Through a fictitious collection of manuscripts and letters we
learn of the famous artists that lived in Hotel Biron during the end of the 19th
c. American photographer, Eduard
Steichen is the guiding voice of the novel, bringing together the artists as
they speak through their own writing. In
these manuscripts and letters, author Laura Marello, brilliantly brings out the
artists’ tribulations, reflections, conflicts and for some, a heart-wrenching
romance.
Delectably written, we feel Camille Claudel’s restless and
unsatisfying love for Rodin along with the burning energy that consumed the
particular artists of the time: Rousseau, Matisse, Picasso, Rilke and
others. Not only do we get a feeling for
what went through the minds of these great names, but we also get a sense of
how they got to where they were through some retrospective recounting of
marking points in their lives. For
instance, the possibility that the death of Rodin’s sister, would forever
determine his inability to fulfill meaningful and lasting relationships with
women becomes very real. The author challenges us to envision the minds and
circumstances of this predominantly misunderstood clan in the imminence of
World War 1.
Stories of artists painted through manuscripts that come to
life- dreamy yet plausible; The Tenants of Hotel Biron is a true delight for
lovers of the arts, history and literature alike. Almost feels like I got to know the artists
personally- Excellent!
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