Born in the home her family had lived in for generations, and increasingly incapacitated by illness, Christina seemed destined for a small life. Told in evocative and lucid prose, A Piece of the World is a story about the burdens and blessings of family history, and how artist and muse can come together to forge a new and timeless legacy. Her story is both sad and empowering. I agree that she went through much bitterness in her life (who wouldn't?!?!) 2.5 stars, [Poll Ballot] A Piece of the World by Christina Baker Kline - 3 stars, Good Minds Suggest: Christina Baker Kline's Favorite Novels on Hardship and Resilience. Her world is restricted by a strict father who makes her quit school at 12, even though she exhibits brilliance, because she is needed to do chores. It's a fictionalized account, but very well researched and based in fact. Like Mona Lisa. Top subscription boxes – right to your door, © 1996-2021, Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates, Visit Amazon's Christina Baker Kline Page. An evocative, beautifully written, exquisitely researched historical novel that will both teach and enthrall the reader. Something went wrong. Just a moment while we sign you in to your Goodreads account. Did you see Christina as being bitter by the books end? https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christina%27s_World#/media/File:Christinasworld.jpg What are your thoughts on the painting- I haven't read the book yet. Andrew Wyeth, his painting Christina's World would immortalize this young woman and her life. I had a framed print of "Christina's World" in my room as a teen and often wondered about the woman in the faded pink dress. ", 4.5 stars. Bio; FAQs; Contact; Gallery; Newsletter A #1 New York Times bestselling author of eight novels, including The Exiles, Orphan Train, and A Piece of the World, Christina Baker Kline is published in 40 countries. Based on a popular painting by Andrew Weyth called Christina`s World the author looks at how in that snapshot of Christina`s life he has perfectly captured her trapped in a world she can never escape from. but her final thought after seeing her painting, I felt like was a sense of calm, completion...of finally being understood, or as she says, " What she wants most---what she truly yearns for---is what any of us want: to be seen. Labels follow us where we are in life. Her life was centred around the home she’d been born in – the family farm in Cushing, Maine. Thoughtful teens who appreciate literary fiction will find Christina's pragmatism and pride admirable. A Piece of the World is a story for those who want the mysterious made real. Christina lived a tough life along with her brother Al on the neighboring farm. Wyeth and his young wife summered near the Olson homestead between the 1930s and 1960s, and he often used Olson and her brother as models in his work. We can all be tied to anchores and while some are able to pull themselves free, others let it pull them under. A Piece of this World is inspired by Andrew Wyeth’s painting, Christina’s World. This book is marvelous. I once wrote about labels and how obsessed our society is about confining us to our assumed roles and identities. Learn more about Christina at www.christinabakerkline.com. Thanks for exploring this SuperSummary Plot Summary of “A Piece Of The World” by Christina Baker Kline. Christina Baker Kline is the author of six novels, including the #1 New York Times bestseller Orphan Train as well as A Piece of the World. She becomes set in her ways as she and her brother run the farm and their parents are no more. No. Andrew encounters the Olsons through their neighbor Betsy and he decides to express their lives via a painting. 12. W. Andrew Wyeth spent his summers painting in Cushing, Maine and he was especially drawn to the Olson House and its occupants. Christina's constricted, shallow life (mostly self-imposed) makes for an uninspiring read. --Kristin Hannah From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the smash bestseller Orphan Train, a... Free shipping over $10. I loved that line! Christina's movement is restricted by a crippling disease she was born with that only worsens as she gets older. Later her heart is broken by a Harvard man and her place is pretty set. New York, N.Y.: William Morrow, 2017. I have to disagree! As Andrew puts paint to canvas, the det. Bringing into focus the flesh-and-blood woman behind the portrait, Kline vividly imagines her life—with her complicated relationship to her family and her past, and her special bond with one of our greatest modern artists. The house is her prison not just her home. The arid moonscape of wheatgrass and timothy. I had read several good reviews for this book by people whose opinions I trust so I expected that I would like it too. Citations should be used as a guideline and should be double checked for accuracy. February 21st 2017 From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the smash bestseller Orphan Train, a stunning and atmospheric novel of friendship, passion, and art, inspired by Andrew Wyeth’s mysterious and iconic painting Christina’s World. Another winner from the author of Orphan Train. Another great one from this great author! Told in evocative and lucid prose, A Piece of the World is a story about the burdens and blessings of family history, and how artist and muse can come together to forge a new and timeless legacy. The arid moonscape of wheatgrass and timothy. Christina Olson is the protagonist of the novel. This book mixes poetic language with emotional prose that is honest and most definitely brutal. 1939 Welcome back. Wyeth is showing Christina, who had a debilitating neuromuscular disease, as a woman with many qualities. Her condition is the weight that drags her down. Made to leave school by her father at twelve years of age, Christina’s yearning to become a teacher fell by the wayside at her father’s demand that she was needed on the farm…. Christina, by … Bringing into focus the flesh-and-blood woman behind the portrait, she vividly imagines the life of a woman with a complicated relationship to her family and her past, and a special bond with one of our greatest modern artists. A must-read for winter/spring! A Piece of the World: A Novel. I have not read the book yet but plan to. A book I would recommend though I would warn you it isn't a read you will find easy going but it is a book you will feel delighted you read. Andrew encounters the Olsons through their neighbor Betsy and he decides to express their lives via a painting. Refresh and try again. And look. He thought I wouldn’t like the way he portrayed me: dragging myself across the field, fingers clutching dirt, my legs twisted behind. A Piece of the World is a historical novel by Christina Baker Kline. After viewing product detail pages, look here to find an easy way to navigate back to pages you are interested in. It was a relaxing and cleansing reading experience that I needed after reading mystery/thrillers and fantasy novels. 