Keeping The World Away - Margaret Forster - Book 19

Like many of Margaret Forster's books, Keeping the World Away deals with the lives of women. This time the lives of 6 women are recounted through the device of a picture of an attic room painted by Gwen John, the first woman in the story. Gwen John was a real artist, often overlooked during her lifetime, and the start of her painting career is the launchpad for this story. The strangely haunting picture affects everyone who owns it, giving them a message that helps them to deal with issues in their lives. Along the way we get the feel of major European cities and tiny hamlets at different times over a period of 100 years. The stories intersect, giving us the chance to resolve unanswered questions about each woman who has previously owned the picture - and the novel ends with the knowledge that the painting will continue its journey - and its effect. A good read.

Amazon's description:

An enigmatic painting by Gwen John created as the young English artist pined for her neglectful lover, Rodin, connects the disparate characters in this century-spanning sentimental tale. Forlorn Gwen paints a canvas of a corner of her Paris flat intended to "signify herself—calm, peaceful, content" and gives it to a friend, who misplaces it. So begins the painting's journey as it ends up in the possession of an artistically bankrupt teenager, an impoverished nurse, a downtrodden farmer, a scorned wife, an aging woman returning to Paris after a long absence and, finally, a promising art student, all of whom find either strength or solace in the valuable work. Though the men characters are less than convincing, Forster captures a wide swath of 20th-century European womanhood. (Aug.)
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