Blood Water Paint

(Paperback)

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Description

An inspiring and empowering story of strength and persistence in the aftermath of sexual assault based on the life of the seventeenth-century painter Artemisia Gentileschi. Her mother died when she was twelve, and suddenly Artemisia Gentileschi had a stark choice- a life as a nun in a convent or a life grinding pigment for her father's paint. She chose paint. By the time she was seventeen, Artemisia did more than grind pigment. She was one of Rome's most talented painters, even if no one knew her name. But Rome in 1610 was a city where men took what they wanted from women, and in the aftermath of rape Artemisia faced another terrible choice- a life of silence or a life of truth, no matter the cost. He will not consume my every thought. I am a painter. I will paint. I will show you what a woman can do.

Reviews

"Haunting ...[Blood Water Paint] does not read like historical fiction. It teems with raw emotion, and McCullough deftly captures the experience of learning to behave in a male-driven society and then breaking outside of it."The New Yorker

"An impassioned, lushly described account of a young woman who refuses to dwell in secret shame. Blood Water Paintfits smoothly into the current conversation surrounding the #MeToo movement."Chicago Tribune

"Coming out of the novel, I knew I would behaunted and empowered by Artemisias story for the rest of my life."Amanda Lovelace, bestselling author ofthe princess saves herself in this one

"McCullough has managed tovividly capture a singularly brave, resilient feminist who became an icon during a time when women hadalmost no agency. Her story and the stunning verse through which it is told will resonate just as stronglywith readers today.A captivating and impressive debut about a timeless heroine."Booklist,starred review

"McCulloughs beautifully crafted text will inspire upper-middle/high school readers to research the true story upon which this powerful piece of historical fiction is based. The poetry is clear and revelatory, exploring Artemisias passion for both art and life. The expression of her intense feelings is gripping and her complexity of character make her a force to be reckoned with, both in her times and in ours."SLJ,starred review

"A haunting, stirring depiction of an unforgettable woman, Artemisia's story will resonate deeply with readers today and beyond."Publishers Weekly, starred review

"Luminous."Shelf Awareness, starred review

"A visceral reminder that women have suffered and stood strong throughout time.Mindy McGinnis, award-winning author ofThe Female of the Species.

"Both a grave reminder of how little has changed and ahopeful testament to how much more we might achieve, McCullough's debut is amustread."Gae Polisner, author ofThe Memory of Things

"Blood Water Paintis a deftly layered portrait, at once intimate and universal."Melanie Crowder, author of Audacity

"McCullough's stunning, immersive debut tells a timely story that's sure to stay with you long after you finish."Buzzfeed

"Timeless and, alas, all too timely."Kirkus

"[W]ill resonate with modern feminists."BookPage

McCulloughs debut novel is one of a kind. ... [A] truly inspiring and impactful story."Romatic Times

"Filled with hope and an important message that womens voices cannot be silenced."Book Riot

"For lovers of writers like Laurie Halse Anderson and An Na."Bustle

A stunning portrait.Bitch

Can be inhaled in a day.Paste

Deeply movingBrit & Co

"This intensely passionate and powerful exploration of womens lives, stories, truths, and power is a masterpiece." Teen Librarian Toolbox

Amelia Bloomer Top Ten
Amelia Elizabeth Walden Award Finalist
BooklistEditor's Choice Top of the List
Boston GlobeBest Books
Book PageBest of the Year
Bustle Best of the Year
Chicago Public Library Best of the Best
Cooperative Childrens Book Center Choices List
Globe and Mail100: Favourite Books of the Year
National Book Award Longlist
Pacific Northwest Booksellers Association 2019 Book Award
A Publishers Weekly Flying Start
School Library Journal Best of the Year
Shelf Awareness Best Children's & Teen Books of the Year
Texas Tayshas Reading List
YALSA Best Fiction for Young Adults
YALSA Teen's Top Ten Nominee
YALSA William C. Morris Award Finalist

Author Bio

Joy McCullough writes books and plays from her home in the Seattle area, where she lives with her husband and two children. She studied theater at Northwestern University, fell in love with her husband atop a Guatemalan volcano, and now spends her days surrounded by books and kids and chocolate. Blood Water Paint is her debut novel. www.joymccullough.com @jmcwrites