Life Studies: Stories

In this collection of finely crafted historical and contemporary stories, Vreeland transports readers through time, from Paris in the 1840s, to present-day California, allowing them to witness the inspiration behind--and in some cases the creation--of great works of art.

With her richly textured novels Susan Vreeland has offered pioneering portraits of the artistas life. Now, in a collection of profound wisdom and beauty, she explores the transcendent power of art through the eyes of ordinary people. "Life Studies" begins with historic tales that, rather than focusing directly on the great Impressionist and Post-Impressionist masters themselves, render those on the peripheryatheir lovers, servants, and childrenaas their personal experiences play out against those of Manet, Monet, van Gogh, and others. Vreeland then gives us contemporary stories in which her charactersaa teacher, a construction worker, and an orphan for exampleaencounter art in meaningful, often surprising ways. A fascinating exploration of the lasting strength of art in everyday life, "Life Studies" is a dazzling addition to Vreelandas outstanding body of work.