What do you think?
Rate this book
A Fine Imitation
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 supress 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.
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 supress 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.
304 pages, Hardcover
First published May 3, 2016
157 people are currently reading
8553 people want to read
About the author
Amber Brock
5 books228 followersAMBER BROCK teaches British literature and creative writing at an all girls' school in Atlanta. She holds an MA from the University of Georgia and lives in Smyrna with her husband, also an English teacher, and their three rescue dogs.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 515 reviews
March 16, 2016
A Fine Imitation takes place in 1923 in Manhattan and tells the story of Vera Bellington, a member of Old New York society. Vera is in a loveless marriage and feels trapped behind the facade she is forced to wear to uphold her prominent place in society. The narrative switches back and forth from 1923 Manhattan to 1913 when Vera attended Vassar College and studied art and was involved in a "scandal." When an artist is hired to paint a mural in Vera's building, she becomes infatuated with the artist and her facade begins to wear. In the end, she must make the decision to maintain her place in society or give up everything for love.
This one started off slow for me, and I found the characters to be a bit contrived. However, it was worth reading for the payoff in the end.
I received a copy of this book from Goodreads in exchange for an honest review.
This one started off slow for me, and I found the characters to be a bit contrived. However, it was worth reading for the payoff in the end.
I received a copy of this book from Goodreads in exchange for an honest review.
January 28, 2016
Vera's story is told in alternating chapters: 1913 while at Vassar studying art with her adventurous best friend Bea, and 1923 New York City where she lives in a swank apartment building with her unloving, workaholic husband Arthur. Both time periods include exchanges with Vera's mother, an overbearing socialite whom I loathed. I longed for the day Vera would put her in her place, although with Vera following many of the same social edicts as her mother, that seemed unlikely.
We know there has been a rift with Bea at some point, as Vera keeps running into her in NYC with no acknowledgement. We know Vera is frustrated and-- if only she'd admit it--unhappy in her marriage. Enter a handsome young artist commissioned to paint a mural in her apartment building. His existence sets off some big changes for Vera and sets the building's residents all abuzz.
Loneliness, betrayal, deceit (or as Vera's mother called it, preservation of one's reputation), romance, secrets--this has all the elements. I love this time period in NYC and enjoyed reading Vera's story. I was rather disappointed in the ending, but that seems to be happening to me a lot lately so maybe it's just me. How the artist's storyline wrapped up seemed a tad rushed.
Thanks to LibraryThing for a free ARC. 3.5 stars.
We know there has been a rift with Bea at some point, as Vera keeps running into her in NYC with no acknowledgement. We know Vera is frustrated and-- if only she'd admit it--unhappy in her marriage. Enter a handsome young artist commissioned to paint a mural in her apartment building. His existence sets off some big changes for Vera and sets the building's residents all abuzz.
Loneliness, betrayal, deceit (or as Vera's mother called it, preservation of one's reputation), romance, secrets--this has all the elements. I love this time period in NYC and enjoyed reading Vera's story. I was rather disappointed in the ending, but that seems to be happening to me a lot lately so maybe it's just me. How the artist's storyline wrapped up seemed a tad rushed.
Thanks to LibraryThing for a free ARC. 3.5 stars.
November 10, 2017
3.5 I love reading about the 20's. It's a fun escape and I'm reminded how thankful I am to be living in an age where women have a voice and choices.
A Fine Imitation is all about art. The authentic and the forgeries. It can also be applied to people. It oscillates between 1913 and 1923. In 1913 Vera attends Vassar college where she befriends Bea. Bea and Vera are in different social circles, but their friendship is strong. The background is set up nicely as the novel unfolds. 1923 is when all the action happens. Vera is in an unfulfilling marriage, but to the unknowing it is perfect in it's appearance. When she hires an artist, Emil Hallan, to do a sweeping mural above the pool in the building where she lives, he attracts her attention and slowly starts filling the void her husband has left. Hallan has a mysterious past and is vague when talking about it. As Vera digs in about his past and the authenticity of his art, she is faced with a near impossible decision. Does she stay the course in a loveless, lonely marriage or live life on her terms?
