Widow Basquiat: A Love Story

The format was refreshing and made this an enjoyable read. Insights into 1980s art scene in New York. Stories from one who was on the inside.

This book definitely touched my heart as it highlighted the sad truth about trauma bonding and its lasting effects. Unfortunately this was not just their tale but rather a lot of others folks who bonded over trauma and had addictions they couldn’t help each other overcome. A sad but good book.

A quick and interesting walk through the inside of the art club scene of the 80's as depicted through the love affair of Basquiat and Suzanne things we have heard before and others we have not. I'm always fascinated by the inner stories of this time as ok live ed d through them myself in LA. Poetic. Memories of what it is to be young to live free and to create and those that live through it and those that die by it. It was a fast and enjoyable ride.

Loved the book; more about the relationship with his girlfriend than about his art. But for fans of contemporary art, well worth the read. Excellent book.

I had read this book before and loved it--- so this time I bought it as a gift. It's such an amazing look at the NYC art scene during that period. All the big artists of that time make an appearance and even Madonna shows up and gets in a chick fight. Ultimately, it's a love story between one of our great American artists and the woman who loved him probably more than he loved himself. I have to admit that I re-read it before I gave it as a gift. Couldn't resist. :) Definitely my favorite Basquiat book. It's small, but packs a punch.

This book is mostly about Suzanne Mallouk, whose nickname was "Widow Basquiat." The chapters are all very short one to two page "pieces" that sound like something that would be read aloud at a standup performance or off Broadway theater. Many of the pieces have a first person feel. Some pieces are not stories at all such as "What Furniture Feels Like: A chair feels like a slap. A table feels like a kick. A lamp feels like a punch. A door feels like a shove, but it can be opened." The later entries where Basquiat comes into the story feel like diary entries of Suzanne's. For more biographical or art-related essays of Basquiat you should seek out one of his art monographs. For Basquiat completists wanting more Basquiat then you will probably already be buying this. But for the casual Basquiat fan I wouldn't recommend this as a way to get to learn about Basquiat.

I am a fan of Clement's skill of writing about the edges of things. Her other 2 books , like this one, begin with a peep show...at first you are safe as the watcher. Then as you are reading along there comes the blast to your mind, as it opens every pore up, and you realize you have a human responsibility in what she is exposing. All people are asked to fight daily for the right to live ...against all the odds that are placed before them. Which is most necessary, the painter, or the muse...or could it possibly be the Man ? Clement is a writer of space, and since it is only our edges that we get to decide, I for one, am always moved by what she chooses to put into print.

I bought this book for my husband, and he really enjoyed it. At first, the unusual writing style bothered him, but by 50 pages in, he'd become used to it. He has always been a huge fan of Basquiat's art, but knew little about him as a person. So, he was very disturbed by many of the revelations in this book about Basquiat's true character. For a man who is very respectful of women, the book was almost too much. But ultimately, he came out with a greater understanding of the artist and the art. My husband is a successful artist, so it meant a lot to him to see how Basquiat operated during his depressingly short life. I have not read the book, because honestly the writing style puts me off also. But for a unique look into the artist's tragic life, this book is priceless. And Suzanne's story is one of a woman who really beat the odds. Overall, this book comes highly recommended by Mr. Willis.

This takes you into the world of the artist as viewed from his long time 'wife' ' lover.' This book is deeply subjective and written in a manner that gives insight in a way that can never truly be captured by a more scholarly approach to his life. Well worth a read if you want to get a more nuanced understanding of Basquiat.

I have read this book at least five times. It's my go - to when I need a Basquait fix. The compelling thing about this artist is that his narrative is being constructed by the people who knew him - a clique of New York artists - many of whom are still alive. Now that Basquiat is taking his proper place in American Art History, a lot of people are coming out of the woodwork, ready to glom on, and this can be gross. Suzanne Mallouk however, is someone who intimately knew Jean-Michel, and hearing the story of Basquiat from her perspective is heart wrenching and fascinating. Jennifer Clement writes in a style that fits the subject matter, and this book adds to the historical narrative that has been spun around Jean-Michel and the New York art scene of the 1980's.

Adorei a compra. Chegou antes da data de entrega.

Un libro interesante y entretenido. Bien escrito. Estaba en perfecto estado al recibirlo. Lo recomiendo 100%. Muchas gracias por todo.

very beautiful story