About the book
Gwen, a bold and spirited young English artist, defies convention and sets out to study in Paris, where she has a tumultuous affair with the inspiring, controlling sculptor Rodin. But as the relationship cools, Gwen feels lonely and adrift as she awaits the ever more infrequent visits from her lover. Attempting to restore her artistic vision and recapture her true self, Gwen pours out her soul onto a canvas, creating an intimate painting of a quiet corner of her attic room.
Lost, found, stolen, sold, and fought over, the painting enchants all who possess it. First it falls into the hands of Charlotte, a dreamy intellectual with artistic leanings–though little talent. In turn the work finds its way to the lovely, bright Stella; the destitute but willful Lucasta; self-sufficient Ailsa; and, finally, young, curious Gillian. All of whom long for a tranquil golden place such as the one depicted in the painting, a haven where they can “keep the world away.”
Praise for Keeping the World Away:
“Evocative . . . an apparently simple yet potent work of art.”
–The New York Times Book Review
“Highly recommended . . . One small painting, a still life of a corner of an attic room, is the thread that ties this moving novel together.”
–Library Journal (starred review)
“It is the painting’s power to evoke tranquility that Forster so effectively celebrates.”
–Richmond Times-Dispatch
“Haunting . . . revealing . . . exquisitely drawn.”
–The Washington Post Book World
“An intimate, subtly crafted, satisfying read.”
–Kirkus Reviews
Editions of Keeping the World Away
- Hardcover
- ISBN 9780345496331
- Hardcover
- ISBN 9780701179823
- Paperback
- ISBN 9780345496348
- Paperback
- ISBN 9780099496861
- EBook
- ISBN 9780345500489
Read an Excerpt
Gwen, a bold and spirited young English artist, defies convention and sets out to study in Paris, where she has a tumultuous affair with the inspiring, controlling sculptor Rodin. But as the relationship cools, Gwen feels lonely and adrift as she awaits the ever more infrequent visits from her lover. Attempting to restore her artistic vision and recapture her true self, Gwen pours out her soul onto a canvas, creating an intimate painting of a quiet corner of her attic room.
Lost, found, stolen, sold, and fought over, the painting enchants all who possess it. First it falls into the hands of Charlotte, a dreamy intellectual with artistic leanings–though little talent. In turn the work finds its way to the lovely, bright Stella; the destitute but willful Lucasta; self-sufficient Ailsa; and, finally, young, curious Gillian. All of whom long for a tranquil golden place such as the one depicted in the painting, a haven where they can “keep the world away.”
Praise for Keeping the World Away:
“Evocative . . . an apparently simple yet potent work of art.”
–The New York Times Book Review
“Highly recommended . . . One small painting, a still life of a corner of an attic room, is the thread that ties this moving novel together.”
–Library Journal (starred review)
“It is the painting’s power to evoke tranquility that Forster so effectively celebrates.”
–Richmond Times-Dispatch
“Haunting . . . revealing . . . exquisitely drawn.”
–The Washington Post Book World
“An intimate, subtly crafted, satisfying read.”
–Kirkus Reviews
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Keeping the World Away about?
Gwen, a bold and spirited young English artist, defies convention and sets out to study in Paris, where she has a tumultuous affair with the inspiring, controlling sculptor Rodin. But as the relationship cools, Gwen feels lonely and adrift as she awaits the ever more infrequent visits from her lover. Attempting to restore her artistic vision and recapture her true self, Gwen pours out her soul onto a canvas, creating an intimate painting of a quiet corner of her attic room.
Lost, found, stolen, sold, and fought over, the painting enchants all who possess it. First it falls into the hands of Charlotte, a dreamy intellectual with artistic leanings–though little talent. In turn the work finds its way to the lovely, bright Stella; the destitute but willful Lucasta; self-sufficient Ailsa; and, finally, young, curious Gillian. All of whom long for a tranquil golden place such as the one depicted in the painting, a haven where they can “keep the world away.”
Praise for Keeping the World Away:
“Evocative . . . an apparently simple yet potent work of art.”
–The New York Times Book Review
“Highly recommended . . . One small painting, a still life of a corner of an attic room, is the thread that ties this moving novel together.”
–Library Journal (starred review)
“It is the painting’s power to evoke tranquility that Forster so effectively celebrates.”
–Richmond Times-Dispatch
“Haunting . . . revealing . . . exquisitely drawn.”
–The Washington Post Book World
“An intimate, subtly crafted, satisfying read.”
–Kirkus Reviews
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in Keeping the World Away?
Fiction > Historical fiction
Where can I read a sample of Keeping the World Away?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9780345496331
Who is/are the Author/s of the book Keeping the World Away?
Margaret Forster
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
Keeping the World Away is available as hardcover(ISBN 9780345496331) and hardcover(ISBN 9780701179823) and paperback(ISBN 9780345496348) and paperback(ISBN 9780099496861) and ebook(ISBN 9780345500489)
Where can I buy Keeping the World Away online or support local independent bookshops?
You can buy Keeping the World Away from below
Where can I buy Keeping the World Away?