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3.79 AVERAGE
3.79 AVERAGE
Although it felt a bit long at times, I absolutely loved this story. The author did a great job with kind of putting the two storylines in a sort of parallel with each other, both similar in their own important ways.
Usually I'm not one for historical fiction, but this one told a story of the fascinating lives of independent women all just trying to make their own way in the world.
Usually I'm not one for historical fiction, but this one told a story of the fascinating lives of independent women all just trying to make their own way in the world.
I'm only 1/3 of the way through and I've never read the author's other works, but I'm very close to DNFing this book. Everything is told to you rather than shown (down to one of the protagonists explaining another character's reasoning for something to the reader), both Mr. Frick and Miss Helen, owners of the mansion, have changed personalities more than once in the span of a a few chapters, so I can't ascertain even the basic idea of who they are, and Angelica/Lillian isn't a likeable character at all.
Fiona Davis is a seamless weaver of historical fact with engaging fiction, and her love of all things New York is front and center in 'The Magnolia Palace'. I feel very fortunate to have read this lovely book before its release. The Frick family was, at once, imposing and flawed, influential and frightening, charitable and unkindly demanding. 'The Magnolia Palace' takes the reader inside the landmark home where we are neither part of their dysfunctional family nor a member of their overworked and seemingly loyal staff. In fact, I almost felt as if I were one of their prized artworks, hanging on a wall, eavesdropping on conversations and furtively watching their often secretive behavior. Of course, those conversations and behaviors, while based on her research, are artfully fabricated by Davis. This historical novel has romance, deceit, intrigue, happy resolutions amid mysterious and apprehensive moments. A very enjoyable read that insists upon a followup visit to The Frick Museum as soon as possible!
This story is full of things I did not know nor had even heard of. The Frick family was rather interesting and just confirms having money does not make you happy. I loved the fact there was history, a bit of romance, and a couple of murders. This was a good book.
Fiona Davis’s books are fascinating in many ways. One way being that the historic New York City building that the book is based on is like another character in the book. I came to love the Frick Museum as much as I loved Lillian. It’s been a few years since I visited the Frick and I think it’s time to go back.
One of our local museums, the Nassau County Fine Arts Museum, was the Long Island home of Child’s Frick. I’ve been to this museum many times but will now picture Child’s living there.
One of our local museums, the Nassau County Fine Arts Museum, was the Long Island home of Child’s Frick. I’ve been to this museum many times but will now picture Child’s living there.
Fun historical fiction, about equally divided between historical and fiction – as the author says, there is a true story with a completely fictional story laid on top of it. If you know New York artistic history or you’re a devoted listener to 99% Invisible, you’ll recognize the main character, a young woman who was the subject of the many early 20th century female statues that grace Manhattan’s parks and buildings. Her name was Audrey Munson. The character’s name is not Audrey Munson, because the main part of the plot is a complete “what if“ – what if this model and muse, sometimes called America’s first supermodel, came to work and live with the steel baron Henry Clay Frick’s family in the Manhattan mansion that housed his great art collection and later became an art museum and library? And what if there were a mystery? Or more than one?… The plot toggles back-and-forth between the early 20th and early 21st centuries, with parallel intrepid model heroines out of their depths and making their way from moment to moment by using their knowledge and wits (“models can read, you know“). If you know Manhattan and the Frick collection, you’ll have fun recognizing the surroundings. If you haven’t, you might want to go after reading this. Either way, no great work of literature, but recommended as a good, fun read.
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
At some point I felt like I had read this book for a second time. I do love learning about New York City since I used to live there and enjoy the historical fiction genre that Fiona Davis rated. While a touch predictable the story is interesting and intriguing enough to keep you coming back for more.