The Last Nude by Ellis Avery

Set against the backdrop of 1927 Paris, The Last Nude explores the complex relationship between a struggling American woman, Rafaela Fano, and the enigmatic painter Tamara de Lempicka. As Rafaela becomes Tamara's muse, she is drawn into a world of opulence and artistry, but also faces the harsh realities of Tamara's tumultuous past and the looming shadows of history. The novel delves into themes of love, ambition, and the price of artistic genius, all while capturing the essence of the Jazz Age and the intricate dynamics between the two women. /n/n The story is not just a tale of romance and artistry but also a poignant exploration of identity and survival. Rafaela's journey is one of self-discovery and resilience, set against the vibrant yet treacherous landscape of pre-war Europe. The novel's rich historical detail and vivid characterizations bring to life the cultural and social milieu of the time, making it a compelling read for those interested in both historical fiction and the intricacies of human relationships.

Reviews

Lesbrary · Casey · 2013-01-07

beautiful 4.50

Casey finds the novel easy to sink into and love, appreciating its historical setting and the depth of its characters. They highlight the novel's ability to capture the essence of the 1920s Paris.

Casey from Lesbrary shares their enthusiasm for 'The Last Nude', describing it as an easy book to sink into and love. They appreciate the historical setting of 1920s Paris and the depth of the characters, particularly the artist and her muse. The reviewer finds the novel's exploration of love, obsession, and betrayal to be compelling and well-executed. They also highlight the vivid descriptions of the era, which make the story come alive. Overall, Casey finds the novel to be a beautiful and evocative read.

Quick quotes

This historical novel, set in Paris in the decadent 1920s period between the two world wars, is an easy book to sink into and love.

The novel's exploration of love, obsession, and betrayal is compelling and well-executed.

The vivid descriptions of the era make the story come alive.

Arts Fuse · 2012-03-30

engaging 4.00

The novel is praised for its engaging portrayal of historical figures and its exploration of complex relationships. The reviewer appreciates the vivid setting and the intricate dynamics between the characters.

Arts Fuse delves into the rich historical context of 'The Last Nude', highlighting how Ellis Avery brings to life the decadent 1920s Paris. They particularly enjoy the way the novel captures the essence of the era and the complex relationships between its characters, especially the artist and her muse. The reviewer finds the story both engaging and thought-provoking, with a deep exploration of themes like love, obsession, and betrayal. The setting is vividly described, making it easy to immerse oneself in the world of the novel. Overall, they appreciate the novel's ability to blend historical fiction with a compelling narrative.

Quick quotes

An engaging work of historical fiction that tells the story of Rafaela Fano.

The novel captures the essence of the era and the complex relationships between its characters.

The setting is vividly described, making it easy to immerse oneself in the world of the novel.

Lambda Literary · 2011-12-21

compelling 4.25

The reviewer appreciates the novel's exploration of a hot affair and the creative meeting of minds between the two women. They also highlight the radiant and contagious deceit that adds depth to the story.

Lambda Literary reviews 'The Last Nude' with a focus on the intense affair and the creative dynamic between the artist and her muse. They appreciate the way Avery weaves a story of passion and deceit, making the characters and their relationships come alive. The reviewer finds the novel to be a dark, sexy romp through the cultural and artistic landscape of pre-World War II Europe. They highlight the vivid descriptions and the complex interplay between the characters, which adds depth and intrigue to the story. Overall, they find the novel to be a compelling and engaging read.

Quick quotes

Avery weaves the story of a hot affair, a creative meeting of the minds, and also of the radiant and contagious deceit between these two women.

The novel is a dark, sexy romp through the cultural and artistic landscape of pre-World War II Europe.

The vivid descriptions and the complex interplay between the characters add depth and intrigue to the story.

Appears in Lists

Bi and Lesbian Literary Fiction