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3.79 AVERAGE
3.79 AVERAGE
emotional
informative
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
informative
reflective
medium-paced
“All this gilded loveliness hides a dark past.”
I read this as part of the book club and it was such a good read. I read this during the snow storm we had this past weekend and I got a kick out of some of the characters getting caught in a winter blizzard.
“Funny how they’re positioned so it appears as if More and Cromwell are giving each other the evil eye. Makes sense, considering they were enemies in real life.”
This book was everything I wanted in a historical fiction. It had quirky characters, intrigue, and a touch of romance. This book has dual timelines with part of it taking place in the golden age (1920s) and the other part taking place in the 1960s and all of it revolving around the Frick Mansion and the woman who posed for numerous statues around NYC. This was a fascinating read and I really enjoyed the cast of characters and ending surprised me. This book left me satisfied and with some new thoughts about the art world, such as the treatment of models and the black artists left out of history books. Was definitely the perfect read for a snowy afternoon.
“He’d seen her as a whole person, and hadn’t judged her for her past, nor been offended by it.”
I read this as part of the book club and it was such a good read. I read this during the snow storm we had this past weekend and I got a kick out of some of the characters getting caught in a winter blizzard.
“Funny how they’re positioned so it appears as if More and Cromwell are giving each other the evil eye. Makes sense, considering they were enemies in real life.”
This book was everything I wanted in a historical fiction. It had quirky characters, intrigue, and a touch of romance. This book has dual timelines with part of it taking place in the golden age (1920s) and the other part taking place in the 1960s and all of it revolving around the Frick Mansion and the woman who posed for numerous statues around NYC. This was a fascinating read and I really enjoyed the cast of characters and ending surprised me. This book left me satisfied and with some new thoughts about the art world, such as the treatment of models and the black artists left out of history books. Was definitely the perfect read for a snowy afternoon.
“He’d seen her as a whole person, and hadn’t judged her for her past, nor been offended by it.”
Historical fiction. Lily was a sculptor’s model in 1919 before becoming an assistant to the daughter of the very wealthy Frick family. Veronica is a model in 1966 who finds herself in the Frick home for a photo shoot. There’s mystery, murder, romance, friendship, grief.
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Not my favourite Davis but still a lovely read. I just didn't connect with the 1966 timeline the way I often do in the more present-day sides of Davis' books. The 1919 timeline was much more my jam. I like how Davis gets her inspiration from historical buildings or people and spins something wonderful out of it - and I always appreciate her note at the end where she says where she strayed from history.
The young women protagonists have parallel mishaps that lead them to assure roles that are projected onto them by circumstances. Through this, they eventually find their way back to their true selves. Fiona Davis does an excellent job of weaving fiction and historical fact. I especially enjoy the art history references in her books.
Davis’ writing is flawless and envelopes you from the first page!! Excellent historical fiction!! There are alternating timelines (1919 and 1966), but I was invested in both almost equally (which is sometimes not the case), so I was enthralled the entire time!
I was invested in this story more than The Lions on 5th Avenue (another from Davis), so I did enjoy it more! Both are good!
I was invested in this story more than The Lions on 5th Avenue (another from Davis), so I did enjoy it more! Both are good!
emotional
mysterious
reflective
slow-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