A Fine Imitation is all about art. The authentic and the forgeries. It can also be applied to people. It oscillates between 1913 and 1923. In 1913 Vera attends Vassar college where she befriends Bea. Bea and Vera are in different social circles, but their friendship is strong. The background is set up nicely as the novel unfolds. 1923 is when all the action happens. Vera is in an unfulfilling marriage, but to the unknowing it is perfect in it's appearance. When she hires an artist, Emil Hallan, to do a sweeping mural above the pool in the building where she lives, he attracts her attention and slowly starts filling the void her husband has left. Hallan has a mysterious past and is vague when talking about it. As Vera digs in about his past and the authenticity of his art, she is faced with a near impossible decision. Does she stay the course in a loveless, lonely marriage or live life on her terms?
February 29, 2016
When done right I have an enjoyable time reading books from this time period. In the case of this book, it was done right. I instantly felt like I was transported back in time. I could see the clothes, imagine the conversation, and it was like I was in Vera's shoes and was experiencing everything as she was for the first time.
It was easy to see how she fell for Emil. Her life while full of money and glam was not a happy one from the inside. Her marriage to her husband was non existent. Then there is Vera's mother, who is a controlling Nazi. Whenever Vera was with Emil, it was like watching a butterfly emerge from their cocoon. Because I was so immersed in this book, it was a quick read. The ending was a great one.
It was easy to see how she fell for Emil. Her life while full of money and glam was not a happy one from the inside. Her marriage to her husband was non existent. Then there is Vera's mother, who is a controlling Nazi. Whenever Vera was with Emil, it was like watching a butterfly emerge from their cocoon. Because I was so immersed in this book, it was a quick read. The ending was a great one.
April 23, 2016
"He who is subjected to a field of visibility... inscribes in himself the power relation in which he simultaneously plays both roles; he becomes the principle of his own [subjugation]" ~ Michel Foucault, Discipline & Punish
Foucault was the first to describe-in meticulous, analytic, historical detail- that pervading sense we feel to act in prescribed ways - to discipline ourselves into conformity. We do this, Foucault contends, because we are inscribed in fields of surveillance - we are forever watched, counted, tracked, observed. For example: FB, this site (GR), our credit-card records, our dress, our jobs, even our photo-albums - these are all ways in which our lives are documented, all are records used to evaluate/judge our worthiness/standing.
F's insights always struck me as much more devastating than dystopian visions of state-surveillance. For at least in that latter case, power asserts itself as an external force. We thus have some chance of resisting it, at least psychologically or spiritually, if not materially. These chances are shattered to dust by Foucault's panopticon, which sows the seeds of self-modulation in our very psyches, and which thus teaches us to live, unquestioning, enmeshed in approved conventions and expectations.
A Fine Imitation is one story of escaping the dreary existence we lead when we chose to abide 'societal standards' more than our own will and passions. Vera, a New York heiress, is trapped in a vapid world chock-full of society functions, charity galas, the latest fashion, 8-course dinners, and so on and the like, but entirely void of friendship, personal fulfillment and love (her husband, of course, only married her for the name and financial assets).
The structure alternates timelines - in 1910 we follow Vera during her time at Vassar, and observe her failed friendship with Bea, a vivacious, spirited, earnest young woman (Vera sold out her friend for the sake of remaining in "society's" good graces). In the 1920s, we watch as Vera's marriage is derailed by her budding recognition that she has the power to escape her dreary existence. The medium of this realization, of course, is the most cliched trope in the romantic-playbook: the handsome, mysterious, foreign, brilliant artist who sweeps Vera off her feet (in his broody, artistic way).
Mostly, I found this book as vapid as Vera's world of high-society. Vera is a timid, pathetic woman, an ardent devotee of 'Society' (she grovels to Mother, and patiently endures her husband's trysts for years). No development of her character, not even those manifested in the contrived situations woven by Brock, convinced me that Vera's journey was plausible. If anyone could have 'escaped' her situation, in other words, I am quite skeptical that it would have been Vera.
