolism and Dada and was strongly influenced by Sigmund Freud. In the visual arts its most notable exponents were Andre Mason, Jean Arp, Joan Miro, Rene Magritte, Salvador Dali, Max Ernst, Man Ray and Luis Bunuel.

I have only had heard of Salvador Dali and in the definition above it doesn't include Leonora Carrington or multiple other women that were according to this author's extensive research which I applaud were part of this type of artistic movement. This was definitely a challenge for me because there wasn't any background material until I got to the end. I was surprised that Leonora Carrington who left her home on bad terms with her father who more or less told her not to ever darken his doorstep again. She was from Great Britain and during the time when her and Max were torn apart from his arrests while they were living together she flees to Spain during occupied France by the Nazi's she is put into an asylum and the narrative becomes nonsensical at least to me.

I think that this novel could have been better if it wasn't so scholarly written with the author assuming that all of this historical detail to the character's were common knowledge to me at least it was not. I love to learn about real life historical figures but this narrative doesn't fill in any of the blanks or gives enough detail to explain things out so that everyone can educate themselves while reading historical fiction. I have heard who Peggy Guggenheim was and am familiar with Pablo Picasso but he is only mentioned briefly. There was so much of a heavy emphasis on Artists that I have never heard of and their works it just could have been more descriptive for the reader who is interested in learning but maybe others will not have to do further research to appreciate this novel. I think in my humble opinion I have read enough art history that I enjoyed without feeling like the writing is so ambiguous. I can name many author's works that introduced works that I had never heard of before for example "The Girl with a Pearl Earring," or anything else written by Tracey Chevalier, "Claude and Camille" (about Monet's masterpieces), written by Stephanie Cowell, "The Passion of Artemisia" or "Girl in Hyacinth Blue" both written by Susan Vreeland, "The Birth of Venus," written by Sarah Dunant or finally "Leonardo's Swans," written by Karen Essex. These were all written and easily accessible to everybody. In my humble opinion the book "Leonora in the Morning Light," was not anything remotely written for the enjoyment and learning while you read. Henceforth my 3 star rating. I am sure that this book will find its audience with Art History majors but not for the average reader hungry to learn as you are reading it. I sincerely wish this author named Michaela Carter and the publisher all of my best wishes for success for it took talent to write this epic historical novel based on real factual people.

Publication Date: April 6, 2021


Thank you to Net Galley, Michaela Carter and Avid Reader Press--Simon & Schuster for providing me with my ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.

#LeonoraintheMorning #Michaela Carter #AvidReaderPressSimon&Schuster #NetGalley

[Magdelanye · Rating 5 out of 5]

Certain people, you know the moment you meet them that you would be friends. p392

It can be that way with books too, and from the first paragraph I was charmed by the tone and happy to lose myself in the delights of reading this book and meeting Carrington at last.

Dreams are tricky rooms to re-enter, their doors re-arranging themselves when you aren't looking. p119

My first contact with the Surrealists had me more taken by the theory than the practice, for I was disquieted by the few poor examples that I could gather. There was no denying my fascination for the artists and the tantalizing promises of la vie Boheme. As I gained in familiarity with their names and their work, it came to me that my attraction was somewhat misplaced; the misgivings I had regarding the mysogyny, racism, elitism and even homophobia of my former darlings Breton and Sartre were quite valid it seems. A lot of empty words and puffed up premises. De Beauvoir I found incredibly tedious and depressing. Carrington was the mysterious presence hidden in the throng of ego and talent. I did manage to find a book of her short stories. I didn't like them.

But I loved this book, a darling friend. Even though I don't suppose the ambitious Carrington would approve of my lack of it, I came to deeply sympathize with this brilliant trailblazer.

Nothing as flimsy as the truth has ever stopped her from getting what she wants. p312

[Shirley McAllister · Rating 4 out of 5]

Footprints are face to face with the Firmament

The surrealist artists were a different type of artist with a much different lifestyle. They lead a more bohemian lifestyle than most and their art reflected this lifestyle. Much of their art revolved around the human body and the human body to them was art. Sexuality was often expressed in their art often leading critics to deem it to be immoral.

