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3.52 AVERAGE
3.52 AVERAGE
Once I got past the painting speaking, I was OK, but then it all went REALLY south at the end. I was not disturbed discovering Memling's past, but the way everything else happened left me feeling like it was so forced and nowhere near the tone the book was originally playing out. Made for TV movie disguised as a book.
God, for a book with a jillion characters with interesting motivations and backgrounds, we sure settled in on the least compelling one.
While this book had its moments, and a few beautiful lines, it took me forever to get into and to slog through. I could never really connect with the story.
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
This book is very unique - an unusual premise and a wide cast of odd characters.
I ran out of time to finish this book before it was due back, but I really wasn't enjoying it. It was a struggle to work my way through the part that I did read (which was around the first half). I never quit reading a book, but I think this is going to be a first for me.
However, I know it is getting great reviews, so I think I just didn't click with it for some reason.
However, I know it is getting great reviews, so I think I just didn't click with it for some reason.
I liked the premise and liked the writing, but, oh, this book was work! Too many characters, too many subplots, too much going on. I wish the author who have pared down and honed in one just a few plot lines.
reflective
slow-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
The most disappointing part about the book was how good the prolog was and how the author failed to live up to all those promises.
There were at least 5 different unneeded perspectives. Everyone was a caricature. The protagonist was dull and inactive. The romance was meh to the point its not a romance book at all. The ending was disappointingly quick and we were told how it ended rather than shown. There was way too much unnessisary and dull descriptions. This book needed an editor to tell the author to press on that delete button and don't let up. There was so much potential but the author needs to learn some basic strategies in writing and this have been a much much better book. I started skip reading not even halfway through it. Just... how is this rated so high!? It was boring! Save for like, 3 parts. Anyway, had to read it for book club and everyone tore into it. I will not be recommending this to anyone.
There were at least 5 different unneeded perspectives. Everyone was a caricature. The protagonist was dull and inactive. The romance was meh to the point its not a romance book at all. The ending was disappointingly quick and we were told how it ended rather than shown. There was way too much unnessisary and dull descriptions. This book needed an editor to tell the author to press on that delete button and don't let up. There was so much potential but the author needs to learn some basic strategies in writing and this have been a much much better book. I started skip reading not even halfway through it. Just... how is this rated so high!? It was boring! Save for like, 3 parts. Anyway, had to read it for book club and everyone tore into it. I will not be recommending this to anyone.
Loved the art history, and certain points had me glued to the page, but overall I found this book more challenging to get through than I anticipated. There are a lot of characters, which isn't necessarily a bad thing, but it meant that just as I would start getting into one character's story, the perspective changed.
I loved the idea of telling part of the story from the perspective of the painting. I found these to be some of my favourite parts.
I loved the idea of telling part of the story from the perspective of the painting. I found these to be some of my favourite parts.
Een verloren gewaand 18e-eeuws schilderij duikt opeens op in een Londens pandjeshuis, wat voor oproer zorgt in de kunstwereld waarin ieder personage een reden heeft om het te bemachtigen. Titiaan en Breughel gemengd met een gezonde dosis noir.
adventurous
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes