This book includes the author's artwork, which is inspired by the life of Joan Eardley, and summarizes Eardley's story. There are also photographs of Eardley and a resource list at the end. This is informative, and I liked some of the artwork, but the text is very dry and includes multiple writing technique errors. This book can still appeal to people who are interested in learning about the little-known subject, especially if they are interest in women's art history and LGBT art history, but the book could be much more polished.

I loved this little book and the beautiful artwork. Her life story is heartbreaking, because she died so young with so much potential. The prose that accompanies the story is gorgeous. Thanks to NetGalley for letting me read this

Two adult introductions begin this lovely book containing the art of English-born artist Joan Eardley, a woman as out of step with 1950s England as could be. Then the charming pictures are accompanied by banal prose about this artist killed much too young by breast cancer. This could have been a wonderful picture book, which could have presented Eardley’s life, unvarnished, for young and old. The photos by Eardley’s companion, Audrey Walker, are a nice plus, but all in all, this book is a disappointment.

In the interest of full disclosure, I received this book from NetGalley and Cranthorpe Millner Publishers in exchange for an honest review.

Over recent years there has been a gradual acknowledgement in the world of art that women a have been sorely neglected in the history of art. The recent book The History of Art Without Men by Katy Hessel highlighted this situation and shone a light on forgotten or neglected talent and leaders in the world of art.

Ayshea Ahmed previously shone a light on the sublime work of Madge Gill and now she turns her attention to the beautiful and emotive work of Joan Eardley. Joan's work has gained increasing attention over the last coupe of decades( and rightly so).

This is not an extensive historical tome of Joan's life but a celebration of her work and simple story of her world from growing up in Sussex to living in Glasgow and her love for the coastal village of Catterline.

Ayshea Ahmed has presented the art work in the style of an old notebook /photo album which perfectly suits the style of Joan's work and adds a warmth to it . The paintings of the Glasgow children and the Scottish coastline are so warm and big hearted as are the paintings she created of herself with friends.

Working in education this is a book that is certainly going to explored with younger students; Joan's artwork has the feeling of so much contemporary imagery . Joan was ahead of her time.

A delightful book that will introduce many more people to the beautiful work of Joan Eardley.

As somebody who grew up near her birth place, I am keen to see if she is historically acknowledged when I next visit.