‘The Beautiful American’: Readers will want to devour, savor novel

I love historical fiction, but fiction that is based on the lives of real people makes it even more fascinating.

I had never heard of Lee Miller before Jeanne Mackin's 'The Beautiful American” but found myself on Google, researching her photography.

In 'The Beautiful American” we are introduced to Miller, Man Ray and Pablo Picasso, real people who were part of the art history. Fictional Nora Tours tells the story of herself and these famous artists whose lives were entangled beginning in the 1920s.

The story takes you from New York, to Paris, through World War II, and back to New York. You will be captivated, shocked and emotional as you travel through the lives of these interesting characters.

Tours is an only child. Her father is a gardener for Lee Miller's family and she is forced to play with their privileged daughter. The two become friends, balancing each other out. Miller is a tomboy who takes risks, and Nora is quiet and reserved. Then one day, suddenly, the two aren't allowed to play together. They meet up again as adults in Paris. Miller is now a famous model, living with photographer Man Ray.

Tours and her beau, Jamie, an aspiring photographer spend their days and nights with Miller and Ray partying, rubbing shoulders with some of the most famous artists of the 20th century.

The two women don't acknowledge their childhood relationship during all their years together.

After a betrayal, Tours goes to Grasse, France, and becomes a much sought after perfume sales woman.

Sixteen years later after World War II, she again runs into Miller, who is damaged after photographing the horrors of the war.

Mackin's writing was breathtaking and full of metaphors that told deep truths of the characters and their lives.

Mackin places you in Paris, in Grasse, and in the terrors of the war by describing the feelings, scenery and scents of the time.

I found much about this novel to love. It was historically interesting, emotionally brilliant and full of passion, love, friendships, betrayal, hope and, ultimately, forgiveness. It is a novel to be devoured and savored.