The Friday Night Club by Alyson Richman, M.J. Rose and Sofia Lundberg – 336 pages
ARC from Berkley for an honest review
Book Blurb:
Early 1900s: The world belongs to men, and the art world in Stockholm, Sweden, is no different, until Hilma af Klint brings together a mysterious group of female painters and writers–Anna, Cornelia, Sigrid, and Mathilda–to form their own emotional and artistic support system. The members of the Friday Night Club find themselves thrust into uncharted territory when Hilma and her best friend, Anna, begin dabbling in the occult, believing that through séances they can channel unseen spirits to help them achieve their potential as artists. “The Five,” as Hilma referred to them, was a group of immensely talented, fascinating women whose lives and work were cast into obscurity…until now.
The Present: Over a century later, an associate curator at the Guggenheim Museum, Eben Elliot, brings the Hilma af Klint show to New York where he uncovers questions about the Five and how the modern day art world is funded, which puts him in a precarious position both emotionally and professionally, as he witnesses how history can be manipulated.
My Review: 3.5 stars
The Friday Night Club by Alyson Richman, M.J. Rose and Sofia Lundberg is a novel of artist Hilma af Klint and her creative circle. I had very little knowledge of this artist. Not only did this book expand my fine art knowledge, but it also offered a shining commitment to friendship.
Learning about these women and their astounding dedication to the occult was incredibly interesting. Their backgrounds, individual relationships with each other and with others made for a great storyline. I loved that this book was told in dual timelines. It worked well as the museum director did the investigating in the present timeline, and the past timeline came through in full color for the readers.
Readers who love art and historical fiction will enjoy this book.
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