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 … 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.
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A wonderful blending of two eras in the life of Grand Central Terminal. One begins in 1924 when the Grand Central School of Art was formed. Few women were able to teach but Clara Darden, an illustrator breaks through. She becomes a successful illustrator for Vogue until the Depression hits. Fast forward to the 1970s when it won’t be long until the wrecking ball tumbles down the illustrious building. Working at the information booth, newly divorced Virginia Clay tries to find her way. She joins the fight to save the station along with Jackie Kennedy and bring back the art from the time.
Another very good book from Fiona Davis. This story takes place in the 1920s and 1970s simultaneously and revolves around the lives of artist, Clara Darden, and recently divorced Virginia Clay. Virginia is struggling to make ends meet after her divorce so she takes a job at Grand Central Terminal as a secretary. Her job is woefully short-lived, as in mere moments long, since she does not possess the secretarial skills required. She’s devastated and worried what she will do to earn money when she is offered another job at the Terminal in the information booth. Given no other choice, she takes the job. Clara’s life as an illustrator and only female teacher at the Grand Central School of Art is difficult, but is made more interesting by one of her fellow teachers/artist, Levon Zakarian, and socialite/poet, Oliver Smith. The story bounces back and forth between the oft complicated lives of the two women and weaves a good mystery to be resolved about a painting that Virginia finds in the abandoned art school. A definite must-read book with beautiful detail and history about Grand Central Terminal.
Anything written by Fiona Davis takes you on tour as well as having a good read. She takes you to NYC, back in the “old days” and points out all the interesting and relevant sights to see. Her characters are brilliant and fascinating.
Gives a wonderful sense of New York’s art scene in the late ’20s as well as a sense of the feel of the late 70’s.
Really well done! I was drawn into the story quickly and could hardly stop reading. Loved it!
This was just so-so for me. It was way too much like Dollhouse, but still good.
As a librarian, I like to read new authors. I’ve heard good things about Fiona Davis from patrons and thought I’d give one of her books a try. This is the first I’ve read but not the last. The novel focuses on two women, Art teacher and artist Clara Darden whose story takes place during the 1920’s and Virginia Clay, a divorced woman in the 1970’s, who finds work at Grand Central Terminal in New York City and discovers the remnants of an art school hidden within its walls. When she locates a watercolor by an unknown artist, she begins a search that leads her into a mystery involving Clara Darden and the battle to save Grand Central. Along the way, she develops the courage to overcome her fears about her own deficiencies that include the removal of one of her breasts during cancer surgery. I enjoyed the way the story moved back and forth between the two women, and I was surprised by the twist at the end. I look forward to reading more of Ms. Davis’ books.
Light read going forward and back in time
“The Masterpiece”, a novel by Fiona Davis was the first book that I’ve read from this author. This historical novel is set in both 1928 and 1974 and set in Grand Central Terminal in New York City. If you’ve never been there, Grand Central is a stunning piece of architecture.
Back in 1928, there is an art school, Grand Central School of Art, that is well-regarded amongst artists. We are introduced to Clara, an extremely talented illustrator, who is the only woman teaching at the school.
In 1974, we are introduced to newly divorced and single mother, Virginia, who is working in the terminal information booth when she discovers the art school after ducking into a storage room for a quickie with her boss. While Virginia learns to become her own woman, she works to bring recognition to the unknown artist and to save a historical building.
I really enjoyed “The Masterpiece” and look forward to reading more works by Fiona Davis.
Incredibly well researched. Women’s lives as artists not easy in early 20th century. Evolution of characters fascinating to watch as they stumble, then grow.
This was an informative book because I was interested in the history that was brought into play throughout the book. Well written and totaling engaging because I didn’t know what was going to happen from page to page. Characters are well developed and interesting; not perfect, but most had good qualities. I have recommended this book to many of my friends. They will be missing out if they do not read it.
It was a good book. I thought it was very original. I loved her descriptions of New York. Not quite as good as The Dollhouse but well worth the read.
Being an artist, this book touched on many issues artists face and many philosophies
great historical fiction, especially if you love NY and architecture
This is a great book that merges the past with the present and the issue of saving artistic treasures that might otherwise be taken for granted and forgotten. The two stories of the two time periods blend perfectly and the characters are beautifully drawn so that the reader can appreciate the artists of the past the fight to preserve that past in today’s fast passed world.
I learned so much about Grand Central Station and the art movement in NY City early in the last century. The present the past narratives were woven together well.
Two women struggling to find their voices in different eras. I was intrigued when Jackie Kennedy Onassis took on the restoration of this and had no idea this book was going to be about that effort as well.
Interesting looks at two different times in history. Good character development. I will read other books by this author.
well written and great use of historical events
Couldn’t put this book down.
I enjoyed this book but the ending really stunk.
Fiona Davis is a good author. I enjoyed this historical fiction book about New York and art.