In this riveting and richly drawn novel from “one of the master storytellers of historical fiction” (New York Times bestselling author Beatriz Williams), a talented young artist flees New York for the South of France after one of her scandalous drawings reveals a dark secret—and triggers a terribly tragedy.In the wake of the Great War, the glamour of 1925 Manhattan shines like a beacon for high … beacon for high society, desperate to keep their gaze firmly fixed to the future. But Delphine Duplessi sees more than most. At a time in her career when she could easily be unknown and penniless, she has gained notoriety for her stunning shadow portraits that frequently expose her subjects’ most scandalous secrets.
Then, on a snowy night in a penthouse high above Fifth Avenue, Delphine’s mystical talent leads to a tragedy between two brothers. Devastated and disconsolate, Delphine renounces her gift and returns to her old life in the South of France where Picasso, Matisse, and the Fitzgeralds are living. There, Delphine is thrust into recapturing the past. First by her charismatic twin brother and business manager, Sebastian, who attempts to cajole her back into work and into codependence, then by the world famous opera singer Emma Calvé, who is obsessed with the writings of the fourteenth-century alchemist Nicolas Flamel. And finally by her ex-lover Mathieu, who is determined to lure her back into his arms, unaware of the danger that led Delphine to flee him five years before.
Trapped in an ancient chateau where hidden knowledge lurks in the shadows, Delphine questions everything and everyone she loves the most—her art, her magick, her family, and Mathieu—in an effort to see them as the gifts they are. Only there can she shed her fear of loving and living with her eyes open.
more
———-
“The way my mother had explained it, there were moments in people’s lives so powerful that they remained behind, even after the people had moved on, and sometimes when the light fell a certain way, we could witness those moments”
———-
This was a very interesting story that started with a mystery and ended with a bit of an enigma, but in a delightful (rather than unfinished) way… The concept – an artist from a family with a storied history mired in the spiritual and supernatural whose own brand of unusual talents run toward painting people’s shadow secrets – was very original and well developed. Delphine is a delightful main character, full of magic and mayhem and just enough confusion and self-doubt to remain utterly relatable. The surrounding cast – particularly in the form of her family – is charming and infuriating and full of enough quirks and foibles to provide the perfect backdrop for the story, which is itself well-plotted, nicely paced, and easily followed.
I will admit that I saw the Big Reveal coming, but that did not at all limit my enjoyment of the book. Rather, this felt like a book with myriad psychological and emotional reveals scattered throughout; there are tidbits of insight into the human condition layered delicately through the entire novel, and these gems were one of the most enjoyable parts of the book for me. I was frustrated for – and by – Delphine on multiple occasions. She is a lovely construction, equal parts iron and lace, and her journey over and through the shadows provided numerous opportunities for insightful commentary on life, love, and the indomitable strength of the human animal. I found the history and historical characters to be well-placed within the larger story. The incorporation of art world figures like Picasso and Cocteau felt organic and plausible, rather than like name-dropping (as happens all too often).
All in all, this was a well-crafted tale that was original, entertaining, and a great balance between light and dark – much like Delphine herself. I will definitely be looking for more from M.J. Rose. Incidentally, this is listed as #3 in a series; I have not read the first two books (if I’d seen it was a third, I would not have requested it from NetGalley) and generally have a firm rule against reading series books out of order, because you usually find yourself floundering with missing backstory. I never had that feeling with this book, which is a truly unusual experience for me when I’m mid-series. So my first forays into Ms. Rose’s back catalog will definitely be the earlier books in this series… But rest assured, if you have not read the others, there is no reason to ignore this one. I found it completely readable as a stand-alone.
My review copy was provided by NetGalley.
M.J. Rose created a stunning series when she authored the Daughters of La Lune. In the third installment: The Library of Light and Shadow, she has incorporated gothic historical fiction, magical realism, a bit of the paranormal, romance, art, mystery, and famous painters you may be familiar with. It’s insightful, engaging, intriguing, sexy, and romantic. This might be my favorite out of the three. I hope Ms. Rose continues to add to this stunning series. I get so excited when I hear about a new book. If any of this sounds interesting, definitely check it out.
My favorite quote:
“One of the great mysteries is what makes two people right for each other. Sometimes I think we spend too much time trying to figure out the how of things – the war, man’s inhumanity, destiny, genius … one simple kiss that the whole world fits into. All that matters is that we try to live the best things and turn our backs on the worst.”
The Daughters of La Lune series includes the following installments as of August 2017. In my opinion, each book can be enjoyed as a standalone novel as each features a different daughter of La Lune as the heroine.
#1 The Witch of Painted Sorrows
#2 The Secret Language of Stones
#3 The Library of Light and Shadow
A satisfying read and a well-written book. Made me feel good when I was finished, and I loved the story.
MJ Rose can tell a tale now !! That being said, now is when you will want to read her & not put her down.
Magical!