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3.79 AVERAGE
3.79 AVERAGE
This book was enjoyable, but definitely not a “must read.” I enjoyed learning about the Frick family and the real works of art featured in the story. I had never heard of any of this before reading the book.
Walking away with a greater appreciation for art, its subjects, makers, and history. The story itself and characters I found harder to appreciate. It all felt a bit predictable and watered down. I think the concept was great, but the execution didn't hit me the way I wanted it to.
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Many interesting parallels with this and some of my other recent reads: Personal Librarian about JP Morgan, and The Magnificent Lives of Marjorie Meriweather Post. I learned a lot about Frick (didn't know the Johnstown Flood connection) and enjoyed the fact that just about every character in the book was guilty of something. I am not a fan of suggesting murder for a natural death, although there were rumblings about what a nasty person Frick could be. A few things seemed a bit improbable (quickly rustling up hot tea during a power failure- they probably had a gas stove; listening to the radio during the power failure, could have been batteries) Things came together too easily. I was actually disappointed that there is no "Magnolia Diamond." Reading the book did prompt me to look up the statues, the Frick, and several characters in the book, which is always a good thing. One of my favorite lines, near the end, from Helen, "The power that comes with not caring what others think is invigorating."
informative
lighthearted
mysterious
relaxing
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:
Complicated
Lillian in 1919, after her mother's death from Spanish Flu, wants to be a star in Los Angeles. She has some fame as being an artists' muse for statues and other art, but it certainly hadn't been a high-paying gig. She gets a job as the personal secretary for Miss Helen, daughter of steel magnate Mr. Frick. She is supposed to help marry off "spinster" (31 year old) Miss Helen for a sweet payday that will help establish her cross country in Hollywood. But she becomes attracted to Miss Helen's beau Richard Danforth.
We also have a more modern timeline in the 1960s when Veronica, a model, gets trapped in the Frick house during a snowstorm and is stuck with a Black historian. This timeline is a lot weaker and gets less airtime, as usually occurs with dual timeline stories.
It took me awhile to get into this book (maybe 30% or so), and when I finished, I wasn't blown away by it, and the characters didn't seem especially memorable. So this won't be my favorite Fiona Davis novel.
We also have a more modern timeline in the 1960s when Veronica, a model, gets trapped in the Frick house during a snowstorm and is stuck with a Black historian. This timeline is a lot weaker and gets less airtime, as usually occurs with dual timeline stories.
It took me awhile to get into this book (maybe 30% or so), and when I finished, I wasn't blown away by it, and the characters didn't seem especially memorable. So this won't be my favorite Fiona Davis novel.
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:
Yes
adventurous
lighthearted
fast-paced
lighthearted
mysterious
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
informative
lighthearted
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:
Yes