Masterpiece by Fiona Davis

Recent historical novels by Fiona Davis (The Dollhouse, The Address) have been very popular and feature New York City locations (Barbizon Hotel and The Dakota). I requested an advance reader copy of her newest, THE MASTERPIECE, and found it entertaining and informative. In this novel Davis focuses on the beautiful architecture of Grand Central Terminal (or Grand Central Station as it is often incorrectly, though more affectionately, called) and the art movements of the 1920s through two intertwining stories.  One is set in the 1970s (when the station’s demolition was being adjudicated) with a recent divorcee, Virginia, obtaining an entry level job with the railroad and discovering a hidden painting.  That painting was created roughly 50 years earlier and relates to the more compelling second story about fictional Clara Darden, an aspiring illustrator and instructor at Grand Central School of Art (which did actually exist). There’s a bit of mystery here and some wonderful historical detail, especially for readers who know and love New York City. THE MASTERPIECE received a starred review from Library Journal and was a LibraryReads selection for August 2018.