The characterizations in this book weren't the only thin, brittle elements. The Gilded Age setting is barely visible, and not at all palpable (basically, people drink at home dinner parties but can't do so out on the town, re Prohibition Era). The romance is constructed out of 100% recycled materials (the dreamy artist, the reluctant wife, the ways in which the point comes when she inevitably stops resisting, tearing his clothes off in fits of rebellion and passion).
I was riveted for the first half (before the story gave way to a full-blown Harlequin). Brock's language at first was literate (if not literary) and the story carried an aura of suspense (hence, +1 to 2/5). But, the latter portion of A Fine Imitation seemed written carelessly, in haste, without any attempt at originality of plot, language, or characterization.
Lastly, one significant detractor from my rating - but, it's a spoiler.
Not quite the meaningful, satisfying exploration of escaping our self-imposed cages I was hoping for.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher via the Reading Room. All opinions are solely mine.
Foucault was the first to describe-in meticulous, analytic, historical detail- that pervading sense we feel to act in prescribed ways - to discipline ourselves into conformity. We do this, Foucault contends, because we are inscribed in fields of surveillance - we are forever watched, counted, tracked, observed. For example: FB, this site (GR), our credit-card records, our dress, our jobs, even our photo-albums - these are all ways in which our lives are documented, all are records used to evaluate/judge our worthiness/standing.
F's insights always struck me as much more devastating than dystopian visions of state-surveillance. For at least in that latter case, power asserts itself as an external force. We thus have some chance of resisting it, at least psychologically or spiritually, if not materially. These chances are shattered to dust by Foucault's panopticon, which sows the seeds of self-modulation in our very psyches, and which thus teaches us to live, unquestioning, enmeshed in approved conventions and expectations.
A Fine Imitation is one story of escaping the dreary existence we lead when we chose to abide 'societal standards' more than our own will and passions. Vera, a New York heiress, is trapped in a vapid world chock-full of society functions, charity galas, the latest fashion, 8-course dinners, and so on and the like, but entirely void of friendship, personal fulfillment and love (her husband, of course, only married her for the name and financial assets).
The structure alternates timelines - in 1910 we follow Vera during her time at Vassar, and observe her failed friendship with Bea, a vivacious, spirited, earnest young woman (Vera sold out her friend for the sake of remaining in "society's" good graces). In the 1920s, we watch as Vera's marriage is derailed by her budding recognition that she has the power to escape her dreary existence. The medium of this realization, of course, is the most cliched trope in the romantic-playbook: the handsome, mysterious, foreign, brilliant artist who sweeps Vera off her feet (in his broody, artistic way).
Mostly, I found this book as vapid as Vera's world of high-society. Vera is a timid, pathetic woman, an ardent devotee of 'Society' (she grovels to Mother, and patiently endures her husband's trysts for years). No development of her character, not even those manifested in the contrived situations woven by Brock, convinced me that Vera's journey was plausible. If anyone could have 'escaped' her situation, in other words, I am quite skeptical that it would have been Vera.
The characterizations in this book weren't the only thin, brittle elements. The Gilded Age setting is barely visible, and not at all palpable (basically, people drink at home dinner parties but can't do so out on the town, re Prohibition Era). The romance is constructed out of 100% recycled materials (the dreamy artist, the reluctant wife, the ways in which the point comes when she inevitably stops resisting, tearing his clothes off in fits of rebellion and passion).
I was riveted for the first half (before the story gave way to a full-blown Harlequin). Brock's language at first was literate (if not literary) and the story carried an aura of suspense (hence, +1 to 2/5). But, the latter portion of A Fine Imitation seemed written carelessly, in haste, without any attempt at originality of plot, language, or characterization.
Lastly, one significant detractor from my rating - but, it's a spoiler.
Not quite the meaningful, satisfying exploration of escaping our self-imposed cages I was hoping for.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher via the Reading Room. All opinions are solely mine.
