Thunderclap

From the acclaimed and Sunday Times bestselling author Laura Cumming comes Thunderclap, a mesmerising memoir that intertwines her life as an art critic with the brilliant yet tumultuous legacy of her father's paintings and those from the Dutch Golden Age. This exquisite volume is beautifully illustrated in full colour throughout, offering readers a visual as well as intellectual feast.

SHORTLISTED FOR THE WOMEN'S PRIZE FOR NON-FICTION 2024

WINNER OF THE WRITERS' PRIZE 2024 | NON-FICTION

Thunderclap is a profound exploration of art, family, and history. It begins with a vivid recounting of a catastrophic event: on the morning of 12 October 1654, a gunpowder explosion devastates the Dutch city of Delft. Among the lives lost is the painter Carel Fabritius, who perished at the age of thirty-two, leaving his haunting masterpiece, The Goldfinch, behind.

This narrative serves as a launchpad for a richly woven tapestry that bridges multiple timelines and geographies. Laura Cumming delves into the life and works of Fabritius, drawing connections between the artist's tragic fate and the luminous world of Dutch Golden Age painting. Simultaneously, she interlaces her personal narrative, detailing her relationship with her painter father and how their shared love of art shaped her life.

Readers journey from the cobblestone streets of seventeenth-century Delft to the serene yet rugged landscapes of twentieth-century Scottish islands, from the prestigious atelier of Rembrandt to the bustling, war-shadowed streets of America and contemporary London. Through these interlinked stories, Cumming illustrates how a painting can transcend time and space, entering our lives with the sudden impact of a thunderclap, shifting our perceptions and altering our destinies.

Described as "brilliant" by Edmund de Waal, "captivating" by Nina Stibbe, and "extraordinary" by India Knight, Thunderclap promises to enchant and enlighten. According to the Daily Telegraph, "Superb...this book taught me to see anew," while the Sunday Times praises it as "a book that often borders on the sublime in its sentiment and beauty."

This book is a treasure trove for art lovers, history buffs, and anyone captivated by the enduring power of creativity. With its opulent illustrations and evocative prose, Thunderclap is poised to become a cherished addition to the bookshelves of discerning readers.