In this well-researched historical novel, Vreeland tells the story of Renoir’s greatest painting through the difficulties he encountered in creating it, the people pictured in it, the women who loved him and the one he will choose to marry. The book brings to life la vie moderne in 1880’s Paris, the intricacies of painting in general and the Impressionists’ work in particular. It provides fascinating insights into the art world at a time when Impressionists had broken the back of the traditional French art establishment and were setting out in the various directions that their work ultimately took them. Vreeland also manages to examine class, women's issues, theater, social mores and the effects of the Franco-Prussian war on the French people, all through the "eyes" of characters who are real historical figures. And Vreeland doesn’t leave out food or sailing, either. Each chapter is itself a painting of a world that the reader will be happy to step into and savor for a while. ( )

fist half too much of an art history lecture, then the story gets really interesting ( )

Luncheon of the Boating Party is a truly excellent book. Set in the Summer of 1880 in Paris and Chatou, the novel follows the story of the famous painting by Auguste Renoir, now in the Phillips Collection in DC. Egged on by an article written by Emile Zola, Renoir begins painting an idyllic scene on the balcony of the Maison Fournaise, of thirteen friends.

The story is intriguing because it’s told from the point of view not just of Renoir, but the models in the painting. We’re introduced, for example, to Augustine Fournaise, daughter of the owner of the restaurant, and Gustave Caillebotte the artist. We also meet Aline Charigot, the seamstress who later married Renoir. The iconic painting represents a mingling of classes as they devote a Sunday to the pursuit of leisure.

In all of this, Vreeland creates a beautiful novel that combines the realistic with the idealistic. We’re also introduced to the fascinating artistic process Renoir’s mind went through. It’s a well-written and researched novel. Vreeland is in her element when she writes about art, and Luncheon of the Boating Party is no exception. What helps is that the painting appears right on the cover—I guarantee you’ll turn back to the painting many times as you read. There are also illustrations inside, including a map of Paris and Chatou. ( )

A remarkable genre painting between two covers, with endearing figures, a still life, a landscape, and even a dog, "Luncheon of the Boating Party exposes the technical and personal challenges that Renoir faced. I appreciate both his achievement and the Impressionist era much more now. ( )

Fictional account of Renoir's painting -- summed up by the words of the character Alphonsine: "We must accept the cork we are and stay afloat, and bob gaily when we can." (p 299) ( )