The Masterpiece

A Novel

By: Fiona Davis

Narrated by: Cassandra Campbell

Length: 11 hrs and 43 mins

Publisher's summary

In this latest captivating novel, New York Times best-selling author Fiona Davis takes listeners into the glamorous lost art school within Grand Central Terminal, where two very different women, 50 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.

©2018 Fiona Davis (P)2018 Penguin Audio

Critic reviews

“Fiona Davis in The Masterpiece continues a winning formula that showcases the stories behind New York City landmarks...a hard-to-resist and a timely reminder that for far too long the work done by women has been dismissed and disrespected.” (USA Today)

"Fiona Davis achieves a world in which fictional characters and real life seamlessly meld.... The Masterpiece is a beautifully crafted, meticulously researched story." (New York Journal of Books)

“Davis has written another paean to a New York City landmark. Historical fiction fans will love the compelling dual narrators and time periods perfectly captured in this novel based on the history of one of the busiest transportation hubs in the world.” (Library Journal, starred review)

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.

Really great story

I enjoyed this book right from the beginning. It’s always nice to be able to relate closely with the setting and places. Very easy listen and recommend highly.

Love the history woven into the story

Nice story, and interesting characters. Love learning about places through Fiona’s stories! Easy and enjoyable listen.

So worth the read!!!

I loved the dual narrative of two very interesting women struggling to find themselves in the era they occupied! Setting their struggle against the history of the ground central station was superb. I was drawn in immediately!

Art from the past to the present

Loved the story of artists their talent and their struggles in the early 20 th century. With the war and homeless people. Very humble to know the struggles that my parents in the 40s had when my dad went to war.

excellent book

this is not the sort of stories I listen to but I was impressed. woujderful.