The Art of Seeing

by Cammie McGovern

Book Overview

As a child, the flamboyant, brooding, and beautiful Rozzie was always the star of her family -- especially in her younger sister Jemma's eyes. So when Rozzie takes up acting and, as a teenager, wins a... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0743228367
• ISBN13: 9780743228367
• Release Date: May 2007
• Publisher: Scribner Book Company
• Length: 288 Pages
• Weight: 0.56 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 7.1" x 8.0"

Customer Reviews

"Seeing" illuminates elusive, mysterious sisters' bond

Recently, I had the occasion to observe a stunning sculpture with a perceptive friend who commented on its graceful lines and delicate interplay between light and shadow. This sensitive, eloquent commentary bespoke an understanding not only of art, but of life itself. It it a gift of seeing, and it is exploring that gift which constitutes the challenge and triumph of Cammie McGovern's exquisite "The Art of Seeing." Her debut novel traces the evolution of the troubled and nuanced relationship between two talented and tormented sisters, equally troubled by the limits and possibilities of their own vision. McGovern's insights are subtle and quiet, their strength owing to the complexities of her character's personalities and the painful interplay betweem them. "Seeing" resonates with truths, not the least of which is that love often exists between people despite the mistakes they make with and for each other.Jemma, the youngest of the sisters, labors suggestively in the shadow of her older sister Rozzie. Begrudingly acquiesing to subordinate status, Jemma, at five years of age, realizes that she is "a pathway to my sister's approval" and "as easy as breathing" determines to accept this role. Alienated and sensitive to her differences (both outside and inside her family), Rozzie exploits Jemma's willingness to do "whatever is required to ensure...she will never be truly seen again." The two develop a balance based on misgiving, silence and perceived acceptance of role; in reality, both envision themselves intertwined with the other in a complicated mathematics of expectation, subservience and dependence. Although as an actress Rozzie appears distanced and detached, Jemma's choice of photography as a means of artistic expression requires identical traits. The metaphor of vision haunts both sisters. As Rozzie loses her sight, she fights the very invisibility she affected. Jemma's photography tends to focus on isolation and periphery, and as she begins to study the dynamics of her relationship with her sister, ruefully admits that in her own way, "I am missing too." If clarity sets humans free, both Jemma and Rozzie have built walls, shutting down their capacity to see themselves and each other as authentic people. Both women, talented in portrait and interpretation, lack the art of seeing their own hearts. This terrible irony lends a tragic tint to their relationship, but to McGovern's credit, the author does not exploit it for sentimental purposes. Instead, the author encourages her characters to use their deficiencies as the basis for renewal and change.Consequently, Cammie McGovern elects to challenge readers to reflect on the limits of their own observations. Have we unfairly sided with either of the two sisters? Are we blinded by our own perceptions? What must people do to attain a sense of artistry in their own sight? Jemma and Rozzie quietly grapple with not only their own individual artistic imperatives; they use their talent

an insightful glimpse into sisterhood

This book was absolutely fantastic. i could not put it down. This author knows what it is to have a sister and all the joys, sorrows and humor associated with this relationship. The characters were extremely well developed and the plot was excellent. I would highly recommend this wonderful novel.

Impressive debut novel

What a beautifully written book; there are paragraphs in The Art of Seeing that read more like poetry than prose. Cammie McGovern's subtle and evocative language captures all the inticacies of sisterhood and her characters illustrate how much we unconsciously define ourselves through our family relationships. I have already passed the book along to my sister and my mother!

Beautiful, complex, and impossible to put down

This wonderful book draws you in from the opening page and doesn't let you go. I was constantly amazed at Ms. McGovern's seemingly effortless ability to weave together the smallest details and observations until they add up to something moving and even astounding. The way these two complex and incredibly well-drawn sisters know each other and at the same time refuse to know each other - and themselves - is both maddening and remarkably true to life. Perhaps the most brilliant turn of all here is the ending - not contrived or sensationalist but deeply, movingly satisfying.

Sisters and their Discontents........

McGovern not only understands sisters and how they love and hate each other, she can WRITE (and what a relief that is these days). Her story grabs you and pulls you along, but not so quickly that you miss the craft, sensitivity, and humor that makes this book what it is. Everyone who has a sister or knows someone who does should read this -- more than once. Terrific first novel -- can't wait for McGovern's second.