At the time just before and during WWII men were considered the artists and women were not so much considered artists at that time. Than Leonora Carrington came onto the scene. A privileged socialite from a well to do family she rebelled against convention and wanted her freedom. She wanted to be an artist, not a wife and mother. She left school and went to Paris with her artist friends. She meets Max at a party, twenty some years her senior, he becomes the love of her life.

After the Nazi's invade the art of the Surrealists is considered degenerate art and the artists degenerates. Although Max is from Germany he has lived in France a while, but now he is wanted as an enemy of France for being German and an enemy of the Nazi's for being a degenerate artist.

The book has some tones of the war, but the book is about Art, specifically the artist Lenora Carrington. It is about her time with Max, her time with other's and her paintings. The different ways she incorporated mythology, and sorcery into her paintings. A bit of mystical painting of the human body. When she leaves school she is twenty so it is a story of her coming of age and becoming a famous artist . It is about her friends, the other artists, their wives and girlfriend. The love triangles , the tears, the fears and the love. It is more of a love story than a war story. It is a love story surrounded by art in a time of war.

It was a good book and I would recommend it to all interested in the world of art.

Thanks to Michaela Carter, Avid Reader Press/Simon and Schuster, and NetGalley for allowing me to read and advanced copy in return for my honest review.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Leonora in the Morning Light by Michaela Carter is an excellent historical fiction novel that tells the tale of the a fabulous, talented, complex, and complicated artist Leonora Carrington.

I have to be honest, I had not heard of her before I picked up this book (I know, I know...shame on me). But I was drawn in from the first page, wanting to learn more. I found out so much about her eccentric, dramatic, event-filled life, but also about Surrealism, her fellow artists, and what life was like for many of her colleagues during WWII. It isn’t what we normally think of when we think of victims during this time: artists, painters, authors, and others that were involved with the arts that were considered “different” and against “the normal waves of society”, yet they were outcast and persecuted as well.

To see how much she went through, how many fantastic (and sometimes sad and frustrating) things she experienced and went through in the course of just trying to find herself, her passion, and her life was fascinating. I have already begun researching even more about her and her colleagues. The author clearly did her research and presented it in a way that left me captivated.

I really enjoyed The Author’s Note at the end to give some closure as well as inspiration for the novel itself.

An excellent read. 5/5 stars

Thank you EW and Avid Reader Press/Simon & Schuster for this ARC and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.

I am posting this review to my GR, Instagram, and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication on 4/6/21.

[Jeanne · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm being generous with three stars. Parts of the book were enjoyable but for the most part I just felt confusion. The writing seemed to be all over the place, I heard it described as chaotic by another reviewer. At times I found it too wordy and it was a chore trying to figure out if something really happened, it was a dream or just a passing thought. There were a lot of characters and not being familiar with the art I spent a bit of time on the internet studying the pictures that were described. I don't want to say I didn't like the characters but they weren't exactly characters but real people. It is difficult to determine what really happened and what was part of the author's imagination. Truth is I didn't like any of them. I found Leonora to be selfish and irresponsible. She liked to be the center of attention and thought nothing of disrobing in the middle of a party when she saw Max flirting. She performed all kinds of outrageous acts, hair omelet comes to mind. Was she crazy or just trying to be different? Actually the whole group of them were like that, walking around naked and swapping partners on a whim all in the name of art. Probably this book just wasn't for me.

Thank you to Netgalley and Avid Reader Press for providing me with this book.

[Tish · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars
I thought the beginning dragged but then I started getting interested in this fictionalized tale of artist Leonora Carrington and other Surrealists. Most of the book was about Leonora and her relationship with Max Ernst during WWII and the years just before it. While the art and lifestyles of the Surrealists as portrayed here didn't appeal to me much (let's see outrageous we can be, just for the sake of being outrageous), I liked the look into the characters and their relationships: loyalties, animosities, and all. I also liked seeing how WWII affected the art community and how they coped or failed to cope.

Recommended for those interested in WWII historical fiction and Surrealists.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me a free e-ARC of this book.

