A revolutionary artist considered a master of his time and true genius in the field.  There’s much to appreciate when it comes to his craft.  

 

Ah…but his private life.  Known as a chauvinist and cad, Picasso regularly seduced women for his own pleasure and inspiration.  Never faithful, his abusive nature calls to question his allure and charisma.

 

Picassso’s lovers… and there were many.  In Mackin’s fictional rendering, she blends history with imagination allowing the women an opportunity to step outside of the paintings they inspired.    

 

Told in dual timeline, we see Picasso and his women at two different stages. In the 1920s, we follow Sara, who runs in the same social circle as Picasso. This timeline brims with fun… the dinners, the parties, the afternoons by the sea!  In the McCarthy era 1950s, we follow Alana, an art writer with deep connections to Picasso.  This timeline is more mysterious…but Alana might be the one most surprised by what she uncovers.  

 

The 1920s timeline was my favorite and easily pulled me in.  The scenes in Paris.  The time along the French Riviera.  Those are two of my favorite places, and this book set a vivid scene that took me back.  

 

While this book provided an interesting perspective on Picasso and his life, it’s worth noting that it included some of my least favorite tropes.  While one was apropos to Picasso’s history, the other didn’t feel necessary (especially twice).  Unfortunately, this diminished my overall enjoyment.  

 

I always appreciate a book with a unique bend, and Mackin’s shift to the women’s point of view does just that in Picasso’s lovers.