It's nineteenth century Paris with studios, salons and working artists. One can almost feel the clay in their hands. This story, though, is about Camille Claudel, a woman who is strives to create sculptures as memorable as any man, certainly more than those by her tutor, Auguste Rodin. While she accomplished more than other woman sculptors of the time, few recognized her for her talent, and talent she had in abundance. Male artists assumed her work was Rodin's or a copy of his. Her father, however, early recognized her talent and the family moved to Paris so she could study and hone her skills. This is where she met Rodin.

Not normally one to encourage women in sculpture, Rodin relents when he meets Camille and views her work. Their relationship develops cautiously for Camille is aware of his partner, Rose Beuret, and their child. The chemistry between Rodin and Claudel is exciting but also frightening. The two are true artists who collaborate on commission after commission as each recognizes what needs to be done by the other. However, Rodin's fame emerges while Camille's stagnantes. Always she needs money to buy materials, pay rent and heat her studio while searching for the best models she can afford.

Early in life, Camille had begun to hear voices that strengthen with time. She may have suffered from schizophrenia. Anger developed as she viewed her world different from what it was. As she became more unbalanced she saw her work faulty so much so that at one point she smashed of much of it. One can still find examples of her sculpture today and view the powerful pieces she created. This is a powerful, emotional and fascinating book. Kudos to the author for this fine novel.

Share/Like this Review?