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Review Date: 4/12/2022
The Golden Key is an interesting fantasy novel that turns art and the creation of art into a system of magic. Certain members of a family are born with the ability to change or influence others through their magical artistic gift. The ruling family recognizes the political implications of this gift and over generations, the two families are bound to one another. There are several interesting characters and a long generations-spanning plot. While there were plans for a series, this does fine as a standalone novel.
Review Date: 6/19/2022
This book captures the feel of 15th century France and draws the reader into the world of art as it was practiced then, via nobles commissioning works less because of appreciation and more for the boost in status. It tells the story of a famous series of tapestries from their commission, design and execution by a weaver and his family in Belgium. Complete details of their provenance have not survived to our day but Tracy Chevalier imagines quite believably how these magnificent tapestries may have come to be.
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