Editor's note: This week's Page Turner reader interview is with Christopher Guerin, director of program development at Sweetwater, who now also has a blog of sonnets based on works of visual art.
“I recently read 'Sacre Bleu,' written by Christopher Moore. He is a writer with humor in his novels; he's written maybe a dozen books.
“This book is a comedy/fantasy about famous French painters during the Impressionist era. A real live muse works with each of the painters, and she changes form with each. Her relations with the artists are to inspire them. She, in turn, is controlled by a demon who controls blue paint.
“Some of the artists you meet in the book are Van Gogh, Monet and Toulouse-Lautrec, who is a major character in the story. It's an easy read, and I would say it is an 'awesome beach book.' If you love art and that particular period and fantasy, you'll love this book. It is what I call a palate cleanser. It is beautifully produced and a joy to hold.
“Currently, I am reading 'Perdido Street Station.' It's by China Mieville, a most interesting, popular writer of science fiction and fantasy. I wasn't a fan of sci-fi until I discovered him. He is an incredible writer — evocative, sophisticated. He creates a completely alternate universe — somewhat of a fantastic universe.
“The story takes place in Britain, in a city kind of like London; its name is New Crobuzon, and it has an incredibly complex variety of creatures. All of them have human qualities, like human bodies with insect heads, for example. The book is populated by these creatures.
“The protagonist is a scientist who is trying to create the ability to fly for a creature who lost his wings. He accidentally unleashes an army of 6-foot-long moths, who terrorize the city. They attack people and drink their dreams, which leaves them mindless idiots.
“The authorities believe he is controlling the moths for his own interests, and the moths keep chasing him. I don't know yet how he defeats the moths and wins over the authorities because I'm only part-way through the book. But I can tell you this: It is extremely well-written, and I am now a science-fiction fan!”
