Last month, the Ladies Who Brunch discussed THE MASTERPIECE by Fiona Davis. The novel tells a story of two different women, living decades apart from each other, as they each try to claim their stake when the odds are against them. The story is set during the 1920’s and 1970’s.
The History
It is important to note the great history behind the Grand Central Terminal Station for this book. Cornelius Vanderbilt purchased the property in 1864 and the Grand Central Depot was first built in 1869. It was coined Grand Central The First. In 1900, the Grand Central Station was reborn, but it soon after needed major structural repairs. In 1913, even though construction was not entirely complete, the station that we know today was officially reopened. Since then, the station has not lost its historic charm.
The group appreciated the research and time that the author invested to develop an accurate narrative. Some of the book club attendees remembered their own experiences visiting specific shops mentioned in the novel. While, others remembered reading about station construction at the time that it happened.
Narrative and Character Analysis
Throughout the novel, the author creates suspense, action, and betrayal among the characters. The betrayal is often fueled by economic greed; especially when the novel is set during The Depression, when goods and services are scarce. Even at art shows, students have their work stolen, and they are not given proper credit, as even established artists at this time are struggling to make ends meet.
As with each book club meeting, we spent a good amount of time analyzing characters. In this novel, as each woman tells her story during a different time period, readers have to keep up with two sets of characters. This was a particularly challenging feat for the author as character development is already, arguably, the most difficult part of writing a book. However Davis did a good job ensuring each character fit and had a place in the narrative. So between the engaging characters, the suspense, and the accurate historical immersion of this novel, the group overall enjoyed the read. It left us wanting more.
Next on the Reading List
For the next book, the group will be reading THE FRIEND by Sigrid Nunez which is about a bonding relationship of love, friendship, grief and healing between a woman and her dog. The event will be held at the Marlton Hotel on February 9, 2019 at 11 AM. RSVP for it here!
Rachel Slaiman is a published freelance writer of several articles in both print and online as well an editor and copy editor of aspiring author’s manuscripts. She is currently the co-recording secretary for the WNBA and co-chair for the Brooklyn Book Festival. Rachel holds a B.A. in Communications and a M.S. from Pace University. In her spare time, she enjoys reading and writing short stories.