May 22, 2016
A Fine Imitation follows the story of Vera, a high society socialite, during her senior year at Vassar College in 1913 and in New York City ten years later. The book alternates between the two timelines. Early on we know that some scandal happened while she attended Vassar after meeting another student named Bea who isn't as refined as Vera. We also know early on that Vera's marriage in 1923 isn't a happy one; her husband is rarely home and when he is home he doesn't give Vera the time of day. When an artist is commissioned to paint a mural in the pool room of the building where Vera lives (of which her husband designed and owns), Vera is tempted to fill the void left by her husband when the artist begins to show interest in her.
This story was a very quick and entertaining read. It's very easy to see how Vera would eventually look for love and affection elsewhere after being in an empty marriage for ten years. I personally found the 1923 timeline to be more interesting, but the two do end up merging to complete the story of how Vera ends up where she does. Although I never agreed with
This story was a very quick and entertaining read. It's very easy to see how Vera would eventually look for love and affection elsewhere after being in an empty marriage for ten years. I personally found the 1923 timeline to be more interesting, but the two do end up merging to complete the story of how Vera ends up where she does. Although I never agreed with
June 15, 2016
I received this book for free through LibraryThing’s Early Reviewers.
I really enjoyed this book. It was a well written story about a woman coming to terms with the fact that her life isn’t what she wants it to be.
The only thing I didn’t like was that it was a bit elitist. The main character, Vera, is a rich woman from high society, so it’s sometimes hard to feel bad for her.
I really enjoyed this book. It was a well written story about a woman coming to terms with the fact that her life isn’t what she wants it to be.
The only thing I didn’t like was that it was a bit elitist. The main character, Vera, is a rich woman from high society, so it’s sometimes hard to feel bad for her.
September 9, 2016
A Fine Imitation by Amber Brock is a 2016 Crown publication. I was provided a copy of this book as a part of the LibraryThing early review program.
I love the 1920’s and really like books set within that time frame, which is what originally drew me to this book, not to mention that stunningly beautiful cover.
As it turns out the story switches back and forth in time between 1913, where our protagonist, Vera Longacre, attended Vassar, a liberal arts college, and 1923 Manhattan, where Vera is now a wealthy socialite, trapped in a loveless marriage.
While in school, Vera meets Bea, a young woman who lures Vera out of her staid shell, showing her a peek inside the world of art, and a bit of daring adventure, which also reminds her there are consequences to every action, which forces Vera to make a tough choice, one she will spend many years regretting.
Having made her choice, Vera is now living a life of luxury, her life filled with parties and events, but they all seem hollow when she returns home to her big lonely house, and to cold husband who only married her for her family name and connections.
But, her world is turned upside down with a chance encounter with her old school chum, a revisit to the murky world of art, and the introduction to a most mysterious French artist, Emil Hallan. Soon Vera will question everything she’s known, will take a good hard look at her life, and its substance, and will once more find herself faced with a life changing decision. Will she continue to live an empty existence or will she manage to make a great escape from the confines of her prison walls or will fear and duty and all the rules of polite society keep her chained up inside her ivory tower?
For a debut novel, this book is very well written, handling the two time frames expertly, and creating characters I could feel compassion for, as well as offer up a compelling story. The only issue was the great mystery surrounding Emil was easily guessed at, but, that wasn’t really a big deal for me, since I often suspect plot lines before they are revealed. It’s the reaction the characters will have to the situation that is the true mystery and I was seriously on edge wondering what Vera would do.
While things did seem to come to an abrupt end in many ways, I still found the conclusion satisfying, feeling like I was privy to an inside joke, a wonderful secret, and also loved the way Vera had the last laugh. What a wonderful, peaceful way to leave this character, and a terrific way to conclude the story.
Overall, I enjoyed Vera’s journey and her story and will be keeping my eye on this author.
3.5 stars
I love the 1920’s and really like books set within that time frame, which is what originally drew me to this book, not to mention that stunningly beautiful cover.
As it turns out the story switches back and forth in time between 1913, where our protagonist, Vera Longacre, attended Vassar, a liberal arts college, and 1923 Manhattan, where Vera is now a wealthy socialite, trapped in a loveless marriage.
