Two young Englishwomen find themselves in 1930s Germany. Sidonie and Naomi are captivated by this Germany where the past grandeur of the Reich seems to be reborn. They mingle with the political elite of this new Germany, approaching the leaders. Naomi is a painter. Her canvases are renowned and highly valued.
Although Naomi died in 1947, we are in England in 1997, and Sidonie is selling her sister’s paintings bit by bit. An art dealer wants to know more. He sends his henchman to spy on the cottage while Sidonie, now an old lady of 85, attends a friend’s funeral.
The ‘visit’ will open up some not very pretty memories about the two sisters. Sidonie continues, even after the discovery of Nazi horrors, to justify her pre-World War II choices. At that time, there was a pro-fascist party in England. Her confessions, along with the appearance of new paintings by her sister, will unveil another mysterious layer regarding the accident in which Naomi was killed.
A fascinating novel with a depiction of England today. A country that has lost its bearings. All the characters are more or less lost souls, and what are we to make of this barely teenage boy? A lost dog without a collar in a grim and corrupt world. Who is Sidonie, could she be? Hush, you must read this novel to find out, Painting in black, painting in darkness to be more precise!
Thierry Jan