12. "Later he told me that he’d been afraid to show me the painting. Then you can start reading Kindle books on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required. Born in the home her family had lived in for generations, and increasingly incapacitated by illness, Christina seemed destined for a small life. A New York Times bestseller. There was an error retrieving your Wish Lists. Help others learn more about this product by uploading a video! --New York Times Book Review "Another winner from the author of Orphan Train. but her final thought after seeing her painting. I am a fan of both Andrew and N.C. Wyeth’s paintings and was therefore very eager to read this book. At our book club meeting last night, a question was posed about how we view ourselves through other people's eyes. As she did in her beloved bestseller Orphan Train, Christina Baker Kline interweaves fact and fiction in a powerful novel that illuminates a little-known part of America’s history. Instead, for more than twenty years, she was host and inspiration for the artist Andrew Wyeth, and became the subject of one of the best-known paintings of the twentieth century, Christina’s World. Instead, for more than twenty years, she was host and inspiration for the artist Andrew Wyeth, and became the subject of one of the best known American paintings of the twentieth century. I agree that she went through much bitterness in her life (who wouldn't?!?!) I knew, therefore, that a well constructed book about those persons would be interesting to me. A must-read. A piece of the World. Is A Piece of the World a “New England” novel? It's written as if you are there re living the tales Christina tells. It is here where he first met Christina Olson who later becomes the inspiration for his painting “Christina’s World”. Brief content visible, double tap to read full content. Reviewed in the United States on April 20, 2017. Told in evocative and lucid prose, A Piece of the World is a story about the burdens and blessings of family history and how artist and muse can come together to forge a new and timeless legacy. A Piece of the World is a powerful story of the flesh-and-blood woman behind the portrait, her complicated relationship to her family and inheritance, and how artist and muse can come together to forge a new and timeless legacy. Received very favorably. She lives outside New York City and spends as much time as possible on the coast of Maine. It is based on the real events of the life of Anna Christina Olson, who was the subject of the famous American painting “Christina’s World” by Andrew Wyeth. Praise For A Piece of the World: A Novel … This Study Guide consists of approximately 35 pages of chapter summaries, quotes, character analysis, themes, and more - everything you need to sharpen your knowledge of A Piece of the World. No! Siblings Al and Christina Olson lived in their old ancestral home which had no modern conveniences--no electricity, and no indoor plumbing other than a hand pump in the kitchen. She was the wife of Francesco del Giocondo, who commissioned the painting by Leonardo Da Vinci. “The older I get, the more I believe that the greatest kindness is acceptance.”, “What she wants most - what she truly yearns for - is what any of us want: to be seen.”, Goodreads Choice Award Nominee for Historical Fiction (2017), What do you think of the Painting the author takes her inspiration from in writing the book? A Piece of the World: A Novel Quotes Christina Baker Kline This Study Guide consists of approximately 35 pages of chapter summaries, quotes, character analysis, themes, and more - everything you need to sharpen your knowledge of A Piece of the World. Christina lived a tough life along with her brother Al on the neighboring farm. Fragile, vulnerable, longing, strong, and persistent are adjectives that come to mind, and every viewer will see something different in the painting. The arid moonscape of wheatgrass and timothy. Bring your club to Amazon Book Clubs, start a new book club and invite your friends to join, or find a club that’s right for you for free. To what extent do the characters and the setting take into account their New England roots? American Dirt (Oprah's Book Club): A Novel, The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek: A Novel, Applying her research from writing her best seller Orphan Train as well as her own experiences growing up in Maine, Kline has created an authentic portrayal of Christina Olson, the real-life inspiration for Christina's World, one of Andrew Wyeth's most iconic paintings. I think in the end Christina found her world and, I hope through it all a bit of contentment. The book is named for Wyeth's famous painting "Christina's World" which depicts a field of yellowed grass and a woman in a pink dress crawling up the hill, heading toward a farmhouse in disrepair. Here is the link to it. A Piece of the World is a story for those who want the mysterious made real." A Piece Of The World Summary. Let us know what’s wrong with this preview of, Published This paperback edition includes a color reproduction of Andrew Wyeth’s painting, Christina’s World, along with a Q&A with bestselling author Kristin Hannah and a bonus short story, “Stranded in Ice.” From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the smash bestseller ORPHAN TRAIN, a stunning and atmospheric novel of friendship, passion and art, inspired by Andrew Wyeth’s … Later she tells him: This is a book that is the polar opposite of the grit. I have to disagree! The pretext for Kline’s seventh novel is absolutely fascinating. But what do we really know about her? William Morrow/HarperCollins Publishers. Please try again. It is a re-imagining of the life of the young girl who inspired Andrew Wyeth's painting Christina's World. The novel opens in 1939, on a farm in Cushing, Maine where middle-aged Christina Olson resides with her brother, Al. Citation formats are based on standards as of July 2010. Please try your request again later. The novel, which is told in a nonlinear fashion and which uses first-person narration, is written completely in the present tense. Christina Baker Kline is the author of six novels, including the #1 New York Times bestseller Orphan Train as well as A Piece of the World. I loved The Orphan Train and, happily, I enjoyed this just as much. First edition. She wanted a good job and a husband but life got in the way. Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 4, 2021, Reviewed in the United Kingdom on May 11, 2017, Compulsive Read about a little known woman who was a favourite model for a eel known American artist, Front cover doesn't cover the whole of the book, Reviewed in the United Kingdom on May 3, 2020, Reviewed in the United Kingdom on September 8, 2017. Learn more about Christina at www.christinabakerkline.com. To what extent do the characters and the setting take into account their New England roots? 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