Customer Reviews

The Art of Seeing: A Novel

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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.

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.

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 talents to retrain their hearts. "The Art of Seeing" becomes its title, a work of art that permits us a clearer vision of ourselves.

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!

I agree with one of the other reviewers: This is a book to buy for your sister. Cammie McGovern writes great dialogue, and she creates touching scenes; the book hooked me with its premise and kept me hooked with its subtle character development and evocative writing. The descriptions of Rozzie's blindness were particularly vivid. This is a fast-paced novel that will sear your heart...even if you don't have a sister. Can't wait for more from McGovern!

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.

I have to say that I was not as impressed with this debut as some of the other reviewers. While it had a fascinating premise, and did keep me turning pages, I was ultimately left unsatisfied. There's nothing to indicate why these two women are so repressed and essentially emotionally [messed] up. The sibling issues are nicely treated, but all in all I felt it was very hard to make a connection with these people. The New York Times Book Review comments that it feels like you're looking at this world through the wrong end of a set of binoculars; I completely agree.

From a strictly mechanical viewpoint, I also had problems with the author switching between first and third person as she alternates between the sisters' perspectives, finding it cumbersome and detractive to the story itself. Because McGovern is a skilled writer, I have to figure that this was done for a purpose. I just didn't get it.

I read this when it first came out and reread it last week. Great book, great writing. Waiting impatiently for her next!

Spent a late summer afternoon completely enchanted by this remarkable novel! The writing is poetic, so beautiful. . . Cammie McGovern is an extraordinarily talented writer. What is so remarkable is that this was her first novel! The story of these two sisters is told with great insight, the dialogue at times heart wrenching, and other times humorous. It all rings true. I will most definitely share this wonderful book with my sisters! Looking foward to more from Cammie!

The Art of Seeing is a fast, hilarious and heartbreaking read. McGovern's characters are endearingly well-drawn, and the relationship between Jemma and Rozzie brings up the complicated emotional lines between siblings. There are laugh-out-loud moments throughout, but the real prize is the author's subtlety when it comes to depicting the rich sweetness of sisterhood. Buy one for your sis!