Fake Like Me

I rarely write reviews – Im too lazy and my perspective is pretty pedestrian. I do go out of my way to read Edgar-nominated novels, and thats what led me to Fake Like Me. Fake Like Me is perfectly constructed, and built on a breathtaking amount of research into art and the art world. Most importantly, it is a mystery that doesnt feel like a mystery. Its as if a stranger is telling you an incredible story, and you just enjoy the telling itself. Obviously, I strongly recommend Fake Like Me. I hope it wins the Edgar this year.

Ive read lots of books set in the art worldfiction and non- fiction. This one stands out! Unique in describing the relationship between artist, her materials, her studio, and her artworka passionate attachment that is rarely explored. There is an intriguing mystery plot underlying the action but the essence of the book is the relationships, the demands of the art market, and the mentality of artists, gallerists, and collectors at the highest international levels of the art world. A glimpse into the art school agenda inculcated into graduates of top schools. For amateurs and Sunday painters, this is a foreign world. Contemporary art, abstract art and sculpture, performance art all treated from the inside (the creative seed, evolution and realization) to the point where the work leaves the studio to face the critique of the public. Highly recommended if you want to really understand the work artists do and why they do it. Kudos to the author for a unique contribution to this genre.

Young female artist, mentor-less and mostly in obscurity, creates large, thick pictures. She doesnt find a mentor, but an idol. Except for keeping an eye on her idol, whom she measures herself against, she eschews a social life in favor of work. On the cusp of achieving career-changing success, her world comes apart. Without her idol, she works feverishly to produce art on an impossible deadline. Just as her protagonist produces large, thick pictures, Bourland has created a large, thick story that follows Ezra Pounds famous dictum: make it new. The reader doesnt have to care a wit about New Yorks art scene to thoroughly enjoy this original, rich, and beautifully written novel.

Our search for our authentic selves is interesting. I understand the main characters drive and obsession with painting. I imagine the world of art is a difficult place to be successful. She was compulsive, a little mental, and perhaps wanted to be accepted too much. For me, this book so proves that being honest is always best.

This book obsessed me for the three days it took me to read it. Like the narrator, I was both attracted and repelled by the insular world of Pine City, and drawn into the complex network of relationships. Bourland is also great on the rollercoaster of emotions involved in creating something — those swings from joy to despair and back again. A pleasure all the way through!

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