Lydia Cassatt Reading the Morning Paper

Review by Jane
This book was inspired by the works of art created in Paris in 1870’s and 1880’s where an artist named Mary Cassatt had her sister pose for her. This book tells the story of their lives from the model’s point of view. To look at the painting of Lydia reading the paper, you cannot guess the life that was going on within her. She lived in an interesting time and place. She was acquainted with interesting people of the time, including her sister’s artistic friends who become famous painters in history. And she struggled with Bright’s disease.

Since it is written from the perspective of Lydia, little is said about the motives Mary had for her desires to paint her sister in painting after painting. But, she undoubtedly admires Lydia. It is hard not to admire her, and Mary, both.

This book was fairly short. The ease with which the story was told made it pleasant. Lydia was always looking to the positive. But, the story of her suffering was told as well. She clearly would choose to live if at all possible. While physically weak, she showed great strength and courage. Her modeling was a sign of her not giving up.

Jane.