I Am You by Victoria Redel
This “lush, sexy, absorbing novel” of historical fiction “brings to life two artists who are inextricably linked in passion and competition” (Melissa Febos, bestselling author of Girlhood)
A “captivating” lesbian romance set in the “wonderfully atmospheric” art world of 1600s Amsterdam (Sarah Jessica Parker, SJP Lit)
- Sale Date
- ISBN
- 9781638934745
- Page Count
- 320
- Language
- English
- Dimensions
- 5⅜ x 8¼
- Imprint
- SJP Lit
Meet the Author
Victoria Redel
“A propulsive, sensuous feast with one hell of a twist.” —People
In this “vibrant depiction of Amsterdam’s golden age” (The New York Times) two young women are bound by an intense rivalry of painting and power.
At eight years old, Gerta Pieters is forced to disguise herself as a boy and sent to work for a genteel Dutch family. When their brilliant and beautiful daughter Maria sees through Gerta’s ruse, she insists that Gerta accompany her to Amsterdam and help her enter the elite, male-dominated art world.
While Maria rises in the ranks of society as a painting prodigy, Gerta makes herself invaluable in every way: confidante, muse, and collaborator. But as Gerta steps into her own talents, their relationship fractures into a complex web of obsession and rivalry—and the secrets they keep threaten to unravel everything.
A mesmerizing historical novel, I Am You is a meditation on gender, an ode to artistic creation, and an unexpected friendship that reimagines the life of renowned painter Maria van Oosterwijck during the Dutch Golden Age.
“A stunning accomplishment.” —Michael Cunningham, Pulitzer Prize–winning author of Day and The Hours
In this “vibrant depiction of Amsterdam’s golden age” (The New York Times) two young women are bound by an intense rivalry of painting and power.
At eight years old, Gerta Pieters is forced to disguise herself as a boy and sent to work for a genteel Dutch family. When their brilliant and beautiful daughter Maria sees through Gerta’s ruse, she insists that Gerta accompany her to Amsterdam and help her enter the elite, male-dominated art world.
While Maria rises in the ranks of society as a painting prodigy, Gerta makes herself invaluable in every way: confidante, muse, and collaborator. But as Gerta steps into her own talents, their relationship fractures into a complex web of obsession and rivalry—and the secrets they keep threaten to unravel everything.
A mesmerizing historical novel, I Am You is a meditation on gender, an ode to artistic creation, and an unexpected friendship that reimagines the life of renowned painter Maria van Oosterwijck during the Dutch Golden Age.
“A stunning accomplishment.” —Michael Cunningham, Pulitzer Prize–winning author of Day and The Hours
Praise for I Am You
-
“I loved I Am You in a way that’s different from other books I have loved. Victoria Redel masterfully evokes the rich period of Golden Age Amsterdam and the centrality of its artists. Against this vivid and brilliantly detailed backdrop, the story of a female painter and her assistant comes to life, captivating us with its insights on time, art, sexual politics, class, women’s rights, and how we tell and retell our histories. It is spellbinding, wonderfully atmospheric, and impossible to forget.”
Sarah Jessica Parker, SJP Lit -
“A vibrant depiction of Amsterdam’s golden age, filled with conspicuous consumption and even more conspicuous artistic rivalries.”
The New York Times -
“A lush, sexy, absorbing novel that brings to life two artists who are inextricably linked in passion and competition. Redel is a master storyteller whose exquisite prose held me rapt. A profound achievement.”
Melissa Febos, author of The Dry Season and Girlhood, winner of the National Book Critics Circle Award "A propulsive, sensuous feast." —People
Press for I Am You
About the Imprint
Gorgeous, big-hearted, and thought-provoking stories—acquired and championed by Sarah Jessica Parker herself. All curated with the passion of a lifelong reader turned publisher.
