Widow Basquiat: A Love Story

I bought this book for my husband, and he really enjoyed it. At first, the unusual writing style bothered him, but by 50 pages in, he'd become used to it. He has always been a huge fan of Basquiat's art, but knew little about him as a person. So, he was very disturbed by many of the revelations in this book about Basquiat's true character. For a man who is very respectful of women, the book was almost too much. But ultimately, he came out with a greater understanding of the artist and the art. My husband is a successful artist, so it meant a lot to him to see how Basquiat operated during his depressingly short life. I have not read the book, because honestly the writing style puts me off also. But for a unique look into the artist's tragic life, this book is priceless. And Suzanne's story is one of a woman who really beat the odds. Overall, this book comes highly recommended by Mr. Willis.

It's been a while since I picked up a book I couldn't put down. This was definitely one of them. It's short, but leaves you with a feeling as if you were there. You know those books that make you feel like you are in a cloud of something else for a short while? The ones that leave you thinking about things when you are done with them? This is one of those. I could imagine myself right along side. it is very well written and a joy to read. I loved it and so did my daughter.

One of the best books that I have ever read beautifully written poetic will be looking for more from this author! Basquiats girlfriend is a very interesting and had a historically unique perspective

After viewing the Jean-Michel Basquiat's documentary film, The Radiant Child and viewing the motion picture based on his life, Basquiat I became instantly drawn to Basquiat's life story and his work. I bought this book for more insight on the man and the artist. This book is a quick read and it really does a great job in providing snapshots into the life of one of the greatest, most innovative visual artists to ever live. Whether you are conducting research on Basquiat or just want to know more about him, this book is a must-read. It is kooky, cerebral, tragic, melancholy, funny, and most of all poignant.

I bought this for my husband who likes all things Basquiat and he loved it, saying it gave more insight into his life. It's not a large book to read, and its a simple format, so if you liked Basquiat you'll enjoy this book.

It really doesn' go into any depth but it gives a sketchy pictureof the artist and his "wife". It's a quick and easy read. Anyway, the interesting party in this relationship is the so called widow who managed to get out of the inferno of drugs and loveless relationships , study and become her own independent personality. I would like to read more about this obviously very inteligent woman.

Great story

Jean-Michel Basquait speaking Spanish is inspiring more than anything. I'd like to wake up an artist similar to him and Andy. I'll recommend this book to go getters in industry with funny business. This book got helluv a rating from me. Time to read through what I skipped. It's nothing bad with skimming when your eager to read.

Loved this little book. Beautifully written and provided a great image of Basquiat's life through his girlfriend's experience. I became a huge fan of him after reading this. Jennifer Clement, a poet, writes beautiful, poetic prose.

I watched the movie after reading the book and the book had more "goodies". Jeff Wright did an excellent job at portraying MJB in the film.

I bought this book for my husband, and he really enjoyed it. At first, the unusual writing style bothered him, but by 50 pages in, he'd become used to it. He has always been a huge fan of Basquiat's art, but knew little about him as a person. So, he was very disturbed by many of the revelations in this book about Basquiat's true character. For a man who is very respectful of women, the book was almost too much. But ultimately, he came out with a greater understanding of the artist and the art. My husband is a successful artist, so it meant a lot to him to see how Basquiat operated during his depressingly short life. I have not read the book, because honestly the writing style puts me off also. But for a unique look into the artist's tragic life, this book is priceless. And Suzanne's story is one of a woman who really beat the odds. Overall, this book comes highly recommended by Mr. Willis.

It's been a while since I picked up a book I couldn't put down. This was definitely one of them. It's short, but leaves you with a feeling as if you were there. You know those books that make you feel like you are in a cloud of something else for a short while? The ones that leave you thinking about things when you are done with them? This is one of those. I could imagine myself right along side. it is very well written and a joy to read. I loved it and so did my daughter.

