Adventures in the Louvre: How to Fall in Love with the World's Greatest Museum, by Elaine Sciolino

 

Publication April 1, 2025

Whether you've visited the Louvre or, like me, haven't, you're sure to find something to interest you here. It's full of fascinating back stories, detailed photos, history, and the author's own observations from her own countless times there. I read this one in bits and pieces over the course of some days, allowing myself time to take it all in. While not even remotely knowledgeable of the artwork's vital components, I found the history of the pieces intriguing. Needless to say, loved the idea of pulling in museum touring children with the idea of spying the various animals or whatever scattered about in the pieces. Seriously, lots to take in here, from Napoleon Bonaparte being so entranced with the Mona Lisa that he kept her (and everyone seems to refer to that painting almost as if it is a living being, a "her") in his bedroom for some four years, to the collection of royal jewels and sadness that surrounds the collection of artwork protected and cared for by the museum but not truly belonging to it as it is largely made up of artwork stolen from its Jewish owners by various high ranking officers and personnel of the Germans during World War II. You'll get to know the various artists and sculptors involved, too. 

In other words, there is a huge amount of information to take in here. I applaud the author for making it all seem  so effortless to read and comprehend, even for someone like me who honestly wasn't familiar with all the names. Touring the Louvre itself sounds like an adventure and it is easy to get lost. While the Mona Lisa is the star attraction, there are other galleries and amazing pieces of artwork to see. Astonishing to think it began as a fortress in 1190, Even more amazing to realize that with all the marvels to see, much still remains behind closed doors, even in draws. I certainly won't detail everything for you but will assure you that if you have any interest in art, history, or simply how human tastes have both remained consistent and changed over the years, not to mention simply love looking at detailed photos of pieces of art, you'll find something here to like. 

By serendipity, ran across a news article just a few days ago about the growing possibility that the museum's star attraction, the Mona Lisa, may finally be getting its own room/gallery. Looking back in my notes, yep, I noted the author's comment about that topic being discussed. The painting may be only 30" x 30" but weighs in at some 500 pounds with all its security apparatus in place. That's discussed, btw, so no need to elaborate. I mean, 80% of first-time visitors cite seeing the Mona Lisa as their reason for being there and it has been attacked and even damaged slightly in the past, so its obviously needed. A move would certainly cut down on the bottle-neck of sorts that is created as groups pass, pause, take selfies, and such in a constant stream. I mean, it isn't even the only piece of work in the gallery room but lead many to overlook the rest. In any case, I'll be paying far more attention now to see what comes of this still in process plan to give "her" her own room, so to speak. I now understand the story behind the idea, so to speak.

Serious, I can't even begin to share all I've learned. The author writes in an easy-to-read fashion and you can almost hear her own awe, humor, and curiosity coming through as you read. Far from the dry text I feared, I enjoyed every moment of my virtual tour and thank #WWNorton&Company for allowing me this early virtual visit. I've been talking, well, messaging with some friends who have visited and expect to badger, er, ask them for more input now that I've finished. Consider this your warning, friends. Grin.

Murder in Covent Garden (Miss Merrill and Aunt Violet Mysteries #4), by Anita Davison

 

Publication March 14, 2025

It seems lately like there's a trend for cozy mysteries to have a long list of side-stories that may be or may not be related to the main mystery, usually a murder. This one is no exception. As always, the ol' history buff in me enjoyed going back in time to catch up with Hannah Merrill's life in England during WWI. As we read, the war is still raging. In fact, we learn one co-volunteer at the hospital, Dinah, has not just an injured brother, who lost a foot, but three more still on the lines. It's during their walk back to the bookshop Hannah runs with her suffragette Aunt Violet that she sees jeweler Jacob Cornelis in a heated argument with a young man she doesn't know. Imagine her shock to learn the next day that Jacob has not only been murdered but the unknown young man is the police officer assisting regular character Aiden Farrell as his new assistant. 

