THE LOST NOTEBOOK OF EDOUARD MANET

When listening to Graham Halstead's narration of this fictitious memoir by Edouard Manet, it's as if one were sitting in the garden with the artist as he ruminates on his life and work. In 1881-82, the painter later known as the father of modernism is suffering from the debilitating effects of syphilis. In notebook entries that range from short thoughts to longer reflections, Halstead captures his musings about life, desires for women despite his disabilities, bitterness toward his personal situation, and wonder at the beauty of the world around him. Halstead provides authentic French accents for places, phrases, and names, and the occasional female characterizations are superb. The listener will be treated to insight into Manet's final painting, A BAR AT THE FOLIES-BERGRE. J.E.S. © AudioFile 2021, Portland, Maine [Published: DECEMBER 2021]