‘Still Life’ by Sarah Winman

It’s what we’ve always done. Left a mark on a cave, or on a page. Showing who we are, sharing our view of the world, the life we’re made to bear.

‘Still Life’ by Sarah Winman certainly does exactly that: leaving a mark. And the author shares a beautiful perspective on a world full of pain. Set mostly in Florence and London, this book covers almost the entire 20th century, from 1901 to 1979.

The story begins in Tuscany in 1944. Coincidentally brought together at the end of World War II, Evelyn Skinner, an independent lesbian art historian in her sixties, meets Ulysses Temper, a young soldier who trusts he’ll survive. This brief encounter stays with them for decades.

Over the next few decades, Ulysses and Evelyn live eventful lives full of friendship, chosen families, and love, as well as loss and pain.

It's a book you won’t want to put down. At the same time, you won’t want it to end. The characters are beautifully crafted and well developed—every single one is lovable in their own way. The dialogue is exceptionally well-written and incredibly witty. And it has a slight leaning toward magic realism!

Be aware: if you haven’t already been planning to move to Florence, you certainly will afterwards.

CW: abuse, depression, alcoholism, war themes & trauma, death & grief, infidelity & heartbreak, homophobia