The Masterpiece by Fiona Davis
Publisher: Dutton
Genre: Action/Adventure, Historical
Length: Full Length (347 pgs)
Heat Level: Sensual
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Aloe

For the nearly nine million people who live in New York City, 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, which she is certain will shine as the brightly as the constellations on the main concourse ceiling. It is 1928, and twenty-five-year-old Clara is teaching at the lauded Grand Central School of Art. A talented illustrator, she has dreams of creating cover art for Vogue, but not even the prestige of the school can override the public’s disdain for a “woman artist.” Brash, fiery, confident, and single-minded–even while juggling the affections of two men, a wealthy would-be poet and a brilliant experimental painter–Clara is determined to achieve every creative success. But she and her bohemian friends have no idea that they’ll soon be blindsided by the looming Great Depression, an insatiable monster with the power to destroy the entire art scene. And even poverty and hunger will do little to prepare Clara for the greater tragedy yet to come.

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Grand Central Terminal has an art school. It was active in the late 1920’s and Clara was the only female teacher. She taught illustrations but she found her department head didn’t think much of them. Or of her if she was being honest…

Women have always been viewed as less worthy in the work world. Men are confident and aggressive and they need the money for their families. That doesn’t mean Clara is going to give up.

The author offers you historical facts about Grand Central and the artists which makes the story intriguing and interesting. Her writing style draws you in and keeps you reading. Even if you’ve never seen the terminal, you feel like you know it.

Clara is torn between two men and two forms of artistry. Her life is not easy. Fame comes and goes and she loses the things and people she loves, but she doesn’t give up. She never expected to meet a woman fifty years later that can help her save that which is almost lost.

Virginia is an interesting character. She’s lost her husband, is trying to find a job she can handle, and her life is confused. Put her together with Clara and you have a real mess.

This story sounds so much like life really is. Nothing goes along smoothly, the women have trouble getting along, and the general theme is never give up. This author teaches you as she takes along the ride of life. This was a very satisfying read despite the sadness interspersed.