Rodin's Lover by Heather Webb

 Camille Claudel (1864-1943) was a French sculptor, recognized for the originality and quality of her work. She had experimented with materials, “demonstrating her immeasurable talent for crafting with difficult materials.”

France, 1881. Camille Claudel studies are progressing well. Upon finishing her studies, her mother expects her to find a husband and end the absurd of being an artist.

She persuades her father to hire an art tutor. And the new tutor persuades the father to enroll Camille at a school of art in Paris, as females are allowed to attend this school.

Her “works show violent contrast, light and its absence, and an intimacy all her own. The very antithesis of Rodin’s style.” He “prefers harmony in his silhouettes and musculature.”

Auguste Rodin becomes her tutor. “At last she had met someone as consume with sculpture as she was.”

He is an accomplished artist and a skilled teacher, who falls in love with her. She tries to resist him as there is Rose Beuret, his partner. But he hasn’t been intimate with her for years. He just feels he can’t turn his back on her. They share a son.

Artistically driven and emotionally developed characters. Rodin is much older than Camille, but he can’t control his heart, which develops feelings for his student. A very talented student, whom he honestly wants to see succeed. And it’s his actions that speak for that.

She is blunt and unapologetic. She does as she pleases. She has low tolerance for being told what to do, asking makes a difference. She certainly knows how to propel herself in a man’s world.

As long as historical romance (especially love triangle) is written with a good taste, then I don’t mind reading it. And this one certainly is. It explores their relationship and how it affected their careers. It also reveals her struggle with mental illness.

Also enjoyed brief encounters with other artists and writers including Victor Hugo and Emile Zola.

Relished this richly imagined story told with intelligent prose.

P.S. Also by this talented writer, highly recommend Becoming Josephine.