Art fiction in the New York Times Notable Books selection

No art history or artist biographies made the New York Times annual Notable Books selection this year, but there were four novels that made the cut in which art is a central theme, or an artist a central character. Below are the listings from the Times' selection, along with links to the original reviews.

The Art Student’s War, by Brad Leithauser (Knopf, $28.95)
In midcentury Detroit, a young woman searches for authenticity and passion in art and in love. Review 11/29/09

Jeff in Venice, Death in Varanasi, by Geoff Dyer (Pantheon, $24)
This haunting novel is like a rough guide to transformation: moving from scenes of erotic decadence to scenes of squalor, the death it describes is that of craving, of intention, even of self. [The protagonist is an art critic, and the first half of the book takes place at the Venice Biennale.] Review 04/19/09

The Lacuna, by Barbara Kinsolver (HarperCollins, $26.99)
This novel, about a boy’s memorable bonds with Diego Rivera, Frida Kahlo and Leon Trotsky, is a call to conscience and connection. Review 11/08/09

The Sky Below, by Stacey D'Erasmo (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, $24)
It’s hard not to be seduced by D’Erasmo’s selfish hero, an artist whose hunger for expression, for a father and for a home embodies a sense of entrapment that could make anyone behave badly. Review 01/11/09