[Lesley Moseley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is my best read of the year! Wonderful, REAL characters, that so interested me in all their art, liaisons, and dangers during WW2. What a stunner!

[Hardcover Hearts · Rating 3 out of 5]

Leonora Carrington seems to be everywhere right now, and so I was curious to see what a fictionalized story of her life would entail. In this book, the scope is narrowly focused on her early years as an artist, her meeting with Max Ernst, and their relationship, to their escape from Nazi encroachment into their ideal life in the French countryside. The book flips between a few perspectives of some famous names, along with hers. We have Max's point of view as he struggles to escape the oncoming Nazi take over. We have Peggy Guggenheim who was instrumental in their fleeing to America. And we have Leonora herself.

The story is well written and provides a lot of insight into the tumultuous time of Europe as WW2 was breaking out, and the very complicated relationships in this very insular group of artists. While I was familiar with a bit of Ernst's story and knew about Peggy Guggenheim, it was Leonora I was here for, and while I liked the bit we saw, there is so much ahead in her life in Mexico that we never even touched on.

This was a nice tempting story that will keep me looking for more about her life and work.

I would like to thank the publisher for providing me with a Netgally Advanced Reader Copy in exchange for a an honest review.

[Lolly K Dandeneau · Rating 4 out of 5]

via my blog: https://bookstalkerblog.wordpress.com/
𝐈𝐭 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐚 𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐝 𝐨𝐟 𝐪𝐮𝐢𝐜𝐤𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠, 𝐚𝐬 𝐢𝐟 𝐬𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐡𝐚𝐝 𝐛𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐚𝐬𝐥𝐞𝐞𝐩 𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐰𝐚𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠.

Leonora Carrington hungers to abandon the trappings of her upper class future, seduced by the freedom of the surrealists, knowing she will disappoint her parent's expectations. Finishing schools and approved suitors be damned, she will have a bohemian life where every desire is explored, to hell with what others think! She longs to trust her gut, and her 'unconscious appetite' just like the surrealists. No one understands her quite as Max Ernst does, the German surrealist whose paintings have mesmerized her since she first set eye upon them. No lover can unleash the passion within her, make her simmer, soar quite like this older, wildly fascinating man, despite the 27 year age difference between them. After meeting at a dinner party, Leonora plunges into a scandalous love affair with the married man, despite her father's feelings, that he and his art are immoral.

It is with shock that their daughter, who will never be a well behaved woman as her station demands, informs her parents she is moving with Max to Paris, that he will leave his wife and become her lover. Her father cuts her off without another pence ever again, tells her she will die penniless and that her shadow shall never again darken his door! It's not marriage she wants, it is the experience of following her passions, the call of freedom and the warm embrace of Max. For a while, she will come alive under Ernst's penetrating gaze, learn about the many forms of love through his friends, and feel emotions stir inside her that incite fear and pleasure. No one will challenge her like Max, and she is just as intoxicating to him. What if he ever left? How could she go on? In his circle, people like Lee Miller, Man Ray, Andre Breton and lovers people share between them, such unconventional living is a fire in her blood. The company of freedom loving souls is an endless source to her artistic mind, a place she feels most like her real self unlike the stuffy world her parent's would trap her in. Even dreams have their nightmares, she hadn't accounted for Max's violently angry, deeply devout wife Marie-Berthe, who refuses to make escape easy for the pair. That is only the beginning of the obstacles fate will put in their path.

The beautiful paradise the lovers find when they settle into a home in Saint-Martin is marred by the horror of Max's arrest. Leonora carries on as best she can, working on her paintings and keeping hope alive, her heart warmed only by letters from Max. When he comes back, something has changed about him, deadened inside by being captive. Germany is invading, the world has gone mad and Max is taken a second time- this is where everything falls away. Leonora will be brought to her knees with the waiting, wasting into a shell of herself. Darkness and ugliness seem to be the only thing on the horizon, the Paris they knew is unrecognizable, everyone is fighting to get their visas, to flee to the safety of other countries. She is steadfast in her love, waiting always for Max, until she surrenders the freedoms she fiercely clings to, loses it all, including possibly her sanity when her father has her locked up in a Spanish asylum. Max, she knows, was on his way to an internment camp and now, could be anywhere. She has no way of knowing that he fled and was trying to return to her, his beloved. Salvation comes, but it isn't Max.

