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3.79 AVERAGE
3.79 AVERAGE
This book just happened to follow The Personal Librarian in my reading this Summer. Now I need to travel to New York to tour both the JP Morgan Library and The Frick Museum. The history behind the collection was the most interesting part of the story. The fictionalized story was ok.
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
A slightly clumsy but entertaining story with a beautiful ending, where even if the reader walks away untouched by the two woven tales, they will certainly have learned something worthwhile about art.
To live the life of a muse...what a crazy adventure and such a scandal for 1919. This book definitely had a slow build but I was still sucked into this amazing journey of two models who were so much more. The historical information of artwork and artists is stunning as you walk the halls of the amazing Frick mansion. I truly loved reading this book following two different but very similar young girls, and waiting for the full mystery to unfold! I love love loved it!
In 1919, Lillian is her era's version of a supermodel - she is the model for countless famous New York City sculptures, and dreams of breaking into silent films. But when her mother dies and she becomes a person of interest in the murder of her lecherous landlord's wife, Lillian flees. Through chance, she becomes a private secretary for the Fricks, a fabulously wealthy family with a house full of art and secrets.
In 1966, Veronica is a British model doing a photoshoot for Vogue in the Frick mansion (now a museum). When she accidentally gets locked in after hours with a museum intern, what secrets will they discover together?
This is a thriller, with fictional plot woven on top of "historical scaffolding". The Fricks, their house, and most of their life events are historical. Lillian is based on a real woman, Audrey Munson (who had a much sadder story than Lillian's). However, the rest is invention.
The 1966 part of the story did not work that well for me, and parts of the 1919 story felt uncomfortably stretched over the historical scaffolding. And the ending is far too unrealistic/fairytale for me personally. Overall, however, this is a solid thriller, and the artistic elements and context are definitely a strength.
In 1966, Veronica is a British model doing a photoshoot for Vogue in the Frick mansion (now a museum). When she accidentally gets locked in after hours with a museum intern, what secrets will they discover together?
This is a thriller, with fictional plot woven on top of "historical scaffolding". The Fricks, their house, and most of their life events are historical. Lillian is based on a real woman, Audrey Munson (who had a much sadder story than Lillian's). However, the rest is invention.
The 1966 part of the story did not work that well for me, and parts of the 1919 story felt uncomfortably stretched over the historical scaffolding. And the ending is far too unrealistic/fairytale for me personally. Overall, however, this is a solid thriller, and the artistic elements and context are definitely a strength.
I appreciated the premise of the novel and many references to works of art as well as The Frick Library (Collection)! I'd love to go visit it one day!
The story dragged in places, but overall, it was a solid read! It's a given that you'll be transported to a different time and grab bits of history when you read a Fiona Davis novel (aim a big fan!!).
The story dragged in places, but overall, it was a solid read! It's a given that you'll be transported to a different time and grab bits of history when you read a Fiona Davis novel (aim a big fan!!).
4.5 stars and one of my top books (so far) of 2022. I enjoyed the dual timeline and overlapping mystery, but I think what I loved most of the characters, who I found complex in a way that resonated and meant something.
I won’t round this up to 5 stars but I will read again. Upon reread, this could shake out to 5 stars.
I won’t round this up to 5 stars but I will read again. Upon reread, this could shake out to 5 stars.
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
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