One of the best books that I have ever read beautifully written poetic will be looking for more from this author! Basquiats girlfriend is a very interesting and had a historically unique perspective

After viewing the Jean-Michel Basquiat's documentary film, The Radiant Child and viewing the motion picture based on his life, Basquiat I became instantly drawn to Basquiat's life story and his work. I bought this book for more insight on the man and the artist. This book is a quick read and it really does a great job in providing snapshots into the life of one of the greatest, most innovative visual artists to ever live. Whether you are conducting research on Basquiat or just want to know more about him, this book is a must-read. It is kooky, cerebral, tragic, melancholy, funny, and most of all poignant.

I bought this for my husband who likes all things Basquiat and he loved it, saying it gave more insight into his life. It's not a large book to read, and its a simple format, so if you liked Basquiat you'll enjoy this book.

It really doesn' go into any depth but it gives a sketchy pictureof the artist and his "wife". It's a quick and easy read. Anyway, the interesting party in this relationship is the so called widow who managed to get out of the inferno of drugs and loveless relationships , study and become her own independent personality. I would like to read more about this obviously very inteligent woman.

Great story

Jean-Michel Basquait speaking Spanish is inspiring more than anything. I'd like to wake up an artist similar to him and Andy. I'll recommend this book to go getters in industry with funny business. This book got helluv a rating from me. Time to read through what I skipped. It's nothing bad with skimming when your eager to read.

Loved this little book. Beautifully written and provided a great image of Basquiat's life through his girlfriend's experience. I became a huge fan of him after reading this. Jennifer Clement, a poet, writes beautiful, poetic prose.

I watched the movie after reading the book and the book had more "goodies". Jeff Wright did an excellent job at portraying MJB in the film.

A fascinating story about the muse behind the artist. The most amazing part is the end. After his death and after all that happened in their lives...(I don't want to be a spoiler), I was astounded by what she became...

Not so much revealing about Jean-Michel as a beautiful rendering of life in this time and place and with these people. Fantastic. I won't forget it.

A quick and interesting walk through the inside of the art club scene of the 80's as depicted through the love affair of Basquiat and Suzanne things we have heard before and others we have not. I'm always fascinated by the inner stories of this time as ok live ed d through them myself in LA. Poetic. Memories of what it is to be young to live free and to create and those that live through it and those that die by it. It was a fast and enjoyable ride.

Fascinating book about an intriguing artist

Interesting story but what a freaking mess. Surprised she survived that lifestyle.

I am a fan of Clement's skill of writing about the edges of things. Her other 2 books , like this one, begin with a peep show...at first you are safe as the watcher. Then as you are reading along there comes the blast to your mind, as it opens every pore up, and you realize you have a human responsibility in what she is exposing. All people are asked to fight daily for the right to live ...against all the odds that are placed before them. Which is most necessary, the painter, or the muse...or could it possibly be the Man ? Clement is a writer of space, and since it is only our edges that we get to decide, I for one, am always moved by what she chooses to put into print.

I have two more books to read then I'll review

Beyond poetry and beyond insight as to Jean-Michel's life. She's a wonderful and humble observer of herself and others. Perfect.

Suzanne comes alive in this story about her relationship with the artist Basquiat. In the artist's biography she is just a postscript, but in this book she is an ever present influence on his life. That she survived to earn a PhD. is amazing.

So good...ridiculously good./

Love this book

Poetic and surreal, interesting vignettes

Great read. Short but wonderful. Was very nostalgic for a time when I was younger but wasn’t fully aware of the art world.

Of the several Books and articles written about the late artist, this one is written with the most passion and humor.

One of the best books I've read in a while. Very intriguing.

Fascinating, non-conventional.

Interesting narrative method and story telling.

Such an amazing read, and easily my favorite book! This book allows the reader to learn so much about Basquiat's life at such a personal perspective. If you're an adamant fan of his work, this book is very hard to put down!!

Amazing story! Amazing Author! Must read!

I had read this book before and loved it--- so this time I bought it as a gift. It's such an amazing look at the NYC art scene during that period. All the big artists of that time make an appearance and even Madonna shows up and gets in a chick fight. Ultimately, it's a love story between one of our great American artists and the woman who loved him probably more than he loved himself. I have to admit that I re-read it before I gave it as a gift. Couldn't resist. :) Definitely my favorite Basquiat book. It's small, but packs a punch.