They both make choices influenced by the dangerous times and desperation that drive them further from each other's arms. Not all marriages are for love. Sometimes, fate takes the strongest of us all and leaves us fragile. Peggy Guggenheim helps artists, labeled degenerates and enemies, escape to America. Max is is dire need of her protection, but what is the cost for them both? When Max and Leonora are once again in each other's orbit, everything that has happened since they last saw one another has changed them both, maybe even their love. Who is she without Max? How will she ever learn where he ends and she begins, must they remain intertwined for all eternity? What about the others who are left cold by the glow of Max and Leonora's love? In truth love, just like man, is never an island. How can either of them make a life worth living? Max is free to experience whatever tickles his fancy, but often at the expense and pain of the women who love him. He may have helped Leonora tap into her artist's heart, but there was already a master within her soul waiting to be released. She will become a great artist in her own right, making thousands of works of art before her death, living to the ripe age of 94. Their love will be stretched as if on a torturer's rack before fate is through with them. For a time, they will carry each other in their hearts, but love- is it enough?

This isn't really Max Ernst's story, it's Leonora's, who in the end may be the wiser lover, despite her youth.
Perfect for art lovers and an engaging story about the resilience of one woman who would fight to live the way she wanted, unapologetically in a time it simply wasn't done.

Publication Date: May 1, 2021
Avid Reader Press

[Nan Williams · Rating 3 out of 5]

This novel was not what I thought it was going to be about. I suppose one more “enlightened” than I would say it featured sexual freedom, but since I’m an old fogie, it was simply debauchery and sexual depravity among those in the surrealist artistic movement. Consequently, 20% was enough for me to decide that it was not a story I wanted to pursue.

There are doubtless many others who can either overlook or enjoy the scenes of bacchanalia as the book, itself, seemed to be reasonably well written except for the dual time line which made the storyline very choppy and difficult to follow. It was also an interesting time in history. to learn about the artistic movements considering what was going on - ie. the world-wide great depression followed by WWII.

I received this ARC from NetGalley and the publisher, Avid Reader Press – Simon & Schuster, in exchange for an honest review.

[Brooke · Rating 3 out of 5]

Art, alcohol, adultery. That’s what this book is about.

I had a hard time staying invested in the characters because there were so many of them. Not knowing hardly anything about Surrealism, surrealist artists, or their lives, this book was difficult for me to follow. While this had some interesting points in the story, I felt bogged down with the names, places, and descriptions of paintings that I have never heard of before. The parts of the story that were more about the artists’ lives was much more enjoyable for me.

I don’t know much (or really anything) about the characters who are real people. But there was so much drinking and swapping spouses and blatant, knowing affairs and crude moments that I was uncomfortable through a lot of the story. Cringe-worthy, if you will. Maybe that was common for that time period and that group of people, I don’t know. But it was not something I expected to read about so often in this book. The description of the book mentions no such thing, and it was definitely unexpected.

I hate to give this only 3 stars because I do think the writing was good and there were some great descriptions. I just think I am too naïve to this subject to fully understand what was happening.

I would recommend this book to someone who is more versed in surrealism and art in general. Unfortunately, I think this book will only be perceived well by a very specific audience, and I am clearly not part of it.

Thank you to NetGalley and Avid Reader Press for the advanced copies of this book. All opinions are my own.

