Blood Water Paint

by Joy McCullough
Blood Water Paint cover
Good Books rating 4.33
Historical Fiction
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  • ID: 9976
  • Added: 2026-01-05
  • Updated: 2026-01-05
  • ISBN: 9780735232129
  • Publisher: Penguin
  • Published: 2018-03-06
  • Reviews: 3

Blood Water Paint is a powerful novel in verse that tells the story of Artemisia Gentileschi, a young woman who chooses a life of painting over the constraints of her time. Set in Rome in 1610, the novel explores Artemisia's journey as she becomes one of the city's most talented painters, despite the societal barriers and personal trauma she faces. The narrative is filled with raw emotion and captures the essence of learning to behave in a male-driven society and then breaking free from it. /n/n The book weaves Artemisia's heartbreaking story with the tales of ancient heroines Susanna and Judith, who become sources of strength for her. As she battles to paint a woman's timeless truth in the face of violence, Artemisia's resilience and artistic vision shine through. The novel is a portrait of an artist as a young woman, filled with the highs of creative inspiration and the devastating setbacks of a system built to break her.

Reviews
The New Yorker · 2019-02-13
powerful 4.00

The book is raw and emotional, capturing the experience of a woman navigating a male-driven society. It does not read like typical historical fiction.

This reviewer found the book to be a departure from typical historical fiction, teeming with raw emotion. They appreciated how the author deftly captures the experience of a woman learning to behave in a male-driven society. The reviewer noted that the book's emotional depth and authenticity make it a standout. They also highlighted the author's skill in portraying the protagonist's internal struggles and triumphs, making it a compelling and thought-provoking read. The reviewer found the book to be a powerful exploration of art, life, and the fight against patriarchy.

Quick quotes

    The book does not read like historical fiction.

    It teems with raw emotion.

    McCullough deftly captures the experience of learning to behave in a male-driven world.

Words About Words · 2018-11-03
fantastic 4.50

The writing is vivid and immersive, filled with bright and realistic imagery. It's a powerful exploration of a woman's journey in a male-dominated world.

This reviewer was captivated by the author's use of language, which paints a vivid and immersive world. The story is a powerful exploration of a woman's journey in a male-dominated world, filled with raw emotion and realistic imagery. They appreciated the author's ability to capture the essence of the protagonist's experiences, making it a compelling read. The reviewer also noted the unique structure of the novel, which adds to its overall impact. They found the book to be a moving and thought-provoking exploration of art, life, and the struggle for equality.

Quick quotes

    Joy McCullough's writing is fantastic.

    Her choice of words led me into a world filled with bright and colorful imagery.

    It's a powerful exploration of a woman's journey in a male-driven world.

Howling Libraries · 2018-03-09
inspiring 4.50

The novel is a fabulous account of an incredible woman and artist who defied social and artistic expectations. The structure and use of verse are particularly notable.

This reviewer was amazed by the story of an artist who defied social and artistic expectations of her time. They appreciated the novel's structure and the use of verse, which adds a unique layer to the narrative. The reviewer found the protagonist's journey to be inspiring and the exploration of her art and life to be deeply moving. They highlighted the author's ability to bring historical figures to life in a way that feels both authentic and relatable. The reviewer also noted the book's emotional depth and the way it challenges societal norms, making it a compelling and thought-provoking read.

Quick quotes

    Fabulous account of an incredible woman and artist who defied social and artistic expectations of the time.

    I'm amazed I have never been aware of her.

    The structure and use of verse are particularly notable.

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