Compelling

Art-love-drugs-broken lives. Very inspiring story of genius and his tragedy spoken by his widow. Strongly recommended for those who are interested in art culture

Always wanted to learn more about Basquiat. Love the style and voice the writer uses to tell this recap of two very interesting souls.

I knew nothing of this world before I picked up this book. Now I feel as if I have a visceral sense of it...and I marvel at Suzanne's capacity for reinvention after having lived so.

I loved reading this book- told from an inside point of view. Never knew about Suzanne. Quick and interesting read.

One of my favorite books

good book...

A quick read. Interesting and worth delving into. Clement narrates a beautiful journey into the life of the New York art scene and culture of the 90's, as well as Jean Michel..

I'm absolutely in love with this book. As an artist myself, I am endlessly inspired by every little bit of his person. Thank you for sharing such detail on his life.

Interesting look into the life of an artist and New York of the eighties.. Poetic language, beautifully written.

Beautifully written. Poetic. Sad. Full of art, fashion, music, and celebrity. Also addiction, abuse, cruelty. A moving, intimate portrait that I devoured.

The writing was great. While reading this book I felt as if I was a part of it.

Very fast service and love this book

This story is an incredible depiction of the life of Basquiat, Suzanne was an incredibly strong woman for all that she went through with him.

The best!

Very good quality paperback

Great story easy read

Love this book and everything about it

Very entertaining read.

Wow, this book totally blew me away. At the young age of 15 Suzanne Mallouk left her family and home in Canada for the bright lights and gritty streets of NYC. It wasn't long before she became lover and muse to the wonderfully talented Jean-Michel Basquiat who was on the verge of blowing the art world away. Their turbulent, passionate and ultimately doomed love affair was on-again, off-again for the next 8 years, from his rise to art world acclaim and deep into his downward spiral with drugs and depression. Apart from her relationship to Basquiat, Mallouk's own story is one worthy of being read. With heartbreaking honesty, she shares with us both her own personal demons as well as intimate moments spent with Basquiat, the good, the bad, and indeed the ugly. Shifting back and forth between Jennifer Clement's stunningly beautiful prose and Suzanne Mallouk's own words, I felt the real world drift further and further away with each page I devoured until I was fully immersed into 1980's NYC. Such glorious, lyrical storytelling I haven't experienced since reading Patti Smith's Just Kids. A must read for anyone interested in 1980's New York, the art world, or those who just love gorgeous prose.

This book is all sorts of things, all that are wonderful. The style is slightly unconventional, and yet immediately accessible. It's short, but as the saying goes, less is more, and we sure get a lot in such a delightful, fast read. There are a few documentaries that already give us a detailed and candid glimpse into the man and the artist, and this falls in the same exceptional category. Equal attention was given to Suzanne and Basquiat, which made Widow Basquiat perhaps one of the most nuanced memoirs that you can read on not just the two artists, but about the NYC art world of the 1980's. Don't hesitate to buy and read this. This has been out for years, but oh how so fresh it still is, after all this time.

"Widow Basquiat: A Love Story" by Jennifer Clement is a hypnotic collection of memories in haunting prose and poetry. I was able to discover who Suzanne Mallouk, Jean-Michel Basquiat's lover and muse is, and a look at Basquiat as only Suzanne could provide for us. I was also provided with a view of the other people in the lives of Suzanne and Jean-Michel. What we get are little snapshots of the Widow Basquiat's life from before they met until after his death. The snapshot give us just enough to understand both Suzanne and Jean-Michel as well as their relationship and their love. Basquiat's art is a powerful testament to his creative genius and to the bridge Suzanne created between the artist's vision and his hands. As an artist, I understand the strange, unique, and the creative mind of Jean-Michel. I can sympathize with Suzanne's emotional struggle with him. Being in a relationship with an artist is not the easiest kind of person to love, or stay with. With new art always erupting in the artist's brains to look at, how can the creative one always see everything going on in the real world too? Suzanne was not only Basquiat's muse, she was the key to his creative evolution. This is a short book but immense with the love Suzanne still has for Jean-Michel. A special book for those who hold a fondness for the magic of Basquiat's life and work who want to know more about the woman who stayed with him, even when they were apart. The movie "Basquiat" is a movie based on a life. "Widow Baquiat" is real.

