The Last Painting of Sara De Vos by Dominic Smith

3.79 AVERAGE

kristen_marie's review against another edition

5.0
I loved this book! The characters were well developed and interesting, but what I really enjoyed was how the story was told. It takes place in three different time periods, but the author does an amazing job of weaving the different times and stories together. As one section raises questions in the reader's mind, the next section provides the answer from a different time period. I highly recommend this book. Also, it made me want to get out to an art museum soon! I feel like I don't have the level of appreciation for art that I really should.

jaw77's review against another edition

5.0
If I could designate myself as the author of any of the books I've read this year, this would be it. Smith pulls off a plot driven story with well-executed themes of truth, authenticity, regret and loyalty. It could have come off as too clever, but the parallels between the worlds of 17th century Holland, 1950s NY and Sydney in 2000 and enough to get you thinking but not so much that you feel clobbered over the head.
Sara de Vos paints a picture in 1631 in Amsterday. iIn 1957 in NYC Ellie Shipey forges a copy of the work that will be stolen from Mary de Groot. The collision of the worlds is part mystery, part historical fiction and part literary novel.
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apieceofskye's review against another edition

4.5
emotional inspiring 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

corgifeet's review against another edition

5.0
Sum up The Last Painting of Sara de Vos:
Tells the story of a painting, its creation and its owners from 1630 to the present time. I really liked the story. It reminded me of Red Violin but about a painting instead.

Who was your favorite character and why?
Sarah de Vos. She persevered. But, I liked all the characters really.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?
No laughing or crying - well at least not for me. There certainly are funny and sad parts but I found the book very satisfying.

Any additional comments?
I really appreciated that there are book group questions at the end.
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fionab_16's review against another edition

4.5
informative reflective sad medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated

dhlyon's review against another edition

5.0
As an art history hobbiest and humanities enthusiast, this book fit the bill. The Last Painting of Sara De Vos seamlessly weaves three characters and three distinct eras together against a backdrop of art, devotion, and passion.

If you love historical fiction or contemporary adult literature, give this novel a try. It may help cultivate an interest in a new genre.
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mgromko's review against another edition

5.0
challenging informative reflective slow-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

iamemmafitz's review against another edition

3.0
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Complicated
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated

jimb's review against another edition

5.0
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: N/A
Diverse cast of characters: N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes
Great book so well written, evokes the time and place of the three periods he interweaves flawlessly.

bronnyaur's review against another edition

5.0
Loved this.