Guides to the world of art and literature

The New York Times recently published a list of the 100 best books of the 21st century, and some of them give special importance to art and culture. These works do more than just tell stories; they help us see the world differently, immersing us in complex fates steeped in artistic heritage and cultural shifts. These books serve as guides into the world of art, helping us understand ourselves and find solace in the most unexpected moments. Let’s get to know them better.

“The Goldfinch” by Donna Tartt

“The Goldfinch” is a novel where art plays a central role in the main character’s life. Theo Decker, a thirteen-year-old boy, survives a terrorist attack in a museum and, as he leaves the destroyed building, takes with him a painting by Carel Fabritius. This small painting becomes both a curse and salvation for Theo, tying his life to art. Donna Tartt’s precise and richly detailed prose makes every page of this hefty novel both captivating and profound.

Art in The Goldfinch is not just a backdrop. It permeates the entire narrative, becoming a powerful symbol of human vlnerability and the search for meaning. Tartt masterfully conveys how art can comfort, inspire, and at the same time weigh heavily, especially in moments when life seems shattered. Through the pages, the novel shows that even in chaos and loss, one can find solace and purpose.

Quotes from the book:

"Bad artists copy, good artists steal."

"Art is not loved for that. It is loved for the quiet whisper from around the corner."

“Persepolis” by Marjane Satrapi

“Persepolis” is a graphic novel autobiography that tells the story of Marjane Satrapi’s coming of age in Iran during and after the Islamic Revolution. This book is a powerful cultural testament conveyed through the art of comics. Satrapi uses simple black-and-white illustrations to express her experiences and the cultural upheavals faced by not only her but the entire Iranian people.

Through metaphors and irony, Satrapi immerses the reader in a world where personal freedoms and cultural identity are constantly challenged. The book skillfully weaves political history with personal experiences, and art becomes a means of expression and resistance. “Persepolis” is not just a story about the past, but a continuous search for identity and meaning in life.

Quotes from the book:

"When something is forbidden, it gains excessive importance."

"I hated the snow, especially when I found myself outside in it. But if you watch snow through a window from a warm room, you start to appreciate it."

 “H is for Hawk” by Helen Macdonald

“H is for Hawk” is a story about personal loss and the journey to healing through the art of falconry. After the death of her father, Helen Macdonald embarks on the challenging task of training a hawk. The book deeply explores the emotional connection between humans and nature, as well as art. Macdonald, both a naturalist and writer, fills her story with intricate details about the behavior of hawks while simultaneously reflecting on life and loss.

“H is for Hawk” is a meditative and deeply personal narrative, exploring how one can find comfort and new purpose in the most unusual places, whether it’s in the woods or surrounded by art. The book tells a story of survival, adaptation, and discovering a new self through contact with nature.

Quotes from the book:

"Falling in love is a depleting experience unless it’s falling in love with the natural world."

"When you are broken inside, you run. But you are not always running away from something. Sometimes, unknowingly, you are running towards something."

Each of these works demonstrates that art and culture not only enrich our lives but also become loyal allies during the most challenging times. They help us see the world from a new perspective, find beauty in every day, and better understand ourselves and those around us. These books serve as a reminder of how art can become our foundation when everything else falls apart.