Rodin’s Lover by Heather Webb is a fascinating journey back in time. It takes us into the lives of sculptors Auguste Rodin and Camille Claudel and sweeps us through their passionate and often volatile relationship together.
Camille Claudel was not your typical woman of the 1800’s. Not only was she a talented sculptor; she was also fiercely independent and determined to succeed as an artist in a man’s world. Growing up with a mother who never showed her love and constantly berated her for one reason or another only made Camille strive harder for the future she wanted.
Meeting the great artist Auguste Rodin changes Camille’s life forever. He not only makes Camille his apprentice but also his muse. The attraction between the two is magnetic and inspires them both to create amazing works of art. Not all is perfect in their relationship though. For years Rodin has lived with a woman called Rose who has taken care of him and given him a son. Despite his troubled relationship with her he is unwilling to leave her. This sparks a fierce jealousy in Camille who believes if Rodin loved her as much as he claims to he should be able to leave Rose and make her, Camille, his whole life. It is not to be and eventually the volatile nature of their relationship and the pressures of trying to succeed in the male dominated art world pushes Camille to the edge of madness and beyond.
Rodin’s Lover is a beautifully written book and steeped in history. From the first to the last page I was fully drawn into the lives of Camille and Auguste and enjoyed every minute. In fact this novel prompted me to do further reading on both characters because I was so intrigued by them and their art. Rodin’s Lover is perfect for those who enjoy historical fiction and will also appeal to those who enjoy novels about dramatic relationships. Highly recommended!
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GIVEAWAY – OPEN TO US & CANADIAN RESIDENTS
1 paperback copy up for giveaway.
*CLICK HERE* and fill out the form to enter
Draw Date February 14/15
Rules (as per Tour Co.)
– Must be 18 or older to enter.
– Giveaway is open to US & Canadian residents only.
– Only one entry per household.
– All giveaway entrants agree to be honest and not cheat the systems; any suspect of fraud is decided upon by blog/site owner and the sponsor, and entrants may be disqualified at our discretion.
I love books with a historical background. This sounds like an interesting read.
Ann
I have been fascinated with Rodin from the first time I visited the Rodin museum in Paris. “Up front and personal” with his sculptures and sketches made my mouth drop. “The Gates of Hell” is truly impressive and a sculpture that takes quite awhile to study.
I would love to read this book and get to know the artist even more.
Thank you for hosting yet another fabulous book giveaway, Darlene! I will add it to my blog’s sidebar. The book sounds fascinating.
This sounds like an interesting book, thank you for sharing
Great review, Dar! I’m thrilled that you enjoyed Rodin’s Lover and I appreciate you hosting Heather’s blog tour.
Good luck to everyone entering the giveaway!
Amy
HF Virtual Book Tours
I love everything. About this tour. I can’t wait to read the book.Sounds so amazing.
Carol L
I’m really looking forward to reading this book. I’ve not read about Rodin or Camille Claudel, but I have read Debra Finerman’s novel,”Mademoiselle Victorine”, which is about Edouard Manet’s muse, Victorine Meurant. It was based during the same period I believe, and as I recall, Victorine and Manet had a relationship (in the book) that was a bit turbulent also. I certainly enjoyed reading that novel, and so I’m excited about Ms. Webb’s too. Thank you for the giveaway.
Kim H.