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The Matisse Stories by A.S. Byatt (sister of Margaret Atwood)

 Three solid stories linked by art and particularly by the art of Matisse.


ARTWORK takes place in a beauty parlor. Middle-aged woman fighting against age and against her impulse to not fight against age. Her hairdresser tells her about his affair and involves her in "should I leave my wife . . . what is life all about" conversations.

ROBIN DENISON'S FETISHES "Artistic" family has Mrs. Brown (Afro-Irish) as helper/cleaning woman. Wife is breadwinner, trying to hold all together. Husband is artist & prima donna. Mrs. Brown grates on his nerves. So out of touch with art and color. Predictable reversal occurs, but nevertheless very enjoyable, insightful.

CHINESE LOBSTER Art school. Young, unstable female accuses prof of sexual advances. Dean of Women Students has prof to Chinese restaurant to discuss what is to be done. Nothing is clear . . . general impression is prof is out of line and girl is exaggerating. Discussion leads to ruminations on mental health and suicide.

Three solid stories, definitely worth reading.

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