The Age of Light by Whitney Scharer is a historical fiction following the relationship between famed photographers Lee Miller and Man Ray. The two were part of the Surrealist movement in the late 1920s- 1930s. Lee, a reputable model, moves to Paris to fulfill her dream of becoming a photographer. She is determined to be behind the camera instead of at its focus. She meets Man Ray at a party one night and he is intrigued by her beauty. At the time of their meet-cute, Man Ray had already made a name for himself as a leader of the Surrealist movement and was well known for his photographs. He also ran in a circle of well known artists and Lee knew that if she could convince him to hire her as his assistant, she would be able to penetrate the photography world in Paris.
First as his assistant and then as his lover and partner, Lee and Man Ray trademark a technique called “solarization” where they expose the developing picture to light at different times to create an image that looked like a photo’s negative. Although they work very well together in the studio, their relationship becomes quickly blurred. Although Man is an eager teacher and mentor, he also takes credit for ideas that are Lee’s and, intentionally or not, is intent on reminding her that she is merely his assistant. Man becomes possesive and overbearing. Eventually their love affair self destructs, but not before Lee has an extensive foundation in photography and ability to venture out on her own.
Lee Miller was a badass. She saw opportunities and went for them. She was not afraid to put herself out there. She used her beauty to her advantage and was not ashamed. She was determined to separate herself from Man Ray and knew that her career as a photographer and her unique eye were more important that assuaging a possessive lover. She later became known for her portraits of Pablo Picasso and as a war correspondent in WWII, being one of the first photographers to capture the horror of Dachau concentration camp.
I admit I did not know much about Lee Miller or Man Ray prior to reading this novel. I enjoy when a historical fiction piques my interest in the subject enough for me to research about it after, which The Age of Light did. It was interesting to peruse some of their work after gaining some insight to their short but intense relationship. Overall I would recommend the book. I felt that it may have been too focused on their sexual relationship rather than their careers as photographers but it definitely kept me interested and was written well. Scharer is able to portray Miller and Man Ray’s relationship in such a way that it almost makes the reader imagine it as a series of photographs.
2 Book Girls 