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3.79 AVERAGE
3.79 AVERAGE
My third book by this author and it’s stunning. I love the ability the writer has to create complicated characters. I love the peak into these artistic worlds and the two different timelines connecting.
I just love the style and historical layers of Fiona Davis' novels! In her author's note, she states that her inspiration for this story began after taking a tour of the Frick Collection. She had looked up at the front entrance and wondered what would have happened had the model who posed for the pediment above the door had crossed paths with the headstrong daughter of Henry Clay Frick. That moment set into motion the story of "The Magnolia Palace," where model Lillian (aka as the mysterious Angelica - the infamous woman who poses for artist's statues all around the city) finds herself fleeing from a murder investigation and working as the upper class private secretary to Helen Frick.
Dually told is the story of Veronica, a model visiting New York City in 1966 from overseas, who is there in hopes of earning money to help her family. She is attending a shoot at the Frick Museum & library when a disagreement finds her separated from the group and trapped within the museum when a snow storm hits. The two stories mirror each other in many ways while weaving through some of the history of the Frick family. It is historical fiction, mystery and romance all merged together into one wonderfully told story. The characters are imperfect and well developed, and I found myself intrigued and guessing until the end.
I've read that other reviewers felt this was a slow burn... To me it was not this way at all. I suppose if you are accustomed to thrillers, that is not the pace or climax that you are going to find here and it could possibly feel slow. However, if you enjoy historical fiction and art and the exploration of relationships between characters, with a bit of mystery framed within that, then this one is a real winner.
Dually told is the story of Veronica, a model visiting New York City in 1966 from overseas, who is there in hopes of earning money to help her family. She is attending a shoot at the Frick Museum & library when a disagreement finds her separated from the group and trapped within the museum when a snow storm hits. The two stories mirror each other in many ways while weaving through some of the history of the Frick family. It is historical fiction, mystery and romance all merged together into one wonderfully told story. The characters are imperfect and well developed, and I found myself intrigued and guessing until the end.
I've read that other reviewers felt this was a slow burn... To me it was not this way at all. I suppose if you are accustomed to thrillers, that is not the pace or climax that you are going to find here and it could possibly feel slow. However, if you enjoy historical fiction and art and the exploration of relationships between characters, with a bit of mystery framed within that, then this one is a real winner.
informative
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I like it. I enjoy the back and forth with the timelines. It was a bit of a slow burn tbh.
emotional
informative
mysterious
sad
medium-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
mysterious
adventurous
mysterious
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:
Yes
The Magnolia Palace is a slow-paced historical fiction novel that follows two timelines.
1919: Lillian, professionally known as Angelica, is a model turned personal secretary. After the death of her mother/manager, Lillian’s career as a sculptor’s muse fizzles out. Unable to pay rent to her scuzzy landlord, he propositions her for a different way to get rent. Lillian sends him a note cheekily turning him down, stating she will come up with the rent money. When her landlord’s wife finds this note, chaos ensues and the wife is murdered. Lillian, terrified of being questioned by the police about her note, escapes and lands a job as Helen Frick’s personal secretary at the Frick Mansion.
1966: Veronica is a fresh-faced British model doing her first photoshoot abroad in New York City at the Frick Museum. After walking off set, she gets lost and trapped during a large blizzard that knocks out the power. Alone in the museum, she meets an intern whose also been snowed in. Together they discover a scavenger hunt that leads them to uncovering the deepest secrets of the Frick Family.
This story was thoughtful, intriguing and had family drama, mystery and murder. Spanning two timelines, we learn about the Frick family, their staff, and their secrets. Fiona Davis is a new author for me and this introduction to her work was beautifully written and timeless. It was slow at times and it took a while to get to the murder and mystery and for that reason I have given this book 4 stars.
Thank you to Net Galley and Penguin House - Dutton for an advanced reading copy.
1919: Lillian, professionally known as Angelica, is a model turned personal secretary. After the death of her mother/manager, Lillian’s career as a sculptor’s muse fizzles out. Unable to pay rent to her scuzzy landlord, he propositions her for a different way to get rent. Lillian sends him a note cheekily turning him down, stating she will come up with the rent money. When her landlord’s wife finds this note, chaos ensues and the wife is murdered. Lillian, terrified of being questioned by the police about her note, escapes and lands a job as Helen Frick’s personal secretary at the Frick Mansion.
1966: Veronica is a fresh-faced British model doing her first photoshoot abroad in New York City at the Frick Museum. After walking off set, she gets lost and trapped during a large blizzard that knocks out the power. Alone in the museum, she meets an intern whose also been snowed in. Together they discover a scavenger hunt that leads them to uncovering the deepest secrets of the Frick Family.
This story was thoughtful, intriguing and had family drama, mystery and murder. Spanning two timelines, we learn about the Frick family, their staff, and their secrets. Fiona Davis is a new author for me and this introduction to her work was beautifully written and timeless. It was slow at times and it took a while to get to the murder and mystery and for that reason I have given this book 4 stars.
Thank you to Net Galley and Penguin House - Dutton for an advanced reading copy.
mysterious
slow-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
adventurous
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