It has been a while since I have read a book as good as The Glimpse by Lis Bensley.

Although there are plenty of fiction books describing the life of an artist, there are very few that depict a chaotic life of an artist as fabulously as The Glimpse. Author Lis Bensley does an incredible job in transporting her readers into the art scene of New York in the 1950’s. The level of accuracy with which she describes the era is outstanding, In addition to involving famous abstractionists of the time into the plot, making them vivid and a vital part of it, Bensley manages to capture the free-spirited nature of the decade.

The book is filled with an admiration and passion for art, and this helps readers immerse themselves in the story, culture and the main character as well. But once Bensley is sure the reader is fully in Liza Baker’s headspace, she starts unravelling the deep and dark psychological issues and dilemmas that the protagonist is battling with. I admire how boldly Bensley describes depression and jealousy for the success of others. The reader is able to witness firsthand how Lisa Baker is trying extremely hard to combat her inner demons and how, sadly, demons win over her most of the time. I also love how masterfully Bensley juggles with time. The plot jumps back and forth between the 50s and 60s, and then towards the end it becomes paralleled, with Bensley providing two perspectives of the events that are happening. With all those shifts in time taking place, the plot itself remains clear and easy to follow.

The Glimpse is a riveting historical fiction novel that is clearly written with a passion for the arts and a keen understanding of human struggles which are explored in dramatic ways throughout the story.

Pages: 209 | ASIN: B0983VDFBH