The Age of Light
A Novel
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4.0 • 161 Ratings
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- $1.99
Publisher Description
Journey back to 1930's Paris with this historical novel following a woman's artistic journey through life, perfect for fans of the Netflix show Transatlantic and Beatriz Williams.
"A startlingly modern love story and a mesmerizing portrait of a woman's self-transformation from muse to artist." —Celeste Ng, author of Little Fires Everywhere
"I'd rather take a photograph than be one," Lee Miller declares after she arrives in Paris in 1929, where she soon catches the eye of the famous Surrealist Man Ray. Though he wants to use her only as a model, Lee convinces him to take her on as his assistant and teach her everything he knows. As they work together in the darkroom, their personal and professional lives become intimately entwined, changing the course of Lee's life forever.
Lee's journey of self-discovery takes took her from the cabarets of bohemian Paris to the battlefields of war-torn Europe during WWII, from inventing radical new photography techniques to documenting the liberation of the concentration camps as one of the first female war correspondents. Through it all, Lee must grapple with the question of whether it's possible to stay true to herself while also fulfilling her artistic ambition—and what she will have to sacrifice to do so.
One of the Best Books of the Year: Parade, Glamour, Real Simple, Refinery29, Yahoo! Lifestyle
APPLE BOOKS REVIEW
We can’t remember the last time we were so seduced by a novel. The Age of Light is based on the life story of Lee Miller, an American fashion model turned photographer turned war correspondent. After moving to Paris in the late 1920s, Miller crossed path with Surrealist artist Man Ray, becoming his creative and romantic partner. That relationship put her in the center of the city’s bohemian circles. Miller’s experiences with hedonistic excess, intense self-discovery, and heartbreak are an intoxicating swirl that will speak to anyone who has ever been seduced by life in the big city. First-time novelist Whitney Scharer is a major talent who captures the familiar agony of a woman hungry for more than society is willing to offer.
Customer Reviews
A snapshot of Paris in the 30’s
Just loved this book which takes place in Paris - fascinating and sensual and I didn’t want it to end
Didn’t like it - self absorbed and searching for a meaningful message of some kind
Didn’t like it - self absorbed and trying to be relevant
A stunner!
Wonderful and romantic, this book has everything; sex, art, love and food (mostly) set in prewar Paris, beautifully written. A stunning first novel