Gino, the Countess and Chagall Hardcover - 2000

From the publisher

A rugged Italian peasant; a scheming, vicious friend of the family; a kindly monk; rich, beautiful women; the intriguing art world of Florence and Paris in the 1950s and 60s...these are the elements that make award-winning author Len Lamensdorf's new novel a compelling story.Critics have called Lamensdorf's writing wonderfully crafted, compulsive reading, and extremely engaging. In Gino, the Countess & Chagall, Lamensdorf presents a tale of war and peace, love and hate, great artistic heights -- as Gino rises to eminence and rubs elbows with other greats including Chagall, Picasso, and Sartre -- and profound personal lows as tragedy strikes close to home.Born Gianpolo Bondone on a tiny farm near Florence, Italy, Gino learns very early how to deal with an abusive father, trying to protect his mother and young sister, Maria. When he returns from serving his country at the end of World War II, Gino must find his place in the world. A kindly monk, who saw artistic talent in the youngster who painted curlicues on leather wallets at the rural monastery, arranges for Gino to be apprenticed to a master artist who is restoring a great fresco in a church in Florence.Discovery of Gino's infatuation and illicit affair with Guilia, wealthy daughter of the patron who commissioned the fresco's restoration, causes Gino to flee to Paris. In the guise of helpful friend, Pietro Scegli helps Gino settle on the West Bank. However, Pietro hides several terrible secrets.Readers follow Gino as he tries to find his way in this foreign land where he struggles with the language as he also struggles to find his way as an artist. Several art masters and a reluctant gallery owner offer advice, while the elegant Ariane, Comtesse de Villon, offers a different kind of help. Life threatens to overwhelm this humble peasant as tragedies -- past and present -- threaten to dry up Gino's artistic inspiration.At last confronted by Pietro, Gino must face long hidden truths. Can Gino deal with his past and rediscover the joy of love, life and art? Will advice given him by the renowned Chagall help him or haunt him? While readers cheer Gino on, they will be reluctant to have the story end.