[Janice · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars
I developed a love for art history while attending college a number of years ago, so it is no surprise that I would love Leonora in the Morning Light. Although I don't remember hearing anything about Leonora Carrington in the past, this book is a fictionalized account of her life. She was a young aspiring artist in Britain who fled both her domineering father, and the educational system that kept trying to fit her into a traditional girl's role. While still in her teens, Leonora left for Paris in 1938, partly lured there by Surreal artist Max Ernst, who soon became her lover. While living in Paris, and later in rural parts of France, Leonora became friends with many other artists of that time, including names I recognized like Picasso, Lee Miller, Man Ray, Andre Breton, and numerous others. During this time Leonora continued to create her own body of work and to develop her many skills, as painter, sculptor, writer, etc. Michaela Carter does a tremendous job of making Leonora come alive in her descriptions of her friendships, her thoughts about her life with Ernst, her joys and her fears. Even as a young child Leonora had a fascination with the magical, which was encouraged by her Celtic maternal grandmother, who described for her an ancient race, the Sidhe, fantastical creatures who appeared in much of Carrington's art work.
Ms. Carter tells of Leonora's life during WWII when she fled France to get away from the Nazis, her time living in Spain, and later Portugal. Eventually she was able to board a ship for the U.S. where she lived for a brief time, then moving to Mexico where she lived for many years. In Mexico City Leonora became very much a part of the art circles there, becoming friends with Frida Kahlo, and Remdios Varo.
Since reading this book I have been lead to research and learn more about Leonora Carrington, her life and her art. Currently I am reading Leonora Carrington: Surrealism, Alchemy and Art by Susan L. Aberth. Reading this nonfiction account confirms that Michaela Carter closely followed the known facts about Ms. Carrington's life while also inventing dialog and thoughts for Leonora. This volume by Ms. Alberth also contains many copies of Leonora Carrington's work, from her art to her sculpture. The anthropomorphic figures she created are so creative and alluring, that I have loved looking at these enchanting pictures. And I appreciate that it was Ms Carter's writing of Leonora Carrington's life that led me to want to know and see more about this artist. I want to thank the publisher Avid Reader Press for sending me a copy of this book, which I highly recommend to those who love historical fiction or art history.

[Rebecca · Rating 3 out of 5]

Artists Leonora and Max fall in love but Max's wife and World War II intervene.

Despite this book professing to be about art, one of my favorite subjects, I was never hooked by the characters or the story. The most interesting parts were about Peggy Guggenheim so now I need to find a book about her. Much to my disappointment, it focused much more on the war than art and I was left sorely disappointed. And bored.

Location: Paris, France

[Patricia · Rating 3 out of 5]

In the opening scene, I enjoyed the clever way Carter walked her readers through Sidhe the White People of Tuatha de Dannan. That description had me eager to learn more about where that painting came from. I would have liked this book to go deeper into this than the random appearances of Sidhe floating through walls. I could have done well with less on the relationship with Ernst. To be fair, the title of the book (the title of Ernst's portrait of Leonora) does tell the reader it's going to be about Ernst and Carrington. Carrington's struggle to free herself to be a creator not just a muse is certainly important. It was just tough going for me at points. In the opening scenes of the courtship, it's hard to tell whether Carter wants to suggest Ernst is acting like a predator and objectifying Leonora (and the other women in his life) or if she is writing a racy romance. I did end up liking the characters enough to worry for them throughout the horrors of World War II. However, it seems like the book really started to get interesting when Carrington gets to Mexico, and that's where it ends.

[Milena · Rating 4 out of 5]

Manchmal waren die Zeitsprünge etwas wirr, aber ich habe das Gefühl, Menschen mit einem interessanten und tiefgründigen Innenleben kennengelernt zu haben. "Die Surrealistin" ist ein Buch, bei dem man traurig ist, wenn es vorbei ist.

[Tessimo Mahuta · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sexy, arty version of 'All the The Light We Cannot See'. The dread, anxiety, disoassociation - luminosity, brilliance, and cataclysmic energy of the Second World War through the eyes of an artist.

[Christina Dawson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good book 📖 I would recommend it.

[Jgrace · Rating 5 out of 5]

Leonora in the Morning Light - Carter
4.5 stars

“Art is something one does, she decides, not something one needs to talk about. It exists without explanation. Everyone will have their own interpretation anyway.”

Lacking any artistic ability myself, I am fascinated with artists, the visual arts, and the artistic process. I love historical fiction of any time period, but WW2 is an endless source for human drama. This book checks all the boxes. It did not disappoint.

