Description

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“A complex, absorbing portrait”—People

A tangled and vivid portrait of the women caught in Picasso’s charismatic orbit through the affairs, the scandals, and the art—only this time, they hold the brush.

The women of Picasso’s life are glamorous and elusive, existing in the shadow of his fame—until 1950s aspiring journalist Alana Olson determines to bring one into the light. Unsure of what to expect but bent on uncovering what really lies beneath the canvas, Alana steps into Sara Murphy’s well-guarded home to discover a past complicated by secrets and intrigue.

Sara paints a luxurious picture of the French Riviera in 1923, but also a tragic one. The more Sara reveals, the more cracks emerge in Picasso’s once-vibrant social circle—and the more Alana feels a disturbing convergence with her own life. Who are these other muses? What became of them? What will become of her? 
 
Desperate to trace the threads, Alana dives into the glittering lives of the past. But to do so she must contend with her own reality, including a strained engagement, the male-dominated world of art journalism, and the rising threat to civil rights in America. With hard truths peeling apart around her, it turns out that the most extraordinary portrait Alana encounters is her own.

About the Author

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Jeanne Mackin is the author of several historical novels, including The Last Collection, which has been translated into five languages, and The Beautiful American, which won a CNY award for fiction. She has taught in the MFA Creative Writing program at Goddard College and won journalism awards. She lives in the Finger Lakes area of New York State.

Praise For…

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Praise for Picasso's Lovers

"Mackin paints a bold, sumptuous portrait of a great artist and the women who inspired, frustrated, loved, and loathed him. Aspiring journalist Alana, daunted by her impending wedding and fearful of landing on the wrong side of a McCarthy witch-hunt, buries herself in a new story about the loves and muses of the great Picasso—but the more she learns about his jealous wife, his artist mistress, his American hostess, and the mysterious Spanish maid who captured his eye and brush for one tantalizing summer before disappearing, the more Alana realizes that the true mystery waiting to be unraveled is her own. Picasso’s Lovers is an epic, sensuous delight!"—Kate Quinn, New York Times bestselling author

“Lyrical writing intertwined with a vibrant, richly detailed history makes Jeanne Mackin’s Picasso’s Lovers a delight for historical fiction readers. Art comes alive in this intimate glimpse into the women behind the masterpieces. A beautiful read!"—Chanel Cleeton, New York Times bestselling author

“Utterly absorbing and vivid! Picasso’s Lovers invites the reader to spend the summer on the beaches of Antibes in 1923 as the guest of Gerald and Sara Murphy, where Picasso churns out lust-driven masterpieces and casual cruelties in equal measure. Richly woven into the outsized shadow of the famous artist lies the surprising heart of the book—a resonant, honest tale of women and lovers, mothers and daughters.”—Suzanne Rindell, author of The Two Mrs. Carlyles

"The sensual, succulent prose draws the reader in like a particularly delicious work of art."—Historical Novels Review

“Mackin’s clever plot delivers well-timed bombshells, and her characterizations of various women in Picasso’s life—such as Irene Lagut, who is blasé about her roles as lover and muse but nothing more—ring true. Thanks to Mackin, the women who loved and inspired Picasso get their turn in the spotlight.”—Publishers Weekly

“Mackin fleshes out the primary story with many memorable minor characters. … Mackin’s absorbing story does a skillful job of weaving together different timelines and bringing in social issues. Suggest to art lovers and readers interested in 20th-century history.”—Library Journal

Praise for The Last Collection

“A fascinating insight into a war of passion and ambition set amid the looming threat of the Nazi invasion of Paris. With elegant, vibrant writing, Mackin cleverly captures the infamous rivalry between Coco Chanel and Elsa Schiaparelli in a novel that historical fiction fans will savor.”—Hazel Gaynor, New York Times bestselling author

"Sophisticated couture wars and looming world wars take center stage in Mackin’s latest, with a plot that buzzes with love triangles and political intrigue. A gorgeous meditation on art, fashion, and heartbreak. Stunning."—Fiona Davis, New York Times bestselling author

“A wonderful story of two intensely creative women, their vibrant joie de vivre, and backbiting competition played out against the increasingly ominous threat of the Nazi invasion of Paris.”—Shelley Noble, New York Times bestselling author

“The Last Collection brings to center stage the fascinating life of Elsa Schiaparelli in a story that is as elegantly constructed as the clothes she designed. The combination of Schiap’s fierce rivalry with Coco Chanel and the inevitable war makes for a palpable tension, and Jeanne Mackin ultimately delivers an ending that is beautiful, heartbreaking, and perfect in every way.”—Michelle Gable, New York Times bestselling author

“A smart, witty, heartfelt, and riveting look at the infamous rivalry between Coco Chanel and Elsa Schiaparelli set against a gripping period in history. Mackin’s powerful novel brings these characters to life and transports the reader, juxtaposing both the gaiety and tension of Paris on the brink of war. As elegant and captivating as the designs depicted in the novel, The Last Collection is the perfect read for both historical fiction lovers and fashion aficionados. Simply stunning.”—Chanel Cleeton, New York Times bestselling author