Review: Fierce Dreamer by Linda Lafferty

Fierce Dreamer by Linda Lafferty

Born in the bustling artist quarter of Rome, Artemisia, daughter of renowned painter Orazio Gentileschi, is unavoidably drawn into a profession unheard of for women. With an innate grasp of color, light, and composition, and inspired by the mercurial Caravaggio, the fiery Artemisia embraces her calling with a precocious brilliance. But as a young woman, she also finds herself oppressed by a powerful patriarchy, and she is forced to endure emotional and physical abuse at the hands of men.

Until a shattering act of violence unleashes Artemisia’s righteous fury.

Refusing to be silenced and resolved to best men at their own games, Artemisia does what no woman had dared to do before. She fights back.

A bracing historical novel about a woman boldly at odds with her time, Fierce Dreamer explores the fearless determination that would fuel Artemisia Gentileschi’s most courageous works of art and make her independent voice a vital one for our own time.

This was absolutely fascinating and fantastic!

I felt every emotion reading Artemisia’s story. Rage, sorrow, despair and hope. I teared up when Artemisia heard other Roman women yell brava.

It’s a story about a wronged artist, who lived before her time. Torn between loving and hating her father and wishing for freedom.

After events unfold Artemisia takes revenge on men through her courage and her paintings.

This was hard to read at times and I just wanted to scream at the injustice women faced then and women face now.

Content warning for rape and slut-shaming.

I cannot recommend this highly enough! This is another gem from Netgalley. If you like historical fiction that grips you, while teaching you about the subject and characters, this one is for you. I loved looking up her and her father's paintings while reading and I also looked up Caravaggio.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Publisher: Lake Union Publishing

Publishing date: 5 May 2020

Down below you'll find an image of her "Susanna and the Elders".