Helpful Score: 1
I love Fiona Davis's writing style of exploring an iconic building in New York City in two connected timelines so I had high hopes for The Magnolia Palace, her newest release. The landmark featured in the novel is The Frick Collection art museum.
The earlier timeline features Ellie in 1920, a sculptor's model who was the inspiration for many works of art throughout NYC. When she accidentally becomes Helen Frick's personal secretary, she's given the perfect place to 'hide' after from scrutiny following a murder in her apartment building. Surrounded by priceless works of art, she's quickly pulled into the dysfunctional inner circle of steel magnate Henry Clay Frick and his family.
A British model named Veronica is the focus of the second storyline set in 1966. She's traveled to NYC to be part of a Vogue photo shoot at the Frick Collection - the Frick family home which became a public museum. Through a series of unfortunate events, she finds herself trapped in the Frick with Joshua, an intern and aspiring curator. They discover, then follow a decades-old set of hidden messages that shed light on a past Frick family tragedy.
I enjoyed reading about the history of The Frick and was equally engaged in both storylines and their compelling characters. This novel was a total escape since the worlds of models, fine art collections, and ultra wealth are not part of my life. Toward the end of the novel, the writing shifted from a Monet watercolor to a talented child's finger painting. The polished prose of the first 80% devolved into something akin to the conclusion of a cozy mystery. I still enjoyed the novel overall, but the ending felt a bit off key.
Thank you to Dutton and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this title pre-publication.
The earlier timeline features Ellie in 1920, a sculptor's model who was the inspiration for many works of art throughout NYC. When she accidentally becomes Helen Frick's personal secretary, she's given the perfect place to 'hide' after from scrutiny following a murder in her apartment building. Surrounded by priceless works of art, she's quickly pulled into the dysfunctional inner circle of steel magnate Henry Clay Frick and his family.
A British model named Veronica is the focus of the second storyline set in 1966. She's traveled to NYC to be part of a Vogue photo shoot at the Frick Collection - the Frick family home which became a public museum. Through a series of unfortunate events, she finds herself trapped in the Frick with Joshua, an intern and aspiring curator. They discover, then follow a decades-old set of hidden messages that shed light on a past Frick family tragedy.
I enjoyed reading about the history of The Frick and was equally engaged in both storylines and their compelling characters. This novel was a total escape since the worlds of models, fine art collections, and ultra wealth are not part of my life. Toward the end of the novel, the writing shifted from a Monet watercolor to a talented child's finger painting. The polished prose of the first 80% devolved into something akin to the conclusion of a cozy mystery. I still enjoyed the novel overall, but the ending felt a bit off key.
Thank you to Dutton and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this title pre-publication.
