54 pages • 1 hour read
Still Life
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Book Brief
480
Novel • Fiction
Florence, Italy • 1940s
2021
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
In Still Life by Sarah Winman, two older British women, Evelyn and Margaret, navigate post-World War II Italy, while British soldier Ulysses Temper returns to London to find his wife's life changed. Ulysses inherits property in Florence, moves there with friends and his stepdaughter, and becomes a parental figure. The novel spans from the 1940s to the 1970s and explores the lives of LGBTQ+ characters during a time of legal and cultural prohibitions. Sexual assault and emotional abuse are depicted.
Heartwarming
Inspirational
Melancholic
Romantic
Nostalgic
Reviews & Readership
111,461 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Sarah Winman's Still Life is praised for its vivid characters and rich historical context, blending art, love, and friendship in post-war Italy. The lyrical prose and emotional depth resonate with readers. However, some critics note a meandering plot and uneven pacing. Overall, it is a charming and poignant narrative celebrating human connections.
Who Should Read Still Life?
Readers who enjoy rich, character-driven narratives set against historical backdrops would love Still Life by Sarah Winman. Fans of E.M. Forster's A Room with a View and Elizabeth Gilbert's The Signature of All Things will find a similar blend of romance, art, and exploration of identity in Winman's lush storytelling.
111,461 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Evelyn Skinner
Evelyn Skinner
An elder art historian deeply passionate about art, who serves as a mentor and role model while navigating the complexities of her identity in society. Her love for art and people informs her approach to life and relationships.
Cress
Cress
A well-known and empathetic figure in his London neighborhood who finds a new beginning in Italy. His appreciation for nature and beauty underlines his character's gentle and hopeful nature.
Peggy “Peg” Temper
Peggy “Peg” Temper
Ulysses’s wife, whose journey for independence reflects the challenges faced by women in postwar England. Her decisions and relationships impact her life's trajectory.
Alys
Alys
The confident and compassionate adopted daughter of Ulysses who represents the future and the societal changes of the 1960s and 1970s. She becomes a protégé, learning about art and identity from Evelyn.
480
Novel • Fiction
Florence, Italy • 1940s
2021
Adult
18+ years
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