Alchemy of a Blackbird by Claire McMillan

 This historical novel is based on the true story of the painters and occultists Remedios Varo and Leonora Carrington. Both women had to break away from their famous partners in order to become icons in their own right. What connected them were the tarot cards, which are the driven force in this story.

France, 1939. At the International Exposition of Surrealists in Paris, paintings of Remedios Varo and Leonora Carrington hang near each other. That’s how the two women meet and become friends. Leonora ignites Remedios’ interest in tarot cards. They take lessons together. But with Nazis approaching Paris, they flee separately to the French Riviera in hopes of escaping the country.

In Mexico, both women reunite, and continue their passion for tarot cards, which they feel helps them reach their full potential.

This story involves a dynamic female friendship and collaboration between two great artists. They break the shackles from their famous men and become the two greatest collaborators of the surrealist movement.

It is not a straight forward storytelling. Within a chapter there is a card, and under the name of the card is the name of the person relating the story in the following pages. 

It’s interesting to get the backstory of the tarot cards. At the same time, I wished there was a bit more of the effect of the cards on their painting. Their artistic side is a minor part in this story comparing to tarot. The big part of the story is the self-discovery of Remedios Varo, which involves the friendship with another great artist and the tarot cards.

Overall, it is a fascinating story and the way it is presented is very unique.

Release date: 11 July 2023

Source: Atria Books