While in school, Vera meets Bea, a young woman who lures Vera out of her staid shell, showing her a peek inside the world of art, and a bit of daring adventure, which also reminds her there are consequences to every action, which forces Vera to make a tough choice, one she will spend many years regretting.
Having made her choice, Vera is now living a life of luxury, her life filled with parties and events, but they all seem hollow when she returns home to her big lonely house, and to cold husband who only married her for her family name and connections.
But, her world is turned upside down with a chance encounter with her old school chum, a revisit to the murky world of art, and the introduction to a most mysterious French artist, Emil Hallan. Soon Vera will question everything she’s known, will take a good hard look at her life, and its substance, and will once more find herself faced with a life changing decision. Will she continue to live an empty existence or will she manage to make a great escape from the confines of her prison walls or will fear and duty and all the rules of polite society keep her chained up inside her ivory tower?
For a debut novel, this book is very well written, handling the two time frames expertly, and creating characters I could feel compassion for, as well as offer up a compelling story. The only issue was the great mystery surrounding Emil was easily guessed at, but, that wasn’t really a big deal for me, since I often suspect plot lines before they are revealed. It’s the reaction the characters will have to the situation that is the true mystery and I was seriously on edge wondering what Vera would do.
While things did seem to come to an abrupt end in many ways, I still found the conclusion satisfying, feeling like I was privy to an inside joke, a wonderful secret, and also loved the way Vera had the last laugh. What a wonderful, peaceful way to leave this character, and a terrific way to conclude the story.
Overall, I enjoyed Vera’s journey and her story and will be keeping my eye on this author.
3.5 stars
March 17, 2016
Vera Bellington seems to have it all – beauty, a rich husband, furs, jewelry and a penthouse at the exclusive Angelus. But her marriage is loveless and she vacantly socializes during the day and sits alone in her beautiful penthouse most nights. Then a mysterious painter, Emil Hallan, is hired to paint a mural in the poolroom of the Angelus and brings Vera to a fork in the road that she must decide on. She doesn’t know if she can trust Emil, though she has her own secrets from her life at Vassar involving her best friend, Bea. The book fluctuates from Vera’s time in Vassar with her life with her husband in New York.
I have always been under the impression that the women of the Roaring Twenties were daring, adventurous and defiant. Vera couldn’t have been less so. I found her to be extremely shallow, only caring about society and her reputation. I don’t want to give away any of the plot for those who may enjoy this book. I will mention one scene that I found particularly annoying but doesn’t give anything away. Her husband had called yet again and left a message with one of the servants telling Vera that he would not be home for dinner. The servant asked Vera if she wanted to dine in the dining room. She couldn’t bear to sit in the dining room alone again so she told the servant that she had eaten a lot at lunchtime and would let him know if she needed anything. She hadn’t eaten too much at lunchtime so there she sat, “lonely and hungry”. How very silly.
There was really no suspense in this book, though it was insinuated that there was. I figured out most of Emil’s secret long before he revealed it. And the “brink of catastrophe” that Bea supposedly brought Vera to at Vassar was certainly no catastrophe. I didn’t feel the love that Vera supposedly has for the painter, only her love of herself. The characters are not fleshed out enough to ever really care about any of them. Not recommended.
I won this book in a LibraryThing giveaway, which I entered with the understanding that I would give an honest review after reading.
I have always been under the impression that the women of the Roaring Twenties were daring, adventurous and defiant. Vera couldn’t have been less so. I found her to be extremely shallow, only caring about society and her reputation. I don’t want to give away any of the plot for those who may enjoy this book. I will mention one scene that I found particularly annoying but doesn’t give anything away. Her husband had called yet again and left a message with one of the servants telling Vera that he would not be home for dinner. The servant asked Vera if she wanted to dine in the dining room. She couldn’t bear to sit in the dining room alone again so she told the servant that she had eaten a lot at lunchtime and would let him know if she needed anything. She hadn’t eaten too much at lunchtime so there she sat, “lonely and hungry”. How very silly.
There was really no suspense in this book, though it was insinuated that there was. I figured out most of Emil’s secret long before he revealed it. And the “brink of catastrophe” that Bea supposedly brought Vera to at Vassar was certainly no catastrophe. I didn’t feel the love that Vera supposedly has for the painter, only her love of herself. The characters are not fleshed out enough to ever really care about any of them. Not recommended.
