“The Art of Unmaking” by Parker Lennox is a wonderful historical fiction novel about two women from opposite sides of the art world. Clara is trapped in a traditional school, traditional values, and traditional expectations. And Evelyn belongs to a world promising innovation, illumination, and freedom. The book reminisces of Gentleman Jack in Evelyn’s critique of normality and her pushing the usual boundaries of what’s expected of women and Portrait of Lady on Fire with its dive into artistry and creation paralleling a burgeoning relationship.

Lennox does a wonderful job of illustrating the artworks and life of Clara and her society with just her words. I was enthralled and fascinated every step of the way. I could picture the foggy streets just as much as the impasto paintings they created together.

The book was filled with yearning and longing both for a destiny and a person beyond expectation. These themes feel so valid and relatable even 100 years later. I got goosebumps from the pining and the chemistry.

The only thing about this novel I wish I could change is its scope and length. Only 268 pages and easily consumed (but not easily forgotten). I want to dive deeper into this world and the relationships held within. I could easily see this being a series, but I would have loved to read 600 pages.

As an art history nerd, this book scratched an itch I didn’t know I had. I highly recommend “The Art of Unmaking” to book and art lovers in addition to those who love romance and fantasy.

Bonus! In addition to the beautiful cover, the book includes a lovely piece of art depicting Clara and Evelyn that I can imagine they would be proud of.

The Art of Unmaking

I cannot stop thinking about and talking about The Art of Unmaking.
(Apologies to my wife.)
I read this book while on my stationary bike. I read this book instead of doing my chores (sorry baby x).
I have lost sleep over this book.

To summarize, The Art of Unmaking is about an art student, Clara, who is a bit of a perfectionist. Well… not just a bit. An anxiety-inducing amount. Her art instructor recommends she visit a gallery featuring modern, experimental art. There she meets Evelyn and is introduced to a mysterious, secretive art society. I don’t want to spoil too much, but let’s just say the title of this book is perfect.

Right from the first couple of pages, my interest was piqued. The characterization of perfectionist Clara (whose point of view the book is from) was apparent right away. This helped me connect with her, and therefore the book, very quickly. I could not consume the words fast enough. There is a cat-and-mouse dynamic between Clara and Evelyn that is captivating and pulls the reader in. Along with the quick-natured pacing of the chapters, I never found myself rushing through descriptions or side character interactions to get to Clara and Evelyn. (Okay this might just be a personality flaw of mine!)

The side characters had enough depth and characterization that I could tell them apart and feel affection toward them, but they weren’t TOO developed in the sense that it didn’t feel like there were 8 main characters. I very much got found family vibes from the side characters even though Clara was honest to admit that many of them she didn’t actually know that well (realistic!).

The mystery and dark acadamia vibes, really rounded out the plot for me. I could not stop raving after I finished. I was shook, yet all the puzzle pieces fell into place. I have already recommended The Art of Unmaking to several of my friends, and I imagine I will continue indefinitely.

I have been unmade.

Thank you NetGalley, ONYX Publishing, and Parker Lennox for the free advanced review copy of The Art of Unmaking in exchange for my honest review. I am not the same person anymore.

Down below is some generalized review information for those interested. Possibility of minor spoilers. Read at your own discretion. (Micro-tropes and Content Warnings contain the most spoilers)

Medium to Fast Paced
First Person, Character Driven, Strong Character Development
Moods: Mysterious, Dark, Emotional
Rep: SC with Synesthesia
Romance: Sapphic, Classically Trained Artist x Modern Experimental Artist
Spice: 3/5 (one open door scene, other intimacy)
Tropes: Rivals-To-Lovers, Cat-and-Mouse
Micro-Tropes: Bathing/hair washing, cat-becomes-the-mouse, tell me what you want/I want to hear you say it, stay still/follow directions, hair pulling, look at me/I want to see you c*m, light praise kink, “take what you want”, light dominance, erotic painting/paint me like one of your French girls
Content Warnings (provided by author): explicit sexual content, violence/physical assault, emotional abuse/manipulation, death, murder, suicide, psychological distress, homophobia, classism, mild body horror, alcohol, smoking