Peggy: A Novel BY Rebecca Godfrey

In 1958, Peggy Guggenheim sits on the terrace of her Venetian palazzo, reflecting on a life marked by art, tragedy, and defiance. Born into the wealthy Jewish Guggenheim dynasty, Peggy's life is upended at fourteen when her father perishes on the Titanic. His death ignites a fierce desire within her to break free from the constraints of her privileged, cloistered upbringing in New York. Peggy embarks on a journey fueled by passion, personal freedom, and an unwavering belief in the transformative power of art.

Rebecca Godfrey’s Peggy offers a vivid and daring portrayal of a woman who defies societal expectations to carve out her own path in the male-dominated art world of the 20th century. As Peggy navigates the glamorous yet prejudiced art circles of New York and Europe, she encounters men who underestimate her intelligence, dismiss her talents, and see her wealth as her only value. Despite this, Peggy's vision and tenacity lead her to become one of the most influential art collectors of her time, synonymous with the avant-garde.

The novel explores Peggy’s complex relationships, her loyalty to her family, and her struggle to escape the narrow confines of her upbringing while managing the burdens of her fortune. Completed by Leslie Jamison after Godfrey’s untimely death, this richly imagined novel brings to life Peggy Guggenheim as a pioneering feminist icon and art connoisseur, whose legacy endures in the halls of the Guggenheim museums she helped create.