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3.79 AVERAGE
3.79 AVERAGE
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
An enjoyable work of historical fiction that mixes fact and fantasy. The unfolding of the two juxtaposing yet related stories is easy to follow, with constant action and small details to help you uncover the various mysteries that unravel. I enjoyed the strong characterizations and the settings, which were rich and well-described. The author’s note at the end provides a wealth of resources for further reading on the Fricks and general history from the time.
Fiona Davis' novels are a comfort read to me. Each takes place in and around a historic New York building and she perfectly the captures the mystery and allure you feel when in places of such historic significance. In The Magnolia Palace, we experience The Frick, once an elaborate personal residence of one of the country's richest (and controversial) men, Henry Clay Frick and his family and now, a museum space donated to the city after Frick's death. Not only do you have the mysterious model who's figure can be seen in numerous statues and art installments (loosely based on the real life one) but you also a snow storm that shuts down the city, a scavenger hunt that lasted 50 years, and a family mystery. It's a highly entertaining, exciting read that make you want to teleport to the Frick ASAP and imagine all the history and drama that actually happened there.
emotional
mysterious
sad
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
a historical fiction mystery with a beautiful story about grief, family expectations and finding yourself.
mysterious
reflective
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
3 stars⭐️⭐️⭐️
This book was fine. It was an interesting little story and jaunt through time. I really loved Joshua’s character, but wanted so much more from him. I also loved Lillian’s character in the 1960s, and I kept wanting to know more about her life, both prior to and after the storyline.
It was also a fun change from the standard historical fiction format of a past tense era and a current era (2000s). I did find the storyline a bit predictable. My main issue with the book is that I felt like there wasn’t enough character development for Helen to get to where she was in the 1960s. She was so self-centered in 1919, so how did that really change by 1966?
Overall, this was a fun and quick read.
This book was fine. It was an interesting little story and jaunt through time. I really loved Joshua’s character, but wanted so much more from him. I also loved Lillian’s character in the 1960s, and I kept wanting to know more about her life, both prior to and after the storyline.
It was also a fun change from the standard historical fiction format of a past tense era and a current era (2000s). I did find the storyline a bit predictable. My main issue with the book is that I felt like there wasn’t enough character development for Helen to get to where she was in the 1960s. She was so self-centered in 1919, so how did that really change by 1966?
Overall, this was a fun and quick read.
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
tense
fast-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:
No
Very, very well written historical fiction with a good mystery - and mysteries aren't even my thing! I visited the Frick Collection about three years ago, and it was one of the best museums I have ever seen. I can't wait to go again someday after the renovation and expansion is complete, and see the second floor of the home.
I'm very impressed with this author, I plan to check out some more of her work.
I'm very impressed with this author, I plan to check out some more of her work.
hopeful
informative
inspiring
mysterious
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