I won't detail the plot further other than to say there is a lot happening. Such as? Oh, Aunt Violet skipping an evening out with Aiden to go out with the mysterious Emilio Alfaro, from Mallorca, who seems to draw odd reactions when Hannah mentions his name. Stolen goods. Police office Daniel Vane seems to have a ready answer for his intereaction with Jacob but, well, can he be trusted? There has been talk of a leak from the police lately, after all. Hannah's boyfriend Darius is his usual reticent self when it comes to revealing any details of his job with Britain's MI5 intelligence agency. Is it really as safe an boring as he says or, yikes, is he actively spying on Britain's behalf? There's more but that gives you some of the highlights. 

Overall, the characters are intriguing and mostly likable and, hey, we can't forget bookshop cat Bartleby.  While I enjoyed the story, I have to admit that the pace was slow at times and the many side stories seemed to pull my attention away from the main question, "Who killed Jacob Cornelis?" While the author did a good job of weaving them in and out of the plot, not to mention reminding us we were in the midst of wartime England, I didn't feel as drawn to it as I had expected. Don't get me wrong, I did enjoy the book, just didn't love it. I did enjoy Hannah's rather confused reaction to feisty, pushy female reporter Tilly, however. Even though Tilly annoyed her, Hannah admitted she admired her ambitions and drive to excel in the then very male dominated news world. Hannah having to go pull out some hoarded wine at one point also reminds us again of the adjustments of life during wartime. The history buff in me always enjoys these little, personal glimpses of real life, I have to admit. Thanks #BoldwoodBooks for letting me take an early peek at how life and war is impacting Hannah's day to day life in England.

Dear Miss Perkins: A Story of Frances Perkins's Efforts to Aid Refugees from Nazi Germany, by Rebecca Brenner Graham

 

Publication Feb. 11, 2025     

Audio Book   8h  29m    Narrated by Tanya Eby

You'll learn a great deal from this book, some of it quite disturbing. Far from the "land of opportunity" most American's like to think of our country as, it's often been downright unwelcoming. In fact, we seem to be going through a phase of deja vu again right now. Sigh. Yet, amongst the turmoil, one can find moments of hope. Moments of inspriation. Frances Perkins' life is an example of that. While I did know of her, about how she served as the first female cabinet member (Labor, under FDR), I had little real knowledge of the true challenge she faced. 

Although I initially took copious notes, I eventually abandoned that tactic in favor of simply reading or, in my case since I had the audio book, listening. Maybe it was a subconscious effort to push forward faster in hopes of reaching a "happily ever after" ending. No such luck. The same issues that faced Perkins face us today, magnified by social media. Let's face it, racism and immigration are hot topic, problematic issues even today. Knowing this, that makes Perkins' accomplishments all the more impressive. While she certainly didn't solve all the problems of her day, just like no one person will do so today, she did what she could, often against strong opposition. In other words, she made a difference. Looking back, so many of the things we Americans take for granted today were born from Perkins' ideas and, with the backing of FDR, many were enacted into laws that still guide us today. As an Alaskan, one of the ideas that was floated about, btw, not necessarily by Perkins, was to use the then territory of Alaska as a sort of refugee location. Obviously that one didn't go anywhere. 

I'd be doing you a disservice to even attempt to summarize all the history and issues/actions discussed. This one deserves a read. In fact, I'm thinking it should be required reading/listening for anyone who has any interest in not just history but current affairs. While much of the history was saddening, there is much of hope to be found here, too. Perkins pushed against limits and she made a difference. All while dealing with an institutionalized husband suffering from Bi-Polar disease, I might add. 

Bottom line, not an easy read by any means although I think the better wording might better be "not a comfortable read". There's a huge amount of information to take in, not all involving immigration and refugees, and the author's obvious deep dive of research shows. While focused around letters citizens sent Perkins, it's far more broad reaching and comprehensive. It's easy to mumble about nostalgia for the good ol' days but, well, those good ol' days for some were anything but for others. This book, telling of how one rather private, steely determined woman made a difference should serve as an inspiration and reminder to us that, yes, one person can make a difference. We may not change the world like Perkins but we can make a difference to many. Thanks #TantorAudio for allowing me this early read/listen. While I was deeply uncomfortable reading portions of it, hope shines through. Frances Perkins persevered and did make a difference. Maybe that's why the character of Baby in "Dirty Dancing" was named after her?