Works better as a historical source book to jump into modernist photography than a novel. As unique and multifaceted as the stories are I couldn't relate to the characters. They seem to be bystanders of their time periods and geographical circumstances. ( )

I enjoyed this, but felt the theme got repetitive after awhile. I liked the first stories a lot. It does make me want to dust off my old camera, though! ( )

This books is an interesting book to read if you are into female empowerment as well as photography. It tells the stories of eight females from different times, how they are treated. All of these women are photographers and they all have links to each other weather it is one went to a show that someone's photos were showcased in, or they have met each other somehow. I have enjoyed reading it. It is interesting to imagine what female photographers were up against in the past. ( )

Short sketches of women photographers from early 1917 through mid-80's. Fictional depiction based on real photographers. Each vignette is fascinating on it's own and the later ones have some of the first photographers woven in as the years pass - revealing some later years.
Very "artsy" and indeed, much focus on the photography,as well as the locales and the society of the years depicted. I enjoyed the book and of course, now there are references to books about the lives of the actual female photographers that will have to be added to my "LIST" !!!! ( )

Otto, author of "How to Make an American Quilt," presents eight fictionalized portraits of female photographers spanning the majority of the 20th century. Successfully exploring the challenges that women artists have faced throughout the recent past, this is an accessible work of fiction that is sure to be popular with bookclubs. The author includes a bibliography for those readers interested in learning more about the real lives and work of the women fictionalized in the novel.

Major Appeals: Character; Story

Further reading suggestions: A Short History of Women - Kate Walbert; A History of Women Photographers - Naomi Rosenblum ( )