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3.79 AVERAGE
3.79 AVERAGE
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
@fionadavisauthor has found a formula that works and I hope she never abandons it! She has described her writing as layering a fictional story over the scaffold of historical facts. I think that is the beauty of historical fiction, taking a bit of truth, a bit of what we know, and reimagining it. Once again, Davis gives us two story lines. I would have to go back and revisit her other books, but I feel like this is the first time the two main characters’ lives paralleled each other so closely. And (spoiler alert) the first time they meet in person! Davis explores class and racial issues of the times, as well as family dynamics, female friendships and loyalty. This book sent me on a deep dive about the Frick Collection and the artists’ model Audrey Munson, who was the inspiration for Lillian and whose likeness can be found in sculptures throughout New York City.
This dual timeline novel centers around two women and their experiences inside the historic Frick mansion in New York City.
The art history aspect was fantastic, especially being woven into the history of the Frick collection and mansion this story revolved around.
It was eye opening learning that one woman posed for so many statues around New York City. To say nothing of the many hours she must have spent posing for sculptors using her likeness. Incredible!
I also loved the mystery that unravels through the pages with a big reveal at the end. All those facets made this a wonderfully engrossing story that I highly recommend to historical fiction lovers!
This is my first Fiona Davis novel, and I will definitely be reading all of her backlist. I loved this book so much!
The art history aspect was fantastic, especially being woven into the history of the Frick collection and mansion this story revolved around.
It was eye opening learning that one woman posed for so many statues around New York City. To say nothing of the many hours she must have spent posing for sculptors using her likeness. Incredible!
I also loved the mystery that unravels through the pages with a big reveal at the end. All those facets made this a wonderfully engrossing story that I highly recommend to historical fiction lovers!
This is my first Fiona Davis novel, and I will definitely be reading all of her backlist. I loved this book so much!
mysterious
adventurous
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child death
Minor: Bullying, Murder, War
mysterious
mysterious
medium-paced
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
emotional
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
relaxing
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
N/A
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Thanks to Fiona Davis, Dutton, and Netgalley for the chance to read this advanced copy in exchange for an honest review. This book will be released on Jan. 25, 2022, and can be pre-ordered by clicking the cover to the left.
1919: Lillian Carter has lost her mother to Spanish Influenza and her world has been turned upside down. Formerly known as the artists' muse, Angelica, she is at a loss as to how to make a living. She is then drawn into the murder of her landlady when it is believed that she and her landlord were romantically involved. Lillian runs away so as not to be brought in for questioning. She finds herself hired as a personal secretary for the famous Frick family under pretenses but sees that this may be her way out. She finds herself embroiled in family drama, theft, and a possible murder. She escapes again despite being under the cloak of suspicion.
1966: Veronica is new to the modeling world but quickly finds herself on the outs when she stands up for herself with the photographer. To allow herself to avoid others, she hides in the organ room. When she comes out hours later, she is locked in the Frick mansion and must find a way to keep herself safe. She later discovers that she is not alone, a museum intern named Joshua. As they explore the building together, they find clues for a decades-old scavenger hunt. When they meet the owner of the building they start to unravel the mysteries of the past. When the past meets the future, old suspicions are laid to rest, and old friendships are repaired.
Fiona Davis is a genius when it comes to the retelling of the history of New York landmarks. While I had heard of the Frick family, I was unaware of their history and how deep their commitment to the city went. That being said, I had never heard of Audrey Munson, the basis for Lillian Carter. I had seen the statues of Munson when working in New York City and never realized they were the same person. I loved learning this information and can't wait to see what other NYC landmark historical fiction Davis rights next.
lighthearted
mysterious
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