Lydia Cassatt Reading the Morning Paper

8vo. Pp. xi, 164. Cream, printed wraps.

Second novel by the author of Ohio Angels (2002), and noted Gertrude Stein scholar [see, The Public is Invited to Dance (1989)]. Set in Paris in the 1880s, this fictional memoir is based on the lives of the American Impressionist painter Mary Cassatt (1844–1926) and her sister Lydia Cassatt (1837–1882). Each of the five chapters centres around one of Mary's paintings of Lydia, who posed whilst aware of dying of Bright's disease.

"Lovely. Chessman beautifully captures the rich relationship between model and painter and between sisters." –Tracy Chevalier, author of Girl with a Pearl Earring