Madame Sorel’s Lodger
1880s, southern France. A troubled, impoverished painter embarks on a journey from Paris to southern France, seeking the tranquil countryside for artistic inspiration. He finds lodging with Madame Sorel, an intimidating widow who manages a strict boarding house in the provincial village. Madame Sorel, initially appearing as a detached and unyielding figure, becomes a significant presence in the artist’s life, offering the stability and structure he needs to focus on his art. During his stay, the eccentric painter bonds with Gretchen, Madame Sorel’s housekeeper, and Luc, a local farmer, both fascinated by the artist’s unique talents and supportive of his creative struggles. As the artist’s mental state deteriorates, his puzzling and bizarre behaviors lead to dramatic events, culminating in a shocking outcome that reverberates throughout the entire community.
Based on the life of Vincent van Gogh, Wise’s masterfully crafted novel is an intense, nuanced story that immerses the reader in the artist’s strange, tormented, yet beautiful mindset through exceptional world-building and exquisite prose. Rural life is vividly portrayed through sensual scenes that capture the area’s natural, dramatic color, light, flora, and fauna. The author’s skilled use of language brings the story to life on the page, at times with bold, broad strokes, then switching to delicate, soft shadows, much like the techniques the artist employs in his paintings. Rarely has a book conveyed such intimate glimpses into the creative process, mental illness demons, and the power of friendship. This captivating tale, short and bittersweet, is emotionally layered and thought-provoking, subtle, and poignant from beginning to end. A memorable read!
