The Lady and the Unicorn by Tracy Chevalier July 1, 2006

I accidentally bought this book twice, once in paperback and then in hardback. The hardback has one of the tapestries at the heart of this book as its cover, but the paperback has a 6-page inset showing parts of all six tapestries. Just like I like looking at maps, (see "These I've Finished post with books by Sue Henry) I also like referring to pictures that deal with the story. As you can tell, the book is based on 6 actual tapestries created sometime during the Renaissance, but it is fiction. Each chapter is narrated by a different character. In the first chapter, I was taken aback by the character's fixation with sex. Modern times have nothing on these folks. But then Shakespeare was pretty bawdy himself. If you read the book, and I do recommend it, don't give up. The characters are well-drawn and complex. My favorite was Alienor de la Chapelle who is gentle, brave and knowing. I even liked Nicholas des Innocents, the randy narrator of the first chapter. He is vain and arrogant, but shows a suprprising sensitivity as the story progresses. The book really tells a great story while the tapestries are created, beginning with the commision of tapestries, through the painting of the artwork, the actual weaving, and the final hanging of the tapestries. I really liked being able to look at the pictures of the tapestries as they are described in the book. They are beautiful and I now have a greater appreciation for this ancient art form.
Rating: 4.5

Comments:

booklogged said...
What an interesting concept to write a book around the making of a tapestry. You make me want to read it with this terrific review.
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