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3.79 AVERAGE
3.79 AVERAGE
The story is told in three voices. Marty de Groot's family has had a painting, At the Edge of a Wood, in his family for almost 300 years. In the 1950s, Marty owns the painting, and Ellie Shipley is hired to make a forgery. We follow how their lives intersect and the history of the painting and the painter.
Well told. Well written. Smith does a good job helping the reader feel what the characters feel.
Well told. Well written. Smith does a good job helping the reader feel what the characters feel.
"Ellie thinks of how the world is governed by couples, how unmarried women make good academics because they've been neutered by too much knowledge and bookish pleasure."
There are many things to admire about this book: the three time settings are all rendered with wonderful detail and atmosphere, and the interweaving of the stories is meticulous, so that when we eventually see--well, the last painting of Sara de Vos, it comes as a revelation. There are also parallels between relationships and happenings in the 17th century and the 20th century and the 21st, showing us that time and technique and commercial values in the art world may shift, but human beings still act like human beings. There is love lost, betrayal, greed--and love renewed. Redemption, even.
I am always drawn to any book set (at least partially) in Amsterdam, my favorite city in the world. And Dominic Smith adds details, from driving moccasins to skate blades to the hiring of phony Beatniks, that make the plot sparkle and amuse.
Recommended for art lovers, Amsterdam lovers, and mystery lovers.
I am always drawn to any book set (at least partially) in Amsterdam, my favorite city in the world. And Dominic Smith adds details, from driving moccasins to skate blades to the hiring of phony Beatniks, that make the plot sparkle and amuse.
Recommended for art lovers, Amsterdam lovers, and mystery lovers.
This was more like a 3.5, but adultery is usually a game stopper for me. The fact that it's still that high is a compliment. I enjoyed the weaving of the women's stories. It was enjoyable to hear stories of women at different points in history. Strong women with limited confidence were difficult to listen to, I wanted them to find their strength. I guess they did but not in the way I'd hoped they would. I really enjoyed the parts about art and techniques. It inspired me to learn more about art. I hated Marty. Well, most of the men in the book were terrible except Thomas. I'm happy I read it, but I didn't love any of the characters. I more just enjoyed the art and weaving of the stories.
Another outstanding reading by one of my favourite audio book narrators, Edoardo Ballerini. The day he records War and Peace I will give it another go.
So, I finished this book last week, and I'm trying to find the right words to describe it. But why bother when someone else has already written what I wanted to say, only much more eloquently:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1434424796?book_show_action=true&from_review_page=1
So, I finished this book last week, and I'm trying to find the right words to describe it. But why bother when someone else has already written what I wanted to say, only much more eloquently:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1434424796?book_show_action=true&from_review_page=1
The contrast between the painter's life and that of the modern-day characters who deal with her paintings in this novel is engaging and interesting. Thinking of the ways in which Dutch culture in the 1600s parallels that of American/Australian culture in the 20th century is fascinating, and this author juxtaposes the two realities really well. It took me a while to get into the book and to feel situated, but once I figured out who was who, and why they were significant, I enjoyed the way human emotions are described. The book also deals with emotional baggage (regrets?) that people carry through life, which makes for a poignant experience.
This book follows three characters in two timelines (2-1/2 really). In 17th century Amsterdam, Sara de Vos, a composite based on histogram female painters. In the 20th century, bourgeois lawyer Marty de Groot, and in the 21st, protagonist Ellie Shipley, art historian.
I kept reading because I felt that the story had potential, but more than it actually delivered. The 17th century scenes felt well-sketched, but the more modern ones, especially the interactions between Marty and Ellie, didn't work for me. Large chunks of their lives were unexamined and their near-romance not believable.
I didn't dislike it, but I can't really recommend it, either.
I kept reading because I felt that the story had potential, but more than it actually delivered. The 17th century scenes felt well-sketched, but the more modern ones, especially the interactions between Marty and Ellie, didn't work for me. Large chunks of their lives were unexamined and their near-romance not believable.
I didn't dislike it, but I can't really recommend it, either.
I liked it, easy read, interesting time periods and locations, nice story.
This is a beautiful book. So interesting with the 3 time periods. Very good writing and story.
what a treat. what a gem. don't know how this came to my attention, but am so glad it did. beautiful writing, delightful story, and sumptuous storytelling. the three main characters — Sara, Marty, and Ellie dance through centuries and decades. what a lovely delight.