A Fine Imitation

A Novel

By: Amber Brock

Narrated by: Julia Whelan

Set in the glamorous 1920s, A Fine Imitation is an intoxicating debut that sweeps readers into a privileged Manhattan socialite's restless life and the affair with a mysterious painter that upends her world, flashing back to her years at Vassar and the friendship that brought her to the brink of ruin.

Vera Bellington has beauty, pedigree, and a penthouse at The Angelus--the most coveted address on Park Avenue. But behind the sparkling social whirl, Vera is living a life of quiet desperation. Her days are an unbroken loop of empty, champagne-soaked socializing, while her nights are silent and cold, spent waiting alone in her cavernous apartment for a husband who seldom comes home.

Then Emil Hallan arrives at The Angelus to paint a mural above its glittering subterranean pool. The handsome French artist moves into the building, shrouds his work in secrecy, and piques Vera's curiosity, especially when the painter keeps dodging questions about his past. Is he the man he claims to be? Even as she finds herself increasingly drawn to Hallan's warmth and passion, Vera can't suppress her suspicions. After all, she has plenty of secrets, too--and some of them involve art forgers like her bold, artistically talented former friend, Bea, who years ago, at Vassar, brought Vera to the brink of catastrophe and social exile.

When the dangerous mysteries of Emil's past are revealed, Vera faces an impossible choice--whether to cling to her familiar world of privilege and propriety or to risk her future with the enigmatic man who has taken her heart. A Fine Imitation explores what happens when we realize that the life we've always led is not the life we want to have.

Critic reviews

“Money. Sex. Intrigue. Amber Brock's debut has all the trappings of a page-turning work of historical fiction.”
-- InStyle

"Brock’s introspective characters, satisfying sub-plots, and unexpected—but justified—twists elevate the novel from a period romance to a suspenseful peek inside high society’s gilded cage."
-- Historical Novels Review

"If you love The Great Gatsby, this is your read.”
-- theSkimm

“There’s never a dull moment in this debut novel centered on an intriguing and tightly woven story line. Vera’s struggles are highly relatable, and the anguish she feels will resonate with countless readers. This surefire hit is certain to be beloved by fans of Beatriz Williams’s Along the Infinite Sea and Anton DiSclafani’s The After Party.”
-- Library Journal, starred

"An absorbing tale of art, deception, romance, and forbidden desire."
-- Publishers Weekly

"Told from the inside of the gilded cage, A Fine Imitation explores one Manhattan socialite's growing realization that who she's been brought up to be is increasingly at odds with who she is. Although set in a rarified corner of the early twentieth century, this lush, incisive debut novel explores the universal choice between doing what is right versus what is expected."
-- Miranda Beverly-Whittemore, New York Times bestselling author of Bittersweet

"In A Fine Imitation, Amber Brock gives us a portrait of a woman and her times that shines with authenticity and charm. Women especially must read it--here we are, ladies, each and every one of us."
-- Anne Rivers Siddons, New York Times bestselling author of Low Country

"Rich in color and drama, A Fine Imitation is a sharp and absorbing period piece that skillfully portrays the tensions of social class and love. Fans of Amor Towles and Laura Moriarty will adore Amber Brock—a spellbinding new voice in historical fiction.”
-- Erika Robuck, national bestselling author of Hemingway's Girl

Terrible characterization ruined the story

This started out quite well, and I liked the alternating time frames (1913 and 1923). Unfortunately, the main character, Vera, was not sympathetic IMHO. And the supporting characters, particularly her dreadful mother, were characticures. The only person who was interesting is Bea, the friend that emotionally cold Vera betrays. Sorry, these are unpleasant people.

Transporting

I chose this book based on the fact the Julia Whelan was the narrator. Every book she narrates is wonderful so I knew it must be good. I did not expect to truly feel transporting back into the 1920’s and to feel such a connection with Vera. This is a lovely book and will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end!

easy listen

easy listening story about the rigid expectations of a young woman in the 1920s... How easily we forget. I think it leaves one being happy to be living today where we have so much more freedom.

Mysterious Romance

So good! The narration was wonderful and the story was amazing and captivating. Would recommend

Wonderful story, wrong ending

It was a great plot and story but the ending was wrong for the times and it was the wrong choice for her