Life Class

This is a very lightly written and easily read book which feels as though it is skating over quite profound themes. The title denotes the nude model classes at the Slade which the characters attend while young inexperienced art students and also the brutal reality of war which changes their views. Elinor single mindedly refuses to confront the horrors and is happy to concentrate on art. She does not wish to talk about the war, only art. She will not even train as a nurse to play her part. Her brother, however, gives up his medical studies to join up. Their father loses his argument with both his children!
Paul, who paints landscapes and is less talented than the others, finds powerful subjects in his wounded patients. He is not fit enough for the army and volunteers to be an ambulance driver. He also discovers his talent as a dresser. He emerges as a stronger person and his powerful war paintings are recognised by his old art tutor who had previously told him he lacked passion.
.We are asked to pit Elinor's attitude against the others. Were her views valid? I don't know.
I would have liked the author to have discussed her premisses more fully to help me.
The Imperial War Museum has an art gallery which is a very emotive place to visit. For depicting horror and suffering, art certainly seems to have a place alongside photography.