October 2011 - Bantam
Where the eye sees the brushstroke, the heart sees the truth.
From Isabel Wolff, the internationally bestselling author of A Vintage Affair, comes a beguiling novel about artistic inspirations, family secrets, and the courage to turn one’s life into a masterpiece.
At thirty-five, Gabriella Graham—“Ella” to her family and friends—has already made a name for herself as a successful portrait artist in London. She can capture the essential truth in each of her subjects’ faces—a tilt of the chin, a glint in the eye—and immortalize it on canvas. This gift has earned Ella commissions from royals and regular folks alike.
But closer to home, Ella finds the truth more elusive. Her father abandoned the family when she was five, and her mother has remained silent on the subject ever since. Ella’s sister, Chloe, is engaged to Nate, an American working in London, but Ella suspects that he may not be so committed. Then, at Chloe’s behest, Ella agrees to paint Nate’s portrait.
From session to session, Ella begins to see Nate in a different light, which gives rise to conflicted feelings. In fact, through the various people she paints—an elderly client reflecting on her life, another woman dreading the prospect of turning forty, a young cyclist (from a photograph) who met a tragic end—Ella realizes that there is so much more to a person’s life than what is seen on the surface, a notion made even clearer when an unexpected email arrives from the other side of the world. And as her portraits of Nate and the others progress, they begin to reveal less about their subjects than the artist herself.
A picture is worth a thousand words, and in Isabel Wolff’s vibrant and textured story, these words are brilliantly crafted to convey the humor, mystery, and beauty that exists within each of us.
From Isabel Wolff, the internationally bestselling author of A Vintage Affair, comes a beguiling novel about artistic inspirations, family secrets, and the courage to turn one’s life into a masterpiece.
At thirty-five, Gabriella Graham—“Ella” to her family and friends—has already made a name for herself as a successful portrait artist in London. She can capture the essential truth in each of her subjects’ faces—a tilt of the chin, a glint in the eye—and immortalize it on canvas. This gift has earned Ella commissions from royals and regular folks alike.
But closer to home, Ella finds the truth more elusive. Her father abandoned the family when she was five, and her mother has remained silent on the subject ever since. Ella’s sister, Chloe, is engaged to Nate, an American working in London, but Ella suspects that he may not be so committed. Then, at Chloe’s behest, Ella agrees to paint Nate’s portrait.
From session to session, Ella begins to see Nate in a different light, which gives rise to conflicted feelings. In fact, through the various people she paints—an elderly client reflecting on her life, another woman dreading the prospect of turning forty, a young cyclist (from a photograph) who met a tragic end—Ella realizes that there is so much more to a person’s life than what is seen on the surface, a notion made even clearer when an unexpected email arrives from the other side of the world. And as her portraits of Nate and the others progress, they begin to reveal less about their subjects than the artist herself.
A picture is worth a thousand words, and in Isabel Wolff’s vibrant and textured story, these words are brilliantly crafted to convey the humor, mystery, and beauty that exists within each of us.
Do you like the sound of this one?
All nice books that I'd love to read! Hope you get to enjoy them!
ReplyDeleteI've been meaning to read A Vintage Affair. This one sounds good too
ReplyDeleteYes, I'm liking both the look and sound of this one.
ReplyDeleteI have read a few of Isabel Wolff's books. I wasn't aware of her new one, so thanks for featuring it.
ReplyDeleteOh, this one sounds awesome! Thanks for sharing....
ReplyDeleteHere's MY WOW POST
I haven't read anything of this author's but this one sounds intriguing...adding it to the Wishlist :)
ReplyDeleteI think this one sounds very good. I haven't read A VINTAGE AFFAIR yet, but mean to. Thanks for highlighting this one!
ReplyDeleteSounds really good!
ReplyDeleteThis does sound interesting, and I am wondering if there is anything magical about the portraits that she paints. I am going to have to add this one to my list for further consideration.
ReplyDeleteI just read something about this one yesterday, and I do love the sound of it!!
ReplyDeleteThat does sound like a good one!
ReplyDeleteGreat pick Diane! I'd love to read this one as well. What a pretty cover too.
ReplyDeleteI loved A Vintage Affair. I didn't know she had a new book coming, I can't wait. Thanks for letting me know.
ReplyDeleteThat sounds like a great read and I think I will put this on my list. That list is getting so long but I'm having such a great time reading. Last thing I do before I go to sleep every night.
ReplyDeleteI remember hearing good things about A Vintage Affair, and this one sounds intriguing. The cover is gorgeous, and I love the connection to art. I'll keep my eye out for reviews of this one once it's published.
ReplyDeleteSounds pretty cool to me too!
ReplyDeletei've heard so much about isabel wolff's work but i haven't read anything by her yet. this one sounds like an amazing book though! i'll have to keep my eye out for it.
ReplyDeleteIsabel Wolff's books are on my TBR. They sound so good.
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like an adorable read. I hadn't heard of it before. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteThe cover is very appealing. I am not familiar with this author.
ReplyDeleteI do like the sound of this one and that's why I enjoy the WOW meme so much...finding new books!!
ReplyDelete