The Vow A Novel
The Vow A Novel by Jude Berman is a feminist historical fiction that brings to life the story of painter Angelica Kauffman. Published by Simon and Schuster on October 15, 2024, this edition spans 368 pages and is presented in English. The narrative follows Angelica, a child prodigy accused of disguising herself as a boy to study in the prestigious galleries of eighteenth-century Italy, as she strives to become a history painter, a profession traditionally barred to women. To achieve her ambitions, she vows never to marry, setting the stage for her journey through art and independence.
Readers will find a richly woven tale that explores Angelica’s friendships with renowned artists, her portraits of royalty, and her pivotal role in the founding of the Royal Academy in London. As she navigates the challenges of her time, including a tempting offer from a mysterious Swedish count and an encounter with Wolfgang von Goethe, Angelica confronts the societal constraints placed upon her. The Vow delves into themes of personal sacrifice and the struggle for autonomy, inviting readers to reflect on the vows that shape one’s destiny amidst the historical backdrop of gender roles and artistic ambition.
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Kirkus Reviews’ Best Indie Books of 2024
In a stunning work of feminist historical fiction for readers who loved Dawn Tripp’s Georgia and Whitney Scharer’s The Age of Light, Jude Berman brings painter Angelica Kauffman to life.
Accused of dressing as a boy to study in the prestigious galleries of eighteenth-century Italy, child prodigy Angelica Kauffman has set high goals for herself. She is determined to become a history painter, a career off-limits to women. To ensure her success, she has vowed never to marry.
When a new patron invites her to London, Angelica befriends famous artists, paints portraits of Queen Charlotte and other royalty, and becomes a founding member of the Royal Academy. While still in London, an alluring but mysterious Swedish count makes her an offer that may be too tempting to resist. Then, upon returning to Italy, she meets Wolfgang von Goethe.
Time and time again, Angelica faces the insurmountable obstacles and great personal sacrifices that come with being an independent woman. The vows she makes, big and small, are repeatedly challenged. Will she break free from the traditional male/female binary and the many oppressive social dictates of her time and learn to “paint with her soul” . . . or is a vow of a different sort necessary if she is to answer the deepest call of her heart?
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