Paint It Black

Paint It Black follows Josie Bianci, a model and artist living in 1980s Los Angeles, as she grapples with an unexpected personal tragedy. The punk rock scene serves as both backdrop and refuge, with music and art weaving through her journey of grief and self-discovery. The narrative centers on the complex relationship between Josie and Meredith, a renowned pianist and mother figure whose connection to Josie stems from shared loss. Their dynamic unfolds against the gritty landscape of 1980s LA, from punk clubs to high-society art galleries. The story tracks Josie's attempts to piece together the truth about her past while navigating the present, set against references to real events and figures of the era, including the Germs, Darby Crash, and John Lennon's death. Through its exploration of art, music, and human connection, Paint It Black examines how grief can both destroy and transform, while questioning the nature of truth and identity in the face of loss.

Readers frequently mention the raw, intense emotions and poetic writing style, similar to Fitch's White Oleander. Many note the vivid descriptions of 1980s Los Angeles punk culture and art scene. Readers appreciate: - Deep exploration of grief and mother-daughter relationships - Rich character development, especially Josie's transformation - Atmospheric details and sensory descriptions - Cultural references to art, music, and literature Common criticisms: - Slower pacing than White Oleander - Some find Josie's character difficult to connect with - Length (too long for some readers) - Depression-heavy tone throughout Ratings: Goodreads: 3.8/5 (16,000+ ratings) Amazon: 4/5 (200+ reviews) LibraryThing: 3.7/5 (1,000+ ratings) Sample reader comment: "Beautiful writing but exhausting to read - like watching someone spiral into darkness for 400 pages" (Goodreads reviewer) Several readers note they couldn't finish the book due to its emotional intensity, while others praise this same quality.

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🎸 The LA punk scene featured in the book was home to legendary bands like X, Black Flag, and The Germs, who often performed at venues like The Masque and Whisky a Go Go. 📚 Prior to "Paint It Black," Janet Fitch wrote the bestseller "White Oleander," which was adapted into a film starring Michelle Pfeiffer and became an Oprah's Book Club selection. 🎨 The book's title comes from The Rolling Stones' 1966 hit song "Paint It Black," which speaks to themes of loss and darkness that echo throughout the novel. 🌆 1980s Los Angeles saw a dramatic contrast between the punk underground and the city's wealthy areas, with venues like the Canterbury Arms apartments becoming legendary DIY spaces for art and music. 💫 The character of Josie Tyrell was partially inspired by the author's observations of LA's art scene, where models often moved between high-end galleries and underground art movements.