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.

Memento Park by Mark Sarvas

MEMENTO PARK by Mark Sarvas provides some well-written historical fiction, a mystery and a study of inter-generational relationships. At the center of the story is a painting, Budapest Street Scene by Kalman, created in Hungary prior to WWII.  The main character, Matt Santos, is surprised one day to learn that he now owns this valuable painting that was presumably looted from his Jewish ancestors during the war.

His immigrant father, however, encourages Matt to steer clear of the painting, perhaps reflecting on the painful memories it represents. Matt is puzzled by his father’s attitude and reluctance to discuss the painting (or much of anything, really). In a misguided attempt to reconcile with his father, Matt decides to leave his steady girlfriend, Tracy, and his southern California acting lifestyle in order to travel to Hungary with Rachel, a devout attorney helping him to prove ownership.  The situation darkens for Matt – on the personal front, with professional obligations, and on a spiritual basis as he begins to explore his own beliefs about Judaism.

I very much liked the references to Hungary, but I found the story slowed about a third of the way through. Matt’s inner perspective is key to the story and offers important insight as he muses about his own relationships and about the painting’s troubled history. MEMENTO PARK received starred reviews from Library Journal (“deft handling of aspects of identity in matters of love, family, religion, and loss”) and Publishers Weekly.

For a much lighter mystery (it is Spring Break after all), readers could try PLUM TEA CRAZY by New York Times bestselling author Laura Childs. This “cozy” delivers on its name with plenty of references to a variety of teas and some crazy events - like death by crossbow for banker Carson Lanier.  Set in charming Charleston, this mystery revolves around the sleuthing efforts of tea shop proprietor Theodosia Browning and her tea expert, Drayton Conneley plus their chef, Haley Parker.  Try a sample on amazon to see if the latest in this long running mystery series is to your taste.

Blood Water Paint by Joy McCullough

I first learned of Artemisia Gentileschi and her paintings when working with an AP European History class. Those students and others will be intrigued by a new, fictionalized account of her life: BLOOD WATER PAINT by Joy McCullough.  This novel, told partly in verse, details Gentileschi’s creativity as well as the constraints imposed on women’s lives in Renaissance Italy. At one point, the seventeen year-old muses: “I wish men would decide if women are heavenly angels on high, or earthbound sculptures for their gardens. But either way, we’re beauty for consumption.”  And, sadly, violence ensues. When Gentileschi speaks out against her rapist, she is tortured, but ultimately draws inspiration from strong women of The Bible, Susanna and Judith, who also feature prominently in her paintings.  BLOOD WATER PAINT is recommended for more mature high school students (read an excerpt here) and received starred reviews from Booklist, School Library Journal, and VOYA.