Reaction to Story 2: Art Work -- Northwest Nerds Bookclub

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Date Posted: 10:23:30 02/25/00 Fri
Author: Marla
Subject: Reaction to Story 2: Art Work

I've never read an author quite like Byatt and I must say I'm really enjoying her style, particularly her ability to "paint" with words a very appealing, very visual picture of the art about which she writes. Unfortunately, the author's bio at the front of the book doesn't tell us whether she's an accomplished (or even an amateur) painter or artist, but I suspect she must be, or knows someone who is. Her ability to so eloquently describe the "look" of her characters is stunning, and an approach I'm not used to reading.

That said, I once again have nothing but praise for the second installment, "Art Work." This time, the characters are just as vivid (particularly Mrs. Brown and Debbie's husband, Robin) and their behavior just as comedic and frazzled. I especially like and identify with Debbie, who seems to be on a constant mission to survive the people and events happening around her. For instance, her perception that she and Mrs. Brown are "friends," even though their relationship leaves SO much unsaid, and her efforts to appease both Mrs. Brown and her husband in their ongoing battles speaks to a woman who's always trying to please everyone. As someone who tends to do this, I sympathize with her struggle, while at the same time condemn her for not having the balls to stand up to either of them. The verbal battles between Mrs. Brown and Robin--and the constant shifting of items in Robin's office, much to her delight and his chagrin and annoyance--make for especially enjoyable scenes.

The BIG surprise of the story, in my opinion, and the best example of Debbie's failure to take charge of her "difficult" relationships comes with the discovery that the art dealer who comes to view Robin's work has actually made a deal with Mrs. Brown to display her work. This plot twist was not only unexpected (I thought for sure Mrs. Brown was talking to the dealer in an effort to convince her to buy Robin's work...i.e., underneath all of the antagonism is a love and respect for Robin and a desire to help him succeed, rather than an attempt to cut her own deal), but a window into a part of Mrs. Brown that was only peripherally touched on (i.e., her abilities as an artist, and not just as a weirdo with strange color sense and a penchant for piecing together odd clothing ensembles). What a terrific surprise! The problem, though, is that Debbie didn't choose to tell Robin about this development, instead letting him find out about it for himself on TV. Reminds me too much of my mother's attempts to avoid confrontation with my father by simply not telling him things...not the makings of the best marriage. Then again, I'm not married, so what do I know about this? Maybe it IS sometimes better to leave things alone? I know it kept the peace more than one in my house growing up!

In the end, I appreciated the justice in Mrs. Brown's departure (After all, her talents were being squandered by Debbie and the family) and the relatively easy manner in which her replacement, Mrs. Stimpson, moves into her position within the household. At the same time, I enjoyed the irony of Mrs. Stimpson recognizing something in Robin's work that Mrs. Brown never could, or cared to. It seems to represent a turning point in Debbie's management of her household and hopefully, a turning point in how she perceives and manages her relationships with those closest to her (proximity-wise, not just emotionally).

This is not to say that I didn't like Debbie's character. I just found her to be more static, reacting to the behavior of those around her, rather than an active participant in her life. It's too bad, really, because it sounds like a pretty decent life. Just my two cents' worth...

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