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I enjoy how Davis embraces the two timelines together.
26 likes
The Masterpiece: A Novel | 
pick⭐️⭐️⭐️
I enjoy how Davis embraces the two timelines together.
I discovered Davis‘ historical fiction a few years ago when I read The Chelsea Girls. She is quickly becoming a go-to author for me. I love her connection to a NYC landmark, her development of a story that surrounds that landmark, and her inclusion of historical facts and impressions of the building.
This one, which was a #LiteraryCrew read, looks at the old art school in the Grand Central terminal. So good! #12BooksOf2023 #June
pickI had no idea there was an art school in Grand Central Terminal! I like Davis‘s novels for bringing a NYC landmark to life - the setting becomes a character. Told in a dual timeline, Clara‘s story of the 1920s/1930s and Virginia‘s from the 1970s shows the passage of time on the building. Arts, women‘s rights, and historic preservation play a role in this. I was not too crazy over the two MC‘s, but the story itself really entertained me.
so-soI loved the setting and the dual time lines, but the story fell a little flat for me. I liked how it ended up all coming together so probably a little better than just okay…say 3.5 stars ⭐️. Read for #literarycrew and it got me a #bookspinbingo in May, so there‘s that!
It‘s time for this month‘s #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead discussion! I have 7 questions under spoiler posted - respond whenever you have an opportunity to join the discussion!
Is there anything else you wish to discuss?
If you have not already indicated an interest in next month‘s book, The Final Revival of Opal & Nev, comment below, and I‘ll add you to the tag list!
Julsmarshall, Cinfhen, melissajayne, Jerdencon, kspenmoll, BethM, megnews, Deblovestoread, Sargar114, IndoorDame, MoonWitch94, julieclair, AllDebooks7. In the end, Clara and other artists got the credit they deserved. What did you think about the ending? ~from BookClubChat #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead
6. How did Virginia change from the beginning of the novel until the end? What‘s next for her? ~from BookClubChat #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead
5. Let‘s discuss Virginia‘s drive to help save the Grand Central Terminal. Why do you think she made it such a personal mission? Do you agree with her that structures like that should be restored and preserved? ~from BookClubChat #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead
4. What was your initial suspicions on what happened to Clara? Were you surprised she was still alive? ~from BookClubChat #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead
3. There‘s lots of descriptions of the art world. What stood out to you in those sections dedicated to crafting art? Do you have a favorite artist? ~from BookClubChat guide #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead
2. Let‘s discuss the ways that Clara and Virginia are very different. In what ways are they similar? Do you think they‘ll remain in contact? ~from BookClubChat guide #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead
1. What did you think about the setting in the Grand Central Terminal? What about the two time periods (the ‘20s and ‘70s)? ~from BookClubChat guide #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead
pickReady to discuss! I love a novel set in NYC and dual timelines too. #LiteraryCrew
We‘re a week away from the discussion of this month‘s #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead ! I hope the reading is going well - I‘ve seen some positive posts about this month‘s selection.
Any thoughts to share at the moment?
mcctrish, Julsmarshall, Cinfhen, melissajayne, kspenmoll, PurpleyPumpkin, BethM, Deblovestoread, Sargar114, IndoorDame, MoonWitch94, AllDebooks
pickLOVED THIS❣️❣️❣️❣️❣️A fascinating story about Grand Central Terminal, an iconic landmark in NYC . Told in #DualTimeLines it follows two artists who taught at the Art Institute housed in Grand Central from 1922- 1944. Excellent pick from @Librarybelle #LiteraryCrew
repost for @Librarybelle:
This month‘s #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead transports us to NYC! I like Davis‘s use of historic landmarks to tell a story, so I‘m looking forward to this one.
Tagging those who have expressed interest in this month‘s choice. If you would also like tagged for this month, let me know! Read at your own pace during the month. I post periodic checkins, and discussion is on May 31st.
This month‘s #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead transports us to NYC! I like Davis‘s use of historic landmarks to tell a story, so I‘m looking forward to this one.
Tagging those who have expressed interest in this month‘s choice. If you would also like tagged for this month, let me know! Read at your own pace during the month. I post periodic checkins, and discussion is on May 31st.
mcctrish, Julsmarshall, Cinfhen, melissajayne, kspenmoll, PurpleyPumpkin, BethM, Deblovestoread, Sargar114, IndoorDame, MoonWitch94, LitsyEvents, julieclair, AllDebooks
Two down in my quest to read the Fiona Davis books along with a nonfiction book about the featured building.
Repost for @Librarybelle
#LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead for May is The Masterpiece by Fiona Davis
See original post for details https://litsy.com/p/SVJOYXFxazBM
May‘s #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead is the tagged by Fiona Davis.
