Peggy: A Novel By Rebecca Godfrey

In Peggy Guggenheim, Rebecca Godfrey presents a vibrant and evocative portrait of one of the 20th century's most influential art collectors. Set against the backdrop of Venice in 1958, the novel delves into the introspective thoughts of Peggy Guggenheim, who reflects on her extraordinary journey from a sheltered upbringing in New York to becoming an iconic figure in the art world.

Born into wealth as the daughter of two prominent Jewish dynasties, Peggy’s life takes a dramatic turn at fourteen when her father perishes on the Titanic. This tragedy ignites in her a desire for personal freedom and a deep belief in the transformative power of art. Peggy’s path is anything but conventional as she navigates the glamorous yet discriminatory art scenes of New York and Europe. In a world rife with sexism and anti-Semitism, she encounters men who both desire her and underestimate her, failing to recognize her profound intellect and vision.

Godfrey's novel brings to life Peggy's struggle to balance loyalty to her family with her yearning to escape their narrow, elitist expectations. As she builds her legacy, Peggy defies societal norms, becoming an iconoclast and a pioneer, who not only redefines herself but also the very nature of modern art.

Completed by Leslie Jamison after Godfrey’s death in 2022, this richly imagined novel offers an intimate look at a woman whose passion for art and independence made the Guggenheim name synonymous with genius and innovation.