Publisher: SelfMadeHero/Abrams
Release Date: May 5, 2015
Price: $27.50
Creator(s): Julie Birmant (writer), Clement Oubrerie (artist)
Format: 344 pgs., Full-Color, Trade Paperback
ISBN: 978-1-9068-3894-2
Age Ratings: N/A
ICv2 Ratings: 4 Stars out of 5
Collected from a series of four smaller volumes published in France, this combined edition gives the reader a powerful insight into the life and development of the young Pablo Picasso. The only weakness of the book is the subject himself, because as portrayed, Picasso is simply not a sympathetic character. In much of the story, he comes across as an abusive nutcase, surrounded by friends who are no more stable.
Much of the story is told from the viewpoint of his lover/model Fernande, who somehow put up with Picasso's life. Unfortunately, from a modern viewpoint it is difficult to understand just why she did, or why she ever loved him. His actions, ranging from physical and emotional abuse to his strange interactions with the rest of the art world, do little to clarify this odd relationship. Their awkward attempt at adopting a child is poignant and horrifying at the same time.
Picasso's rivalry with Matisse keeps coming up, but it comes across as petty rather than based on solid differences between the art schools.
Still, the story itself is riveting, and if you simply read the story as if all of the characters are fictional, it becomes a tale of art, obsession, love, death and madness, told well. Clement Oubrerie captures it all well, including the burning gaze of Picasso as he tries to capture all of creation and turn it inside out with his art.
For adults, due to content and themes.
--Nick Smith: Library Technician, Community Services, for the Pasadena Public Library in California.