I won this book in a LibraryThing giveaway, which I entered with the understanding that I would give an honest review after reading.
April 9, 2017
One of the things I loved about A Fine Imitation is the double meaning of the title. On one hand it refers to the theme of trying to force ourselves to fit in a predetermined mold set by society. On the other it refers to the art forgery that runs as a parallel storyline. Readers can analyze the dual meanings of the title as they wish but those two themes really stood out to me.
I did find myself increasingly frustrated by the main character, Vera (Longacre) Bellington. The book told Vera’s story chapter by chapter through alternating timelines (1913 vs 1923). As I read through her life in 1913 I kept wishing I could just reach through the pages, grab her by the shoulders, and shake some sense in to her. I wanted her to grow a backbone, stand up to her mother, recognize the bad influence of her friend, and for God’s sake, be honest with Cliff! In the 1923 storyline, I felt the same way but for completely different reasons. She frustrated me so much yet I sympathized with her and kept hoping she would make the right decision about her life. Whether she ultimately does or does not is up to the reader but I felt like the ending fit her characterization.
Some readers will see that I felt frustrated by Vera and think it’s a negative toward the book but it isn’t. Any time an author can make me feel toward a character, either good or bad, it is a credit to the author and a sign of a good book.
My biggest frustration with A Fine Imitation was the ending surrounding the artist, Emil Hallon. His story felt like it wrapped up too quickly and I didn’t feel like I was given the time I wanted to really revel in his reveal and soak it all up. I wanted at least a chapter or two that allowed me to process his background and identity. I wanted more of him in the end. There was an epilogue which offered resolution to the story and the structure of the story and the epilogue made sense but I still felt like I wanted more.
Then again, that’s a good thing too, right? A sign of a good story is to leave the audience wanting more, and I definitely wanted more.
I did find myself increasingly frustrated by the main character, Vera (Longacre) Bellington. The book told Vera’s story chapter by chapter through alternating timelines (1913 vs 1923). As I read through her life in 1913 I kept wishing I could just reach through the pages, grab her by the shoulders, and shake some sense in to her. I wanted her to grow a backbone, stand up to her mother, recognize the bad influence of her friend, and for God’s sake, be honest with Cliff! In the 1923 storyline, I felt the same way but for completely different reasons. She frustrated me so much yet I sympathized with her and kept hoping she would make the right decision about her life. Whether she ultimately does or does not is up to the reader but I felt like the ending fit her characterization.
Some readers will see that I felt frustrated by Vera and think it’s a negative toward the book but it isn’t. Any time an author can make me feel toward a character, either good or bad, it is a credit to the author and a sign of a good book.
My biggest frustration with A Fine Imitation was the ending surrounding the artist, Emil Hallon. His story felt like it wrapped up too quickly and I didn’t feel like I was given the time I wanted to really revel in his reveal and soak it all up. I wanted at least a chapter or two that allowed me to process his background and identity. I wanted more of him in the end. There was an epilogue which offered resolution to the story and the structure of the story and the epilogue made sense but I still felt like I wanted more.
Then again, that’s a good thing too, right? A sign of a good story is to leave the audience wanting more, and I definitely wanted more.
April 25, 2017
I think this will count as my first "win" of the New Year! Thanks to Library Thing for the ARC. This book was easy to read and enjoy. A little romance, a little intrigue, a view of the posh life in New York Society in the first quarter of the 20th century before it all went bust. The expectations of upper class society were really over the top, enough to suffocate a person. Will Vera have the courage to escape?
I admit I expected Hallan's secret to be a bit more...something. I think it was perhaps a little over dramatized. And once the ball really got rolling between the two of them, things got out of control pretty quickly. A little more might have been developed there. Poppy was a comical character, that person many of us has met who fancies herself just one step higher on the social ladder than she really is. What a dinner party!
I admit I expected Hallan's secret to be a bit more...something. I think it was perhaps a little over dramatized. