54 pages 1 hour read

Sarah Winman

Still Life

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2021

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Before You Read

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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.

Reviews & Readership

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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 this

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.

RecommendedReading Age

18+years

Book Details

Genre

Historical Fiction

Italian Literature

Themes

Values/Ideas: Art

Emotions/Behavior: Love

Relationships: Friendship

Topics

LGBTQ

Military / War

History: World