Book review of The Sidewalk Artist by Gina Buonaguro and Janice Kirk
ISBN 10:0312358032 Thomas Dunne Books, review by ellen george

Sometimes you come across a book that is not only beautifully written, but it touches your heart and becomes part of the fabric of your soul. This is what The Sidewalk Artist is to me...

Tulia Rose has been given by her boyfriend a gift neither of them ever thought would happen - he, in an effort to give some breathing room to their dying relationship, sends Tulia to Paris - first leg in her European tour -

As a sunshower of rain ends on a sidewalk in Paris, Tulia comes to an area of artists - and sees angels - not just any angels, but the gorgeous mischievous angels - the artist Raphael's angels - there on the sidewalk! Tulia starts talking to the handsome sidewalk artist, who really doesn't identify himself, but answers to Raphael, in honor of the Renaissance artist Raphaelo - to Tulia's surprise, Raphael has wine and repast for two - even presents her with a bouquet of fresh red poppies - as they start talking, he starts to tell Tulia the story of a young lady who wanted oranges - and the man who bought them for her - so long ago -Raphael makes this story come to life -

And inspires Tulia to write again - her first book was not successful, and she has had writer's block ever since - but now, the words flow - about Raphaelo and his lady - Present day Raphael and Tulia also fall in love....not only in the majesty of Paris, but Venice, and other romantic places in Italy.

But who is this man - why is she starting to have vivid dreams?

Two love stories that parallel each other - and each compliment the other -

The romance will not leave you after the last page is read - at least to romantics like myself - I have given this book as gifts, and only one has not felt its magic, and that's a great track record.

Canadians Buonaguro and Kirk collaborated on a modern classic. They are hard at work on their second book, not a sequel to Artist, but you can be sure it will be written with love and magic.

They have that touch....

 

ellen george

The Sidewalk Artist by Gina Buonaguro and Janice Kirk, ISBN-10: 0312358032 Thomas Dunne Books