What I loved by siri hustvedt?

What I Loved by Siri Hustvedt tells the story of Leo Hertzberg, a successful art historian living in New York City. He is married to an artist, Aura and has two grown children. Throughout the book, we follow his decades-long friendship with Bill Wechsler, a brilliant but troubled artist who spirals into mental illness.

The story really begins when Leo meets haunted and beautiful artist, Sadie van der Waal. He falls instantly in love with her, even though she is the same age as his son. As their friendship grows closer, Sadie violently exits the city to pursue her growing obsession with Edvard Munch’s The Scream painting. While Sadie’s story evolves in this manner, Bill's health deteriorates until he eventually lapses into full-blown psychosis - simultaneously mirroring and contradicting Sadie's journey of abandoning herself in her art.

The novel serves both as a great life study into its characters while also providing deep philosophical debates surrounding both the existence of talent and an individual's pursuit of creative growth. It beautifully weaves together these themes through its characters' vivid personal stories and delves into complex topics such as ethical treatments for psychopaths, patronage for artistic talent and an appreciation for beauty in life. All these elements make What I Loved an enthralling read that keeps readers on their toes until the very end.

The 2003 novel What I Loved by Siri Hustvedt is an exceptional novel that follows Leo Hertzberg’s life, with elements of drama, suspense and heartfelt emotions throughout.

The main character of this book is Leo, a man currently in his late fifties. Throughout his adolescence, he leaves behind an old life in Vienna due to the war and later moves to New York City with his family. In America, he builds new friendships with characters such as Bill Wechsler and Erica Anderson.

Besieged by tragedy, Leo takes it upon himself to raise Bill Wechsler's son Mark "as if he was his own," even though he has already has started a family of his own. As time passes, Mark grows ever closer to Leo and becomes something like a “second son” for him. It is through Mark's experiences during childhood that we get glimpses into Leo's past life in Vienna.

The other important characters in this book are Mark and Violet Wechsler. We first meet Mark as a young kid struggling for acceptance from the adults around him. Then comes Violet - Bill’s ex-wife - who seems mysterious at first but reveals to be essential for understanding the entire plot by her entry halfway through the story. She is a sympathetic character that leads us towards uncovering the truth behind the motivations of all characters involved in this intricate plotline.

Overall, What I loved is an enthralling read made memorable by its intriguing main characters: Leo Hertzberg, Mark Wechsler and Violet Wechsler who take us through traumatic dilemmas and meaningful revelations about life as we unravel their lives together page after page.

Siri Hustvedt’s novel “What I Loved” is a riveting tome that follows two families in New York City over the course of two generations. Set in both the 1970s and 1990s, it tells the tale of the intertwined lives of the protagonist, Leo Hertzberg, an art history professor, his wife Erica, a painter, Bill Wechsler, an unorthodox psychoanalyst, and his daughter Violet.

The story begins in present day as Leo reflects on his past. He remembers how he met Bill Wechsler at an art gallery and felt a deep connection to him as an old friend despite never having met him before. That connection endures for years and soon becomes a powerful bond that ties their families together for time to come. As their children grow older, Violet and Leon Hertzberg’s son Mark grapple with the conflicting values of their parents who often disagree on matters from art to faith.

As tensions rise between both sets of parents, their children begin to search for a way to reconcile them. They find solace however in each other and soon develop a deep friendship which eventually blossoms into passionate love affair between them. The novel details this journey while illustrating how our relationships can shape who we become when all seems lost. In the end all characters come full circle with some finding redemption at last while others remain incomplete in their pursuits of life's answers. Ultimately it is about understanding ourselves as much as it is about trying to relate with those closest to us or seeking out solace in our relationships with others along life's winding path.

What I Loved by Siri Hustvedt is a novel filled with powerful themes and messages. The novel, which follows a New York family and paints an exploration about art in society, contains numerous profound, thought-provoking topics ranging from the complexity of human relationships to the influence of art.

The novel serves to remind readers of the beauty found in everyday moments. Through its vibrant characters, it conveys the idea that no one has all the answers, but rather that it’s up to individuals to find what works best for them. Additionally, it emphasizes how art can open viewers' eyes to different points-of-view and that interpreting artwork always involves personal interpretation as well as societal context.

Ultimately, What I Loved encourages readers to challenge themselves intellectually by exploring new perspectives and taking risks with regard to their own lives. It offers a reminder that while we are all on our own journey of discovery, there is richness and understanding in connecting with another person’s individual experience. The novel speaks volumes about compatibility within relationships and encourages readers to explore their passions and values without fear or insecurity.