Blog written by Meredith
The Museum of Modern Love by Heather Rose, winner of the 2017 Stellar Prize, proved a very popular choice.
Woven around the true story of Marina Abromovic and ‘The Artist is Present’ in 2010 at MoMA, this novel is based around the characters who were drawn to Marina during this time, their personal lives and loves.
Over the course of three months, for eight hours a day Marina sat silently across from an empty chair and waited as people took turns to sit and lock eyes with her.
This performance was the inspiration for Rose’s 7th novel and led to her Stellar Prize.
It was muted that perhaps Marina was the main interest in the story, however, it was argued well that we probably wouldn’t have read it if it hadn’t been a novel.
A beautifully written novel about life and art, courage and fear, and the fulfilment of love and marriage.
Our bookclub awarded this novel no less than an 8 out of 10 and even received one 10 out of 10.
Highly recommended.
Our next meeting is on Sept 19 at Sally's and our selection is Home Fire by Kamila Shamsie
Lee's comment :
ReplyDeleteThis morning I finished reading the fabulous book you choose. It was
difficult to put it down between swims in the Adriatic and visiting all
the beautiful little towns along the Croatian coast. I was thoroughly
entranced with the story and the characters and the Śinsightą into the
art of Marina Abramovic. In book club we have had several coming of age
stories, now with Extinctions and The Museum of Modern Love we are moving
into middle and later ages and confronting our lives and our deaths. Old
as I am, I seem to be relating to these later topics. In The Museum of
Modern Love I was so very moved by the relationship of Arky and Lydia and
the ending left me breathless. The writing throughout was so thoughtful
and beautiful, unlike any book I have read before, such a contemplation
on art and life and the fulfilment of love and marriage. I had of course
read about Marina Abramovic and knew of her performance works and
especially of The Artist is Present, but in reading about it I never
realised the effect it could have of those attending, or on the artist
herself. It seemed to me at the time to be a rather self indulgent work,
never even thinking about the physical pain or commitment. How shallow
am I! In reading the book I was completely bowled over by the depth of
thinking on art and life by Heather Rose, and her use of language. I am
lost for words in trying to describe her wonderful use of language; her
pauses, her thoughts, her rhythm of writing. If we are giving a number
to our experience of delight and enjoyment of this book, for me nothing
less than a 10/10 can even describe how much I loved it. Thank you so
much for introducing us all to this brilliant book and author.
Have a wonderful night. I hope everyone loved it as much as I did.
What an amazing story ! This book has given me a new found respect for performance artists. The author was so clever to use Marina Abramovic‘s unbelievable feat of 3 months at the MOMA to weave characters and their stories around her - whether it was someone who participated in the one on one with Marina or just spectators watching on the side.
ReplyDeleteI really warmed to the central character of Arky Levin and his dilemma regarding his wife. Jane was also a sympathetic figure. Can you imagine the impact Marina must have had on those who watch her perform when Arky creates a “dummie” Marina at home ? Extraordinary ! I also found the journey Marina took on the Great Wall towards her ex lover so sad and touching...
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Rating it 9/10 and thanks Meredith for choosing it !
Sorry to miss the discussion but look forward to hearing what you all thought.