Read at your own pace throughout the month. I will post periodic check ins. Discussion questions will be posted on May 31st.
Tagging those who have expressed interest in this month‘s read. If you would also like to be tagged, comment below!
mcctrish, Julsmarshall, melissajayne, Jerdencon, kspenmoll, Deblovestoread, Sargar114, IndoorDame, MoonWitch94, LitsyEvents, julieclair, AllDebooks
#BookSpin and #DoubleSpin two books on my TBR for awhile and now I have the push I need to move them to the top of the #TBR
#SetIn1920s #MarchMagic
Unputdownable!
@Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks
pick*Not the tagged book* A Wild Rose is number five in the collection, A Point in Time, available thru Amazon Prime Reading. In this story, Fiona Davis takes us to Carnegie Hall where we meet a famous pianist, Gloria Banderas. Gloria is scheduled to perform at Carnegie Hall when she experiences a strange ailment that affects her ability to play piano. The reader gets a peek into Gloria‘s life.
Full review at https://abookandadog.com
📚tagged
📚Susan Meissner
📚Mad About You
📚Matchbox 20
📚Mad Season
#ManicMonday
pickSet in NYC‘s Grand Central Terminal and the art school that was housed there, this is told in 2 timelines-the 1920s and 1970s. It focuses on 2 struggling but strong women who are trying to find their own way.
Tagged is a physical book
Maybe 3/4 stars right now
I do not
@MoonWitch94 #thoughtfulThursday
@peaknit @BethM @Kshakal @RaeLovesToRead
pick• TBR since March 9, 2018
The Masterpiece by Fiona Davis is a multi-narrative story set in two time periods: the 1920s and 1970s New York. The two story threads meet in Grand Central Station which is the ideal setting for bustling Art Deco New York meets down and out New York when homelessness was rife and the glamour had definitely worn off.
#CuriousCovers Day 23 #Building
I have read 3 others building related books by Fiona Davis and enjoyed them. Somehow I have both a hardback and ebook on my TBR of this one.
pickIf I could plan my nightly dreams, I‘d be living my alternative life - the one where I was born, raised, and living a comfortable life in NYC. In those dreams I‘d know all the secrets of these fantastic NYC buildings. Thank goodness, I have Fiona Davis to give life to my story that never was :)
Thanks to these Litsy folks for today‘s prompt:
#INSPIREDNEWYEAR
@Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks
@TheKidUpstairs
Today‘s Prompt: GRAND
What would an art school teacher and an information booth attendee have in common besides “Grand” Central since the women lived 50 years apart? You would be surprised.
Another FAB read by Fiona Davis.
FULL REVIEW: https://tinyurl.com/y5zz8h6s
@fionadavisauthor
pickI love this author end this book was a great addition to her book list. She‘s a go to for me when it comes to historic fiction
pickMy first Fiona Davis! Well-done historical fiction surrounding NYC‘s Grand Central Terminal and the art school housed there during the 1930s. Dual time lines in the 1930s and 1970s. Really loved it!
My current read. I love Fiona Davis! Her books are always really good.
pick#lmbpc @BethM @nelehelen @Sharpeipup
I finally finished and will mail it off tomorrow. Thanks ladies for sharing all the books this round. It was a ton of fun.
#lmbpc round 7
@BethM @nelehelen
@Sharpeipup I am about halfway through Masterpiece and will finish up soon. Sorry it is late.
Great book so far. I am hoping to finish it this week.
#lmpbc @Sharpeipup @nelehelen @BethM
#lmpbc @nelehelen @Sharpeipup
@BethM Thank you for the wonderful goodies.
I am sorry ladies that I have not finished the Sheep Detective book yet. I am half way, and hopefully will be able to finish later this week.
Sometimes I get overstimulated, I think it‘s part of my anxiety? Tonight is one of those so settling in with some detox tea and the end of this book!
Thank you so much @nelehelen ! I‘m super excited to read this book for #lmpbc -it‘s been on my list forever! @Avanders @cwarnier your envelopes were mailed out yesterday!
pick3.5/5
My first Fiona Davis novel finished for #LMPBC and #24B42020! I went in not knowing what to expect and found myself immersed in the lives of the two women in the book, especially Clara and her life in the 1920s. I wish I got to know the characters on a deeper level as they felt a bit distant. But, I loved the setting around the Grand Station Terminal and history around it.
so-so2,5
I expected something more...
The writing was poor and predictable. Feels like wasted potential
The core setting of the tagged book—Grand Central!!! Have you been there? It‘s awesome, even if the sun doesn‘t pour through those windows like it used to. Want to get to this book next year, has anyone read it?! #NYC
Oh yeah, and #Godzilla walked through the MetLife Building back in ‘98. Why does nobody remember this?! 😆Matthew Broderick remembers.
