Luncheon of the Boating Party (2)

THE LUNCHEON OF THE BOATING PARTY by Susan Vreeland

Book Club Book!

RATING SYSTEM

1 – I did not like the book at all.

2 – It was decent, but I would not recommend it.
3 – It was an enjoyable read. Recommendation could go either way.
4 – It was a very good book. I would recommend it.
5 – It was an excellent book! Must read!!
6 – A new personal favorite – new top ten spot. Must read!

BOOK RATING

I give this book a 2.

“LUNCHEON OF THE…” SYNOPSIS

A novelization of how Auguste Renoir’s famous painting “Luncheon of the Boating Party” was created.

“Instantly recognizable, [Renoir’s] masterpiece portrays fourteen lively, diverse, and elegant Parisians enjoying a summer Sunday along the Seine. An art collector, an Italian journalist, a war hero, a wealthy painter, a celebrated actress, and Renoir’s future wife are among those sharing this joyous moment of la vie modern. But who were they really and what were their lives truly like? Narrated by Renoir and seven of the models, and using settings in Paris and along the Seine, [Vreeland’s] vibrant novel recreates their lives, loves, losses, and triumphs to illuminate the gusto, hedonism, and art of the era.”

                                                                                          
STATS

Pages:                         429
Published Year:        2007     
Personal Rating:       2 (of 6)
Type:                           Paperback, Personal Collection, Book Club
Genre:                         Historical Fiction
 
THOUGHTS

As you can see, I really am not raving about this book and neither did my book club. I always write my own book synopsis, but this time I didn’t even bother.

The book held my attention, but it was all one-note. I was interested in the characters and what happened to them. I didn’t dread picking up the book. However, there was no climax. It was all one flat line of “things happening.” It was like “and then this happened… and then this… and then this…” And you knew at the end of the book he would finish the painting, so it almost felt like… why are we bothering?

Like I said, I did get attached to the characters – not in an affectionate way, but in a “I wonder what will happen to them?” way.

If you are stranded on a desert island with only this book, I say read it. If you love Renoir, be my guest! Otherwise… maybe look elsewhere.

 

PERSONAL

I’m almost done with my first semester (of my last year) at school. I’m also almost done with my first semester internships. It’s been a long road. Looking forward to a holiday-time break. Six months left of school!

Don’t forget to check out the Facebook page for the new soap company I’m starting: Facebook.com/AshleySoaps! Going to start an Etsy page in January!!