The book begins in 1937 as the 20-year-old Leonora Carrington begins an affair with the much older, married, Max Ernst. She follows him to Paris, committed to the love affair and her own artistic ambitions. There was a bit of confusing name dropping as Leonora is exposed to every famous surrealist on Hilter’s degenerate art list. I alternated reading with google image searches. The descriptions were immersive. I felt that along with the young Leonora, I had also been dropped into the overwhelming frenetic, creative energy of the cafes and studios. It would have been exciting and a bit scary even without the threat of a German invasion.

The book is written from three perspectives; Leonora Carrington, Max Ernst, and later Peggy Guggenheim. For Leonora it's a difficult coming of age saga as she struggles to assert herself as an artist in the presence of Ernst’s domestic and artistic dominance. From the beginning, the author tied Carrington’s creative genius to her fragile mental health. The interpretation of dreams was fundamental to surrealism. The narrative is dreamlike and bizarre during those times Carrington lost contact with the terrifying reality of the German threat.

Ernst’s story is often related as flashbacks during the two occasions that he is in prison camps before managing to leave France. There are horrible descriptions of the prison camp conditions. He was a German citizen. He was arrested first as an enemy alien. After the invasion, his political and artistic reputation marked him as an enemy to the Reich. I felt much sympathy for his suffering. Despite knowing that he was able to leave Europe, I felt all the tension and fear of the narrow escape. However, unlike the author, I have a bit more trouble believing in the depth of his love for Leonora Carrington. Maybe, it’s just that I cannot believe that theirs was ever a healthy relationship.

“This is not the story of the Great Man’s Woman. This is the story of the Great Woman.”
This is a quote from the author’s notes. They were easily the most interesting and thorough concluding notes that I’ve ever read at the end of an historical novel. Throughout the book, Carter has followed a feminist theme. Most of the book looks intensely at the Carrington/ Ernst affair. But, there are continuing friendships with other artists, many of them female. The conflict between female muse and female artist causes constant tension. Toward the end of the book Carter writes a chapter devoted to Peggy Guggenheim’s 1943 gallery show, Exhibition by 31 Women. Of the 31 there were few names that I recognized. This quote was attributed to Guggenheim at the exhibition’s opening, “We don’t expect women to make art, much less remarkable art. The truth is, for women to accomplish anything of worth in the world, they have more hurtles in their path than men do. More walls they must scale. But this effort, this triumph, all too often goes unappreciated.”

I’m not an expert, but has it really changed very much?

[Pascale · Rating 5 out of 5]

Disclaimer: I received an Advance Reader's Copy from NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

I only became aware of Leonora Carrington when her short stories were re-issued recently. Her work is strange and beautiful, and it was oh so lovely to be able to read a fictionalized account of what her life might have been.

I'm not certain to what degree Carter has been faithful to history, but what she presents is entirely plausible in my mind, and the research must have been quite extensive. I particularly appreciate the attention that she paid to Leonora's work, and her vision as well as the development of all the Surrealist movement members who pass through the pages. I had no knowledge of Leonore Fini or of Max Ernst and am thrilled to discover that there is surrealist art that I can understand - I can appreciate Breton, Dali and Picasso, but I don't understand what it is I am meant to be seeing.

My one complaint is that the story opens in the not so distant past when Leonora is speaking with a reporter, and then we are transported in the pre-WWII era, I would have liked to have the novel close as it began with Leonora making observations on her life.

I was completely engaged with the novel and experienced a great many emotions along with Leonora and Max. I'm very greatful to have found this gem.

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This historical novel’s elegant prose is so descriptive that the reader can almost feel themselves a part of Carrington’s nightmarish visions, or, in happier times, engaged in repartee with her artistic friends. Ms. Carter has created a novel with so much detail and historical background that it takes a strong constitution to get through parts of the story. The story of Max Ernst’s internment is all too familiar, but painful to read.

LEONORA IN THE MORNING LIGHT introduces a new generation of women to Leonora Carrington. I knew her name, but not her story and this book is a reminder of the strength it required in the early 20th Century for women to pursue a career, forego family expectations, and “ live their own life,” however imperfect.

Netgalleybprovided me a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for a candid review.