Inamorata
Megan Chance, 2014
Lake Union Publihsing
420 pp.
ISBN-13: 9781477823033
Summary
American artist Joseph Hannigan and his alluring sister, Sophie, have arrived in enchanting nineteenth-century Venice with a single-minded goal. The twins, who have fled scandal in New York, are determined to break into Venice’s expatriate set and find a wealthy patron to support Joseph’s work.
But the enigmatic Hannigans are not the only ones with a secret agenda. Joseph’s talent soon attracts the attention of the magnificent Odile Leon, a celebrated courtesan and muse who has inspired many artists to greatness. But her inspiration comes with a devastatingly steep price.
As Joseph falls under the courtesan’s spell, Sophie joins forces with Nicholas Dane, the one man who knows Odile’s dark secret, and her sworn enemy. When the seductive muse offers Joseph the path to eternal fame, the twins must decide who to believe—and just how much they are willing to sacrifice for fame. (From the publisher.)
Author Bio
Megan Chance is a critically acclaimed, award-winning author of historical fiction. Her novels have been chosen for the Borders Original Voices and IndieBound’s Booksense programs. A former television news photographer and graduate of Western Washington University, Chance lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and two daughters. (From the publisher.)
Book Reviews
Chance’s eighth novel (after Bone River) is a thrilling depiction of the world of Venetian artists in the late 19th century, as well as an exploration of the myth of the muse. Chance gets better with each book, and this look at the dynamic between inspiration, desperation, and creation makes for a breathtaking tale.
Publishers Weekly
Discussion Questions
1. Odile’s gift is to inspire a great work of art, but the cost is that the artist never creates again. Do you think, as she does, that such a price is worth it? Is there any work of art or literature that you feel would be worth such a sacrifice? Do you think, as Odile does, that art requires sacrifice?
2. What do you think of the role of art in our lives? Do you agree, as the characters in the book do, that it can give life meaning and, as Odile says, give mankind a reason to strive, something that counters death and suffering? How important do you think art is?
3. Nicholas thinks of himself as a savior, even though his wish to save men from Odile has backfired more than once—leading men to commit suicide in some cases. Do you think he’s right? Do you believe, as Nicholas does, that their deaths are a mercy compared to what will happen to them in Odile’s hands?
4. Odile asks Joseph where his “vision” comes from, and he answers that it doesn’t matter. Do you agree? Do you think where talent or inspiration comes from is important? Does knowing the source of an artist’s inspiration change the way you view his work?
5. Sophie’s love for her brother and his for her was tempered and changed by abuse. What do you think of the their relationship? Do you think it wrong or immoral, particularly given what forged it?
6. Do you think the inspiration Joseph takes from his sister is tainted by their relationship? Or does the depth of his talent redeem it and make it all right—or even necessary?
7. In the book we discover that Joseph’s writing of an anonymous letter to Edward Roberts’ father led to Edward’s suicide. Do you think Joseph’s writing of this letter was justified, given what Edward did to them?
8. Do you believe Sophie and Joseph cripple each other? Do you think they live “half a life,” as Odile believes? Or do you think, as Sophie does, that theirs are lives “doubly lived?”
9. What do you think of the reasons that motivate Nicholas and Odile—his need to “matter” and hers to be recognized? Do you think those worthy or admirable motivations?
10. If you had been offered the gift that Madeleine offered Odile, would you take it?
(Questions from the author's website.)