This book is a collection of personal memories. Léo Larguier, a young writer and admirer, spent several Sundays visiting the aging Paul Cézanne at his studio and home in Aix-en-Provence. The book is built from these conversations and observations. It's not a plotted story with a clear beginning and end, but a series of vivid snapshots. We see Cézanne grappling with his art, expressing his frustrations and his fierce dedication. We hear his thoughts on other artists, on nature, and on his own relentless pursuit of capturing the truth he saw in the landscape around him.

Why You Should Read It

If you love Cézanne's paintings, this book adds a whole new layer. Larguier doesn't analyze the art; he shows you the man making it. You feel the heat of the Provençal sun during their walks, and you sense the weight of Cézanne's obsession. It makes the paintings feel more alive, knowing the passion and doubt that went into them. The writing is simple and direct, which makes the moments of insight—like Cézanne's famous statement about treating nature through the cylinder, sphere, and cone—feel even more powerful because they come from a real conversation.

Final Verdict

This is a must-read for art lovers and anyone fascinated by creative minds. It's not for readers looking for a fast-paced plot or a traditional biography. Instead, it's a quiet, thoughtful book that lets you sit in the room with a master. You finish it feeling like you've shared a few afternoons with Cézanne yourself, which is a pretty magical experience for a book to offer.