Absurd. Gritty. Well chosen from the memorabilia around black American painter Jean-Michel Basquiat who was of Haitian and Puerto Rican descent and his relationship with Canadian runaway Suzanne Mallouk whose father was an Arab. Well, their ethnicities seem to figure importantly in this small book. What is this fascination with supposedly famous people, anyway? This piece is not just about the drug-addled (and/or possibly mentally ill) artist and his strange, pliable young girlfriend, but about the 1980s New York City scene; it is existential - you really get the feeling of that life. Actually, this is one part of life in The City, as so many of its denizens still lived as they always had - their small, conservative lives confined by a few blocks of neighborhood while ignoring adjacent craziness and alternative life styles. I had moved young and alone from a small rural village 200 miles north, to NYC a decade or so earlier, so I know what an intense, unsettling, iconoclastic, avant-garde place it can be - a place where anonymity confers sudden freedom and new alliances are magic. To put aspects of it into words? Well, this does and in a non-judgmental, spare manner.

I didn't realize that this book was previously released in Great Britain, and it's 14 years later that the US gets a chance to read this. The book isn't written like a typical memoir. It's a collection of vignettes, someone chronologically told by Basquiat's girlfriend, Suzanne, who was with him before he became famous and has always been part of his life until his death, despite their tumultuous relationship. Each chapter is a page to a few pages long, so it's a quick read. The book is written by Suzanne's friend, and the three hung out together for a while. The book begins with Suzanne's background and how she came to be the person Basquiat desired. The book captures the passion of (dare i say) stupid young love while in one's 20s when everything seems so intense. That intensity is enhanced by Basquiat's and Suzanne's "artistic" perspective of life and their heavy drug use. The stories are told in a very matter-of-fact, efficient way without unnecessarily florid sentences. There's no judgment. It's a tale of "creative"- or "artsy"-type people living in New York City in the 1980s, living their lives as best as they could. You find out the stories behind Basquiat's artwork and his attitude, along with tales involving other famous people (Julian Schnabel, Andy Warhol, etc...) from the 1980s NY art scene when living in a loft was the coolest thing. You also feel the devastation of drug addiction. But, it's mostly about Suzanne and Basquiat. If you're interested in that era of art or in Basquiat, this book provides a sublimely heartbreaking insight.

Widow Basquiat, written by Jennifer Clement, tells the tumultuous story between Suzanne Mallouck and Jean-Michel Basquiat. Each chapter is less than two pages and is sometimes only one. Clement was Mallouck's good friend and she captures the situations in poetry, vignettes, and quotes from Suzanne. Suzanne came from an abusive family, as did Basquiat, which Clement summarizes as "I wouldn't know my body if my bones hadn't broken" and "Jean knew his skeleton too". Although I finished the book several days ago, this one poem chapter has stuck with me, and is an example of the eloquence with which Clement summarizes violence through a disinterested voice but is still striking and poignant. (this was for Suzanne, as she planned to leave her abusive family) "What Furniture Feels Like A chair feels like a slap. A table feels like a kick. A lamp feels like a punch. A door feels like a shove, but it can be opened." Fascinating to read - full of pain and loneliness and love and happiness. I wasn't familiar with any aspects of either of their lives prior to this book but feel like I've gained a lot of insights. I had a difficult time putting it down due to the quality story telling.

