Average Bufph Rating: 3.0 / 5.0
Susan Vreeland
2012-03-20
NATIONAL BESTSELLER
It’s 1893, and at the Chicago World’s Fair, Louis Comfort Tiffany makes his debut with a luminous exhibition of innovative stained-glass windows that he hopes will earn him a place on the international artistic stage. But behind the scenes in his New York studio is the freethinking Clara Driscoll, head of his women’s division, who conceives of and designs nearly all of the iconic leaded-glass lamps for which Tiffany will long be remembered. Never publicly acknowledged, Clara struggles with her desire for artistic recognition and the seemingly insurmountable challenges that she faces as a professional woman. She also yearns for love and companionship, and is devoted in different ways to five men, including Tiffany, who enforces a strict policy: He does not employ married women. Ultimately, Clara must decide what makes her happiest—the professional world of her hands or the personal world of her heart.
Vreeland's novel is an exquisite portrayal of artistic passion and collaboration, set against the backdrop of the birth of the Arts and Crafts movement. Her depiction of the symbiotic relationship between artist and patron is both poignant and inspiring. The narrative's rich, sensorial detail and its exploration of the themes of creativity, ambition, and the interplay between personal and professional life offer a refreshing contrast to my usual fare. This historical fiction, with its deep dive into the world of stained glass artistry, is a testament to the transformative power of beauty and vision.
