Orphan Train was a fabulous book by Christina Baker Kline. There was so much to learn about a time period in American history that was little understood. Now she has outdone herself with her newest novel, based on the real life of Christina Olson, the muse for 30 years of famous painter, Andrew Wyeth.
This is just on the level of a novel an incredible story. Beautifully expressed through Christina's eyes, her life and debilitating disease are laid bare in cool facts without too much emotion. Christina for the most part accepted her lot in life and made the most of it. There are times when she brings the reader to the edge of tears for a woman who never found true love, but just at that point Christina either, does something to push people and the reader away, or shows her strength of character and the reader is not given the opportunity to feel sorry for her.
I can never look at the painting of "Christina's World" the same way again. Now one must look up close and examine the grass, the colors, the house and the woman who is reaching out toward what she was wanted the most, "a normal life". Both Christina and Andrew Wyeth had hard childhoods and both had a limp. Both had hard relationships with their fathers. Andrew says to Christina at one point, "It's brave to resist the pull of the familiar. To be selfish about your own needs. I wrestle with that everyday." They each had strong ideas of what they wanted out of life and worked hard to live the life they wanted on their own terms.
No comments:
Post a Comment