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3.79 AVERAGE
3.79 AVERAGE
The most amazing thing about this book is that it had a multiple storylines, including at least one set in the past and one in the near present, and I didn't hate it! This tends to be a major pet peeve of mine, especially if the book features women at a crossroads in their lives, but at no point did I want to throw the book across the room. Of course, I was listening to an audiobook, but still. I know this tells you nothing about the book, but you can just read the Goodreads description.
This book is beautifully written. The characters are rich with flaws and emotion, and I was so embedded in each of the stories told in the three timelines that I never wanted a chapter to end even as I wanted deeply to start the next one. Just riveting and lovely.
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
The artist at the center of The Last Painting of Sara de Vos, by Dominic Smith, is based on a real woman—Sara van Baalbergen, the first woman admitted to the Guild of St. Luke. Like her inspiration, Sara de Vos left little trace of her existence part from less than a handful of paintings. Part of this book reveals more about the artist’s life; the rest revolves around two periods in the life of an academic and art restorer. As the novel switches back and forth between the two protagonists, the narrative meditates on the genuine and the fake, honesty and deception...
Read the rest of my review at A Bookish Type. I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley for review consideration.
Read the rest of my review at A Bookish Type. I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley for review consideration.
I really enjoyed this book. Art, romance, intrigue, and a peek into the world of art curation and forgery.
HOWEVER... I listened to the audiobook. And I have a beef.
It isn't that hard to do some very simple research and find out how Dutch words are pronounced. When the narrator said, "mevroo" for mevrouw (Muh frow) and "mädchen" for meisje, I was ready to call the producer and swear in Dutch to him. Even the main character's last name deGroot is said as "grewt" instead of "growt". Sorry, but things like this bug me.
Other than that, this was a worthy and fun read.
HOWEVER... I listened to the audiobook. And I have a beef.
It isn't that hard to do some very simple research and find out how Dutch words are pronounced. When the narrator said, "mevroo" for mevrouw (Muh frow) and "mädchen" for meisje, I was ready to call the producer and swear in Dutch to him. Even the main character's last name deGroot is said as "grewt" instead of "growt". Sorry, but things like this bug me.
Other than that, this was a worthy and fun read.
emotional
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
An absolutely stunning read on so many levels. Intelligent, well researched, gentle and heart tugging, yet create provocative thought about people and places too. Beautiful language, and a plot that pulls you along, twist by twist.
I love a book that can introduce a twist in the final three pages.
emotional
informative
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
To me, this book was a classic case of the journey being better than the destination. Throughout, there was plenty of intrigue and the story was woven together very nicely through the three timelines which is not an easy feat. Themes of regret, grief, and atonement were shown nicely through how each character differently thought about the painting - as a creator, admirer, or status symbol. It made me consider how I view art and the meaning it has, not only to me, but to everyone who has been a part of its journey.
Ultimately I found the ending a little unsatisfying. I think the intrigue could have been kept with a good twist or turn but instead it kind of fizzled for me with a classic 'women who have been mistreated by men are saved by altruistic man'. I think the two female protagonists deserved a bit better after the journey they had been on.
Overall, I would recommend for art buffs or anyone who enjoys a good historical set piece.
Ultimately I found the ending a little unsatisfying. I think the intrigue could have been kept with a good twist or turn but instead it kind of fizzled for me with a classic 'women who have been mistreated by men are saved by altruistic man'. I think the two female protagonists deserved a bit better after the journey they had been on.
Overall, I would recommend for art buffs or anyone who enjoys a good historical set piece.