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3.79 AVERAGE
3.79 AVERAGE
informative
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
medium-paced
I love how she takes history and incorporates it into her stories. Another great book by Fiona Davis!
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.