Jean’s life is the same day in and day out. Frozen in time by his painter father, the legendary Henri Matisse, Jean observes the ebb and flow of museum guests as they take in the works of his father and other masters like Renoir, Picasso, and Van Gogh. But his world takes a mesmerizing turn when Claire, a new museum employee, enters his life.
Night after night, Claire moves through the gallery where Jean's painting hangs, mopping the floors, talking softly to herself to stem her loneliness and gazing admiringly at the masterpieces above. The alluring man in the corner of the Matisse—is he watching her? Why does she feel a deepening pull to him, like he can see her truest self, her secrets? Did he just move?
In an extraordinary twist of fate, Claire discovers she can step through the frame of Jean's painting and into a bygone era, a lush, verdant snapshot of family life in France in the throes of World War I. She and Jean begin a seemingly impossible affair, falling in love against the backdrop of the gallery’s other paintings come to life—glittering parties, exhilarating horse races, and windswept beach bluffs, that they can move through together and where Claire is seemingly the only modern visitor, alone in possession of this gift.
But as their happiness is threatened by challenges both inside and outside the museum, Claire and Jean find themselves in a fight to preserve the love they’ve only dared to dream of. Will their extraordinary connection defy the confines of reality, or will the forces conspiring against them shatter their carefully curated happiness?
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When I picked up The Art Of Vanishing, I wasn’t sure what to expect. I enjoyed the fact that it featured art, and from the summary, it sounded like a unique idea. I love the idea of someone who can travel through paintings, a unique twist on time travel. I couldn't help but be curious about the story and wondering how things would work out between Claire and Jean, given that Jean is part of a painting. I enjoyed the first half of the book, especially the relationship between Jean and Claire, even though I felt it moved too quickly. I felt Jean and Claire didn't really get to know each other, and the next thing I know, they're falling in love. However, I adored the bond that the two of them formed and the way they traveled through the other paintings. It always left me wondering where the two of them would go next.
I loved the premise of the book, and the writing style. The Art of Vanishing reminded me of Night Of Museum; except this was on more romance level. I adored that it took place in museums, I adore art and museums. I loved how the author weaved together real artwork, which I ended up looking up once I finished the book. There was a connection between Claire and Jean, but I felt that there should have been more emotional connection between the two of them, and I felt that the dialogue between the characters was sometimes forced. I enjoyed the dual POV, which allowed me to feel more connected to each of the characters. I enjoyed both characters’ perspectives, but I felt a stronger connection to Jean's than Claire's.
The second half of the book was slower and seemed rushed at times. There were some interesting points, but it didn't keep my attention like the first half of the book did. I loved the atmospheric vibes. I adored the concept of this book. The Art Of Vanishing was interesting enough to keep me turning the pages. It made me want to investigate other books that combine art, history, and museums. Readers who enjoy romance, magical realism, and art history will enjoy this book.
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