Rate this book

The Gallery Of Vanished Husbands (2013)

by Natasha Solomons(Favorite Author)

3.52 of 5 Votes: 5

ISBN

0142180548 (ISBN13: 9780142180549)

languge

English

genre

Fiction

publisher

Plume

review 1: The novel gives a fascinating insight into Jewish culture and beliefs. Initially it depicts Juliet's frustration and hopelessness of her situation, as she becomes increasingly torn between her Jewish heritage and wanting to break free from it. I felt her mother's desperation and love for Juliet, as she struggles to keep her daughter within the confines of her religion and community and yet, at the same time, reluctantly accepts her daughter's choices. I enjoyed the chapter headings, which take the title of paintings at different stages of her life. However, as the story progresses my sympathy and liking of Juliet began to wane- in the end I found her to be selfish, showing little understanding of her children's needs- and especially her own daughter, whom I felt she rej... moreected just because she wanted to remain Jewish and wasn't "arty" like her. I couldn't help feeling that in the end her continual desire to have her portrait painted was nothing but a vain self indulgence.
review 2: Chose to read this book because the title intrigued me and the the truth behind the title is an interesting glimpse into the history of the Jewish people. I never realized the limbo that Jewish women whose husbands had vanished found themselves in. This novel allows us to follow Juliet Montague who rebels against the strictures imposed upon her when she finds herself in this position. She finds herself in the art world of 1960s London and as the years progress she has her portrait painted by scores of artists. I really liked the way that a description of some of the paintings (as if from an art catelogue) are the focus points for different chapters of Juliet's life. Would recommend this book highly. less

Download links for: The Gallery of Vanished Husbands

Advertising