Unlike other books about Basquiat, this story, Widow Basqiat, is about Suzanne Mallouk and her stormy relationship with the young artist. This is a sparely written, almost poetic view of a relationship between two people, one of which was deemed a talented artist, and the other was known as his muse. This book also captures the underground culture of New York in the 1980s with vivid scenes of the drugs, parties, creative energy and lives lived on the edge. This story is a harrowing story of a young girl who leaves an abusive household to go live in New York where she meets Jean-Michel and endures the highs and lows of living with an artist and drug addict. At times, Jean-Michel can't live with Suzanne but can't live without her. Jean-Michel comes across as childlike at times, a raving madman at others, but all in all, the driving force of his life was his art. He would leave her for days at a time and take up with other people and he always had a steady supply of drugs which he shared profusely with her. There are other colorful characters in this book, as well as the notoriously famous, such as Madonna and Andy Warhol who also had close relationships with Basquiat. Suzanne shows a great strength in character in this sparse book, but ultimately this a sad tale of her relationship with a talented and famous black artist who found fame and notoriety far beyond his days of a SOMA street artist.

This book was such a fascinating, short read. I was intrigued by the premise even though I didn’t know anything about artist Jean-Michel Basquiat. The prose of this story was so unique in that is was written in short, titles pieces, almost like different short stories collected all together. The author’s own words are also placed (and distinguished by the text) Jean-Michel Basquiat’s partner’s own words about the times. Their love was an unhealthy love that was tempered with drug use from both of them. It was all just so fascinating and at the same time sad because this isn’t a work of fiction. This is non-fiction and it happened. This tragic love story, riddled with physical abuse, drugs and alcohol happened between these people, and Jean-Michel’s life ended far to soon, making this story short. There was only so much to tell because this is real life. I found it all fascinating and the way it was composed paid homage to the uniqueness of who Jean-Michel was (or who I think he was from what I learned about him in this book). Note: I received an ARC of this book in exchange for review consideration. The review is still my honest opinion. Anna @ Lostbraincell's Bookish Blog

Widow Basquiat strongly reminded me of

The short 'chapters' and snippets of moments lend themselves to a pretty quick read, while also maybe feeling a bit endlessly dark at times — like one long narrative about drugs and people being less than kind to each other — but I love Jennifer Clement's sparse prose, and the way she drops you in to various scenes in Suzanne’s life with just the right amount of context (i.e. sometimes none at all) … Meanwhile, it’s a peek into the art and culture of New York City in the 70’s and 80’s, which always hooks me. Madonna, Andy Warhol, etc. and the energy of that time. I don’t even really know that much about Basquiat’s life, never saw the documentary, but somehow this book has a beautiful golden thread running through it that makes it compelling from even a casual outsider’s position. It’s a winding trip through several years of a woman’s strange and often complicated life, and the journey is enticing.

WIDOW BASQUIAT is written by Jennifer Clement who is a long time friend of Basquiat's main girlfriend Suzanne Mallout the "widow" of the title and Clement herself was a regular in the New York art scene of the 1980's and an eye witness to some of the events and flamboyant characters she describes. This memoir is as much about Basquiat as Suzanne and I was fascinated by the story of his drug and talent fueled rise from a tenth grade dropout raised mostly in Brooklyn to a darling of the art world doomed to die at the age of twenty-seven after years of almost unimaginable drug abuse. Canadian born and half Palestinian Suzanne also has led an unusual, often difficult life and unexpectedly is now a practicing New York City psychiatrist. Clement unwinds the story in brief chapters that are a mix of prose and poetry and this unorthodox yet accessible style is perfect for telling Basquiat and Mallout's story. Madonna and Andy Warhol play supporting parts in the tale which will be of special interest to those interested in the Manhattan art world in the early 1980's.

Suzanne Mallouk, the subject of this short and poetic book, was just one of many women in the life of Jean Michel-Basquiat. Have read numerous articles on the artist, but this was the first time I ever heard that he had a "widow." Calling this "A Love Story" surely has tongue in cheek intent by the author, because if this was indeed a love affair, it was an extremely one sided one at that. Jean Michel like most artists was extremely self involved, and monogamy was never ever his intention. In this 1980s New York City pas de deux, pain seemed to be the only gain. Enjoyed this book quite a bit, and it's a read you can fly through in a one ot two sittings. Having been on the New York scene at the same time this story happens, found it all quite involving. It offers a good inside look at New York City before it became the homogenized place it is today. A rather unflattering portrait of an artist who has been heralded more than he deserves. A reality check so to speak.

This is a short book yet an interesting and meaningful account of artist Jean-Michel Basquiat and his girlfriend/muse Suzanne Mallout. The author Jennifer Clement knew them both, though she apparently knew Suzanne better and has known her far longer. Suzanne is profiled in greater detail and the information provides insight into Suzanne's independent thinking and spirit and her refusal to be a victim even to the likes of the drug addled Basquiat. As for Basquiat, the story reflects his equally difficult life and his emerging talent even as a talented artist on the streets as it evolves into the world of modern art. My takeaway from this book was learning new things about the mesmerizing and ill fated Basquiat and the woman who both inspired him and supported him, but would not be dominated by him. As for the writing, it is more poetic than anything else. It conveys the sight and feeling that was punctuated in Basquiat's work, yet does it in an easy to digest way.

I love that the book is entitled Widow Basquiat - a Love Story. I think the subtitle instead should be a story of an healthy codependent relationship, drug use and abusive behaviors. If your idea of love is for your partner to spit into your mouth and have sex with anyone he wants to - then this is the "love story" for you. True, there are troubled pasts here but the overriding behavioral excuse is the Basquiat was a talented street artist who was friends with Andy Warhol - ergo validation. I don't see it that way.What I see is a manipulative abuser who takes joy in the power he wields over the "widow" he does have the guts to marry. A Junkie.

What a beautiful and well written book. I am such a fan of Basquiat. They had a showing of his work at the MFA in Houston, Texas, and WOW, when you can get up close and see his phenomenal work, I just can't describe in words how amazing they are!! I would love to see this book somehow be made into a movie. I would read snippets of these short chapters to friends and family, saying "YOU MUST HEAR THIS CHAPTER!!! I would love to meet the author of this book and also Suzanne. What an inspiration you are Suzanne. I work in Behavioral Health as a Psych RN and told my manager this is a MUST read. Thank you for this BEAUTIFUL story!!!!!!!

This is the paperback release of Jennifer Clement's first book, the memoir "Widow Basquiat." If you did not read it in hardback in 2000, it is worth a read now in paperback. Ms. Clement tells a fact based, eyewitness feeling account of Suzanne Malouk, the muse of self-taught artist Jean-Michel Basquiat. Basquiat and Suzanne were living together when he sold his first painting to Blondie's Deborah Harry for $200. From there he got his first agent and his career took off. The book, with its chapters as short as half a page, jerked and pulled me forward. Basquiat's inability to handle pressure and the couple's increasing drug use make it a dark read. It is not comfortable, but it is compelling; more poetry than prose. It is a short book that I finished in one evening. "Tortured Artist" is such a cliche, but in this instance the term is meaningful, not trite. I loved it.

This is an impressive collection of fragments--bits of recollection and narrative that add up to compelling, unpretty portraits of the drug-driven Basquiat and of his longtime lover, the needy, long-suffering Suzanne Mallouk. These are not especially lovable people (in this incarnation) but they are definitely fascinating. That the author Jennifer Clement was/is a friend of Suzanne's, it is a testament to her objectivity and exceptional narrative skills how successfully she brings these two people to life without ever inflicting her own self on the material. Well-worth reading, this is an intriguing view of two damaged souls who manage, at times, to be more complete as a result of their loving need for each other.

This book is mostly about Suzanne Mallouk, whose nickname was "Widow Basquiat." The chapters are all very short one to two page "pieces" that sound like something that would be read aloud at a standup performance or off Broadway theater. Many of the pieces have a first person feel. Some pieces are not stories at all such as "What Furniture Feels Like: A chair feels like a slap. A table feels like a kick. A lamp feels like a punch. A door feels like a shove, but it can be opened." The later entries where Basquiat comes into the story feel like diary entries of Suzanne's. For more biographical or art-related essays of Basquiat you should seek out one of his art monographs. For Basquiat completists wanting more Basquiat then you will probably already be buying this. But for the casual Basquiat fan I wouldn't recommend this as a way to get to learn about Basquiat.

.This was a unique and terrific book-but it wasn't what I expected. I expected it to be a straight biography-and it's really a series of poems and prose compiled-a slim volume-to form a portrait of her life.I've been intrigued by her since seeing her as a character in the Studio 54 and other movies of the time period where she was a minor character. I think Claire Forlani played her and so I had no idea of her background-just that she was beautiful. I love the photo of the cover-it's striking and the book compliments the uniqueness of her life but don't expect a straight biography because it's poetry and short prose pieces compiled to form the biography.

This is a short, easy read, but full of drama and pathos. I enjoyed learning more about Basquiat, his life, his art and his loves.

A rather brief, somewhat superficial glimpse into the lives of Suzanne and Jean-Michel. Quite a bit of detail regarding drug usage and promiscuity on the part of Jean-Michel. If you are looking for a biography or a true memoir this is not the right book, this would be good as additional material for someone that is already familiar with their story or a reader that would like an introduction to the love story of Suzanne and Jean-Michel.

This is a disturbing love story. The story tells about the life of an artist as well as the world that set him on fire. Readers will go through a history of zero and his travels to find the first zero. It is a great adventure. Disclaimer: I received an arc of this book free from the publisher. I was not obliged to write a favorable review, or even any review at all. The opinions expressed are strictly my own.

The hallmark of a great biography is that the subject's life seems more real than your own. Such is the case with The Widow Basquiat. It's a non linear book; instead, it's a collection of sensory vignettes that creates a strong sense of what it was like to be Suzanne during the years she was with (and without) Basquiat. It's a powerful experience.

If you're looking for a Basquiat biography, this isn't it. It is a beautifully written story of love and an insightful look at an innovative artist and his muse. I quite enjoyed the snapshot of an amazing time in history--New York scene in the 1980s. The book has very short chapters, some more like poems, making this a quick read.

Probably one of my favorite books now. I had never read a book in this format but I sat down and read it all at once - I couldn't put it down! Immediately bought gun love afterwards and loved it just as much! I'm obsessed! About to order prayers for the stolen.

It is always interesting to see how love unfolds in the most uncanny way. In this story you feel the struggle of a woman as she loves someone facing constant internal battles. We all know about the demise, even in that, there is a desire to love. Especially when it's hard to do so.

This was a great story. I love biographies. This kept me engaged. The book is well written I cannot tell you how much I really enjoy it. This gave me more of an insight of Basquiat apart from his movie and his are. She wrote from her heart. Overall great story.

Unlike the popular movie "Basquiat" and other convoluted accountings of the artist's life, this book is a part of the "real deal" of what went down --- written by the author with the help of Basquiat's girlfriend of the time --two figures who were really there and in the artist's life well before he was ever heard of or given any serious attention by the likes of Warhol or anyone else with a famous name. This book is free of the hype and distortion that has sadly compromised other descriptions of what really went down. The book also depicts some of the rawness and flavor of what was happening in the East Village/Lower East Side during that time period. The book is written in a poetically hypnotic style utilizing a structure of short passages for easy reading. Hard to put it down once started. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!!

This is a very interesting and well-executed take on Basquiat's life. I was surprised by the light approach the book take to telling this man's story. Even if you are unfamiliar with his work, I think you will enjoy this very interesting story.

Jennifer does an incredible job of portraying an artist and his muse with the warm and love of a friend.

Less a straightforward A-Z narrative, and more a patchwork quilt of storytelling poetry. Compelling portraits and vignettes that form a mosaic that left me engrossed. Definitely recommended.

This book was a excellent book in the matter that it protrayed another perspective of Jean-Michel Basquiat and let us in on the life of one of his most enduring muses in his short and unfortunate addictive lifestyle and life. The books poetic writings give Jean-Michel and Suzannes life together a hard tragedy instead of a glamorous protrayal (tragedy is the actual matter of fact). Jean-Michel and Suzanne's relationship was truely bizarre and not understanding to the everyday person. People who know or know of Jean-Michel probably never knew the side of him that Suzanne saw, and it is refreshing and wonderful that we were allowed to read such intimate details of their life together. I titled this review "Hearts and Tracks" because the book is full of heart and the heroine abuse of Suzanne and Basquiat (including a discription of his unfortunate death).

This book is amazing. Great insight into his private life and explains how genius he really was. One of my favorite books. This guy was amazing.

I have been a fan of Basquiat for a long time. I am an artist as well. I have always been intrested in his life and have a lot of books on him and his art and his life. I found this book to be about a totally different perspective. Not only a womens persepctive but a women who was a muse to him. This book does not paint a glorified Picture of him...or a star struck tragic picture of him. It is about Susan and her plight with life, and him being a big part of it. The book is extremely poetic, very dark, sad, melancholy...but above all MOVING. I read it in less than 24 hours. I applaud Jennifer Clement

New favorite book: Widow Basquiat. Quick, poetic, fever-sketches of 1980s NYC art scene through the lens of Jean-Michel's lover, Suzanne Mallouk. As a huge fan of Basquiat, this insight into his work and life was received like a sucker punch leaving a beautiful bruise. A must read.

Finished this book in 2 1/2 hrs, couldn't put it down... nothing less than amazing!

Such beautifully straightforward and poetic vignettes of human relationships and New York in the 80s

Very interesting read but a little slow moving for me. I hope this helps someone but reads are good or bad based on the reader so is very subjective.

Coke coke. Heroin heroin. Yawn yawn.

On Sunday September 9th the author will be giving a free reading of this book, to celebrate it's US release, at St. Mark's Church, 131 East 10th street @ 2nd avenue at 7pm.......

only finished becaus i will read anything.

You won't find out much from this book about Basquiat. he is shown as a selfish, unpleasant drug addicted man who orders Suzanne around and she keeps tolerating his bad behaviour, sometimes leaving and trying to make a life of her own. Its sad, fragmented and unsatisfactory in every way. There are no pictures in the book. Its a glimpse of a chaotic horrible lifestyle with no clear communication between people, a bit like the atmosphere of Warhol's 'Cheslsea Girls' but at least that was a film with its own visual glamour. It gives no insight into how Basquiat was taken up by the art world or into his work.

Tragic, romantic and very rock'n'roll - this beautifully written little easy read left me sobbing my heart out and aching to share and discuss it - hence the title of the review - it's going to be our first book. For Basquiat, Warhol, Art, 80's and New York lovers this is a treat, but don't expect a reference book on the period, there's more to this than that.

I read a lot of books and this year I have some favourites, and by far this is one! Addictive, compelling, witty, heartbreaking... and what a unique writer Clement is. I recommend this to everyone - Basquiat interest or not!

A good novel. Most about the woman of the title, of course. She has an indulgent character, very moved by her deep love. If we are looking for Basquiat's work insights, there are a few, but precise and of first hand. Basquiat appears like a romantic hero, living in poverty till his celebration by the critics. He looks like another Modigliani by many sides of his unquiet and suspicious personality. There is another end for artists than drug addiction. Basquiat did not find it, alas. The title character is strong, well depicted, often moving. We are surprised that she went through such a terrific love affair.

This is a very interesting story, well written and heart-felt, but gives you only a very limited perspective on the man and artist. If you're not looking to find an abundance of info on Basquiat, and you enjoy great life and love stories, this will more than do.

A gripping evocation of the short rich and painful life of artist , Jean Michel Basquiat. Jennifer Clement captures the drug driven creativity of his moment seen through the eyes of his lover, Suzanne . A momentous book.

Two lives entangled, starting and ending in tragedy. Beauty and guts and rage accompany them. A third life, the author’s, is also tantalizingly glimpsed. Thought and heart provoking as well as inspiring. Not many books are written with this access, insight and honesty.

buy it only if you are a die-hard fan. otherwise it will most likely disappoint.

Brilliant book which gave amazing insight into Basquiats life and times. Really well written and engaging, would definitely recommend

Stunning read and an authentic insider view of what one of the greatest artists was like.