Dani Shapiro, Black & White

I couldn't put it down. It is a book about the relationship between a mother and her daughter, complicated by the fact that the mother is a photographer and the daughter has been her muse. It's a very entertaining read that I think would make it good for book clubs.

Black & White

Dani Shapiro

Knopf, Apr 2007, $24.00

ISBN 0375415483

Infamous photographer Ruth Dunne is dying from cancer yet hopes to put together one last book as a testimony of her work. Her youngest daughter Clara, the object of many of the sensational pictures, fled Manhattan and her mom for the serene quiet of Maine where she has lived for fourteen years in seclusion with her spouse Jonathan and their daughter Samantha, who is unaware that her maternal grandmother is alive or that her mom was the "star." When Clara's sister Robin informs her that mom is dying, she would like to reconcile with Ruth before dies, but has so much anger over those pictures of her as a naked child that Ruth insists were art, but Clara feels they were exploitation and abuse.

Forced to tell the truth to Sam, the family travels to New York to see Ruth. At the MoMA, Sam sees some of her grandmother's work and believes they are fine. Robin, who has always felt left out and alone, and Clara bond as adult sisters; something they could not do as children. Meanwhile, as Ruth nears death she begs Clara to forgive her as she never intended to harm her with her art. While her family wants a reconciliation, Clara has doubts as exploitation remains in the forefront of her mind.

This is an interesting family drama as each of the key players comes across as an unique individual with issues and concerns. The storyline focuses mostly on the dysfunctional relationship between Ruth and Clara, but also provides some insight into the lack of rapport between sisters, spouses, and mother and daughter. Readers will know how everyone feels as no one holds back their emotions. Although the climax seems too forgiving, fans will enjoy this fine character driven tale.

Harriet Klausner