The Masterpiece

A Novel

By: Fiona Davis

Narrated by: Cassandra Campbell

In this captivating novel, New York Times bestselling author Fiona Davis takes readers into the glamorous lost art school within Grand Central Terminal, where two very different women, fifty years apart, strive to make their mark on a world set against them.

For most New Yorkers, Grand Central Terminal is a crown jewel, a masterpiece of design. But for Clara Darden and Virginia Clay, it represents something quite different.

For Clara, the terminal is the stepping stone to her future. It is 1928, and Clara is teaching at the lauded Grand Central School of Art. Though not even the prestige of the school can override the public's disdain for a "woman artist," fiery Clara is single-minded in her quest to achieve every creative success—even while juggling the affections of two very different men. But she and her bohemian friends have no idea that they'll soon be blindsided by the looming Great Depression...and that even poverty and hunger will do little to prepare Clara for the greater tragedy yet to come.

By 1974, the terminal has declined almost as sharply as Virginia Clay's life. Dilapidated and dangerous, Grand Central is at the center of a fierce lawsuit: Is the once-grand building a landmark to be preserved, or a cancer to be demolished? For Virginia, it is simply her last resort. Recently divorced, she has just accepted a job in the information booth in order to support herself and her college-age daughter, Ruby. But when Virginia stumbles upon an abandoned art school within the terminal and discovers a striking watercolor, her eyes are opened to the elegance beneath the decay. She embarks on a quest to find the artist of the unsigned masterpiece—an impassioned chase that draws Virginia not only into the battle to save Grand Central but deep into the mystery of Clara Darden, the famed 1920s illustrator who disappeared from history in 1931.

Yes, please.

Can't remember the last time I waxed nostalgic about Grand Central. Made me want to visit with fresh eyes.

Ending a bit strange

Ending not as strong as The Address., a bit too far fetched especially given the time span of the characters.

Just Ok

Back story is very interesting. I go through Grand Central Terminal so I was interested in the history. But the fiction rendition is just Ok.

The narrator is not my cup of tea. Too breathy and stilted.

Great story, weird narrator

This is a compelling story, so don’t give up because of the narrator! Her voice inflections, especially for women, are very odd. Occasionally, she reminded me of Moira Rose! Don’t let it pull you out of the story.

I love stories that weave the historical fact and fiction so deftly that you aren’t sure which parts are real or imagined! This book entertains and enthralled, while giving a real appreciation of the history. The characters feel very real and draw you into them. You can truly love or hate them, cheer for their successes or have your heart broken by their tragedies. Very nicely done!

enjoyable

the start was a bit slow… but overall a good book… some of it predictable, but still a pleasure to read/listen to the narrator helped with the enjoyment factor for me.