Brushes By M. Christian Reviewed

A Look At The New Erotic Book From A Talented American Author

Sep 8, 2008 Steve Williams

A sensual compilation published by Phaze books, makes up 'Brushes', author M. Christian's new novel examining the rise to fame of artist Escobar from many points of view.

A sensual compilation published by Phaze Books July 1st 2008, ISBN: 978-1594266874, makes up Brushes, author M. Christian's new novel detailing the rise to fame of artist Escobar, ranging in narative points of view from his embittered wife to his estranged brother, his bile filled art dealer to a reporter hot for the seduction, and right through to the lonely artists himself.

Strength in Characterisation

In style, M. Christian is an artist in his own right. The pacing of Brushes effortlessly captures the denouement of the book’s Parisian setting, whilst M. Christian’s characterisation, seeing from the eyes of Estobar's nearest and dearest, his embittered wife to his estranged brother, his bile filled art dealer to a reporter hot for the seduction, and right through to the lonely artists himself, glides seamlessly and integrates subtle blends of the human psyche together to create rich and vibrant characters firmly recognizable as real people.

A Strong Story

Of course, as with any compilation work, there are some stories in Brushes that work better than others. The art dealer character, for example, is a truly rewarding creation to read, as we follow his need for high class call girls at the end of his working day as a means of ‘celebration’, but, quite surprisingly, he never touches them lest the illusion of perfection be broken.

Until, that is, a new girl attends him one night. She is not what he asked for, with a bob of pink, punkish hair and a body that is full where he would want it slim, unkempt where he would like it smooth, but she captivates him with her show and moves him into a realm of texture and taste.

Artful Insights into Culture

This gives insight into the paradox of art: that it should move the soul in the experience of viewing, but remain static and untouched, fenced off and held high, because of its perfection and there in we realise it can only ever give a limited experience for anyone but the artist themselves.

The above concept is portrayed with devout finesse in Brushes, however M. Christian’s like for repetition occasionally clunks a little too obviously, and there are the odd technical errors that it would be preferable not to see in a writing otherwise of such quality. None of these, it must be said, ever break the spell that Brushes casts and the revelation as we finally see things from Estobar's own point of view in the end chapters is both heartbreaking and intensely human.

Bypassing The Problems of Erotic Fiction

It must be mentioned that there is also the inherent problem in any erotica or novel dealing with such a specific subject, that sexuality can quickly become monotony, but M. Christian acts with due care and attention, and whilst the acts themselves are given considerable detail on the page, we are also consistently learning about the characters too, and for this M. Christian should be applauded.

Conclusion:

Overall, Brushes is of a standard that is found rarely, and structurally it is a highly accomplished piece. It would be fair to venture a guess and say that M. Christian is an author yet to reach his peak, but this current novel is a steep climb towards it.

The copyright of the article Brushes By M. Christian Reviewed in American Fiction is owned by Steve Williams. Permission to republish Brushes By M. Christian Reviewed in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Brushes by M. Christian