Thunderclap

WINNER OF THE WRITERS' PRIZE (NON-FICTION CATEGORY)
SHORTLISTED FOR THE WOMEN’S PRIZE FOR NON-FICTION 2024

The Plot

Thunderclap is a poignant memoir that invites readers into the world of the 17th-century painter Carel Fabritius, whose life was tragically cut short by a gunpowder explosion in Delft. Laura Cumming intricately explores Fabritius' brief but impactful career, focusing on his celebrated work, The Goldfinch. Through this examination, Cumming connects the dots between the artist's life, his art, and the tumultuous period in which he lived.

Themes

At its core, the book delves into profound themes such as the interplay between personal experience and artistic expression. Cumming reflects on how tragedy and beauty coexist, and how they shape an artist's legacy. As she navigates Fabritius' limited oeuvre, Cumming also contemplates the significance of memory, loss, and the fleeting nature of life, drawing parallels between the artist's story and her own.

Writing Style

With lyrical prose and a contemplative tone, Cumming's narrative is both engaging and thought-provoking. Her ability to weave historical context with personal reflection invites readers to ponder the nature of art and its enduring impact. She interweaves her own life and that of her father, a Scottish painter who also died too young, with the lives of the great artists of the Dutch Golden Age.

“A wonderful read (or a great present) for anyone who loves stories and art” – Nina Stibbe, author of Love, Nina