The Last Nude

The Last Nude is a historical fiction novel that captures the artistic and social landscape of 1927 Paris through the relationship between Art Deco painter Tamara de Lempicka and her young model Rafaela Fano. The story centers on seventeen-year-old Rafaela, an Italian-American runaway who becomes de Lempicka's model and muse. Their professional collaboration evolves into a complex personal relationship that inspires de Lempicka's renowned painting "La Bella Rafaela." The narrative shifts between two timeframes - 1920s Paris told through Rafaela's perspective, and 1980s Mexico from de Lempicka's viewpoint as she creates her final painting. The novel explores themes of art, power, ambition and desire while examining the sometimes blurred lines between artist and muse, creator and creation. It raises questions about who truly owns a story - the one who lives it or the one who immortalizes it through art.

Readers appreciate Avery's vivid portrayal of 1920s Paris art scene and the relationship between painter Tamara de Lempicka and her model Rafaela. Many note the rich historical details and sensual atmosphere. One reader called it "a feast of colors, textures, and emotions." Common criticisms include pacing issues in the second half and an abrupt shift in narrative perspective. Several readers felt the ending was unsatisfying. As one Amazon reviewer noted: "The first part soars, but it loses momentum after the viewpoint changes." Readers frequently mention the authentic portrayal of LGBTQ themes and female artists of the era, though some found the character development uneven. Ratings: Goodreads: 3.7/5 (2,800+ ratings) Amazon: 4.1/5 (120+ ratings) LibraryThing: 3.8/5 (150+ ratings) The book won the Lambda Literary Award for Lesbian Fiction and ALA Stonewall Honor Book, though reader reviews suggest stronger interest from art history enthusiasts than general fiction readers.

The Paris Wife by Paula McLain This novel depicts the relationship between Ernest Hemingway and his first wife Hadley Richardson in 1920s Paris, immersing readers in the art scene and expatriate culture of the era.

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid A fictional biography traces the life of a bisexual Hollywood star through the decades as she reveals her secrets to a young journalist.

Z: A Novel of Zelda Fitzgerald by Therese Fowler The story follows Zelda Fitzgerald through the art scenes of Paris and New York during the Jazz Age, exploring her complex relationship with F. Scott Fitzgerald and her struggle for artistic recognition.

The Hours Count by Jillian Cantor Set in 1950s New York, this historical novel weaves through the life of Ethel Rosenberg and her neighbor, mixing real historical events with fictional characters in a story of art, politics, and forbidden relationships.

Tell Me I'm Worthless by Alison Rumfitt This narrative combines historical elements with contemporary London's art world, following the intertwined lives of three women navigating sexuality, identity, and power.

★ "La Belle Rafaela," the actual 1927 painting that inspired this novel, sold for $9.7 million at Sotheby's in 2011, setting a record for Tamara de Lempicka's work. ★ Tamara de Lempicka fled the Russian Revolution in 1917, arriving in Paris penniless before becoming one of the most sought-after Art Deco painters of the 1920s. ★ Author Ellis Avery taught writing at Columbia University and was the only writer to have received the Stonewall Book Award for fiction twice. ★ The real Rafaela appeared in six of de Lempicka's most famous paintings, but her full identity remained a mystery until the novel's research uncovered her surname was Fano. ★ De Lempicka's distinctive Art Deco style influenced fashion and design well beyond her era, including Madonna's "Open Your Heart" music video and the imagery in the video game BioShock.