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3.79 AVERAGE
3.79 AVERAGE
To me the pace was too slow. I jumped to the last two chapters and felt that the ending was also not too inviting for me. So I put it down, but perhaps I would pick it up someday.
informative
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
emotional
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
mysterious
slow-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
I really enjoyed this book and learning about the story from two different eras. Great historical fiction that kept me engaged in the characters!
It’s been a hot minute since I’ve read historical fiction and this was great! It’s got it all: art, mystery, murder, romance, NYC, and some feels. Loved it.
I always enjoy Davis' historical fiction. This one is set in 1919, in New York City. Lillian, an artist's model, needs to find new work fast, and through a fluke ends up working as private secretary to Helen Clay Frick at the Frick mansion in Manhattan. There's a lot of drama, twisted family dynamics, and art history in the story. I enjoy fiction set in this period very much, and the story motivated me to look up Audrey Munson, the original supermodel, and also Helen Clay Frick. Will read another by this author for sure.
This is a beautiful historical fiction with so many roots of the story founded in truth. I loved the separate timelines and the complimentary characters. In the beginning of the book it is often hard to separate Lillian and Veronica from each other due to their similarities. In the end all characters are redeemed and the mysteries of the Frick home are solved. I feel like this book is truly an underdog story in many ways with so many characters to appreciate. A great mystery that didn’t feel overly focused on the investigation but rather on the narrative surrounding the family and their tragedies.
4.5
“It wasn’t about being looked at. It was about being seen.”
That was my favorite line in The Magnolia Palace.
This is the first of, what I trust will be, all of the historical fiction novels written by Fiona Davis I will read. Also, if the storytelling, the characters, and the depth of both in “The Magnolia Palace” is any indication of what I can expect, I’m in for a wonderful ride.
I have always gravitated toward books and stories set in the early 20th century, particularly the late teens and early twenties. If the subject matter is Hollywood or literature or art, sign me up. This was another and this was simply lovely.
Set in two time periods, surrounding art, murder, rich family turmoil, family secrets and betrayal and set in one of the Gilded Ages most famous mansions located in NYC. These are a few of my favorite things.
Once I invested myself in it (outside elements stalled my early attempts) I just couldn’t put it down. I both listened and read and was delighted with both.
I adored everything about Lillian. Was rooting for Helen throughout, even though she gave us reasons not to. We were given people to detest and never feel bad about it - Mr. Frick, Childs, and as you’ll learn when you read, a few others.
The Magnolia Palace is one of those books I want everyone I love, who loves to read like I love to read, to read and love it like I did. Those loves in my life I speak of usually read these reviews I write so I’m confident they will.
You see, one of my most favorite things in the world is that feeling I get when someone I care about loves a book like I do after I recommend it to them. This was such a good story and so well written, this is going to be one of them.
That makes me very happy.
“It wasn’t about being looked at. It was about being seen.”
That was my favorite line in The Magnolia Palace.
This is the first of, what I trust will be, all of the historical fiction novels written by Fiona Davis I will read. Also, if the storytelling, the characters, and the depth of both in “The Magnolia Palace” is any indication of what I can expect, I’m in for a wonderful ride.
I have always gravitated toward books and stories set in the early 20th century, particularly the late teens and early twenties. If the subject matter is Hollywood or literature or art, sign me up. This was another and this was simply lovely.
Set in two time periods, surrounding art, murder, rich family turmoil, family secrets and betrayal and set in one of the Gilded Ages most famous mansions located in NYC. These are a few of my favorite things.
Once I invested myself in it (outside elements stalled my early attempts) I just couldn’t put it down. I both listened and read and was delighted with both.
I adored everything about Lillian. Was rooting for Helen throughout, even though she gave us reasons not to. We were given people to detest and never feel bad about it - Mr. Frick, Childs, and as you’ll learn when you read, a few others.
The Magnolia Palace is one of those books I want everyone I love, who loves to read like I love to read, to read and love it like I did. Those loves in my life I speak of usually read these reviews I write so I’m confident they will.
You see, one of my most favorite things in the world is that feeling I get when someone I care about loves a book like I do after I recommend it to them. This was such a good story and so well written, this is going to be one of them.
That makes me very happy.
I really enjoyed this book. Another two timelines which I’ve always thought I disliked, but I guess not. Excellent amount of mystery, family drama, and love. Also loved the bits of real history dispersed throughout.