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The painting, Netherlandish Proverbs (also known by its original title, The Blue Cloak), which was created by Pieter Bruegel the Elder, is the impetus for the plot of a young woman, Chloe, who is motivated by the lessons in the artwork as she interprets them to tell her older sisters that Bruegel's work from the sixteenth century has shown Chloe how she wants to live. Since Chloe has some wealth that her sisters do not, she has the means to potentially follow her dream. Her older sisters taunt her and try to deprive their youngest sister of the will and means to be independent, but Chloe's intelligence, courage, and help from an eccentric friend—to whom Chloe finally pays attention—facilitate ultimate justice.
Although this Eric Hoffer Award winner has similarities to other classic tales in which a young protagonist is bullied and abused by family members, the focus is on the painting. The cruel siblings put negative constructions on the stories in the painting. Savvy "knowy" Chloe interprets the messages as life lessons and warnings: think ahead, be honest, compassionate, and wise, and don't emulate the actions of the painter's subjects, who are cruel, foolish, or too impulsive. This book, by a multi-gifted author, is absolutely magnificent. Not only does it demonstrate the timelessness of art, but the lessons are pertinent to anyone in any century who can read the messages accurately. The antagonists in Farewell's story misread them because their interpretations are driven by selfishness, greed, and envy. The reader will be enmeshed by the unique plot structure and stay with Chloe and her friend to the narrative's triumphant resolution.
RECOMMENDED by the US Review
A 2026 Eric Hoffer Book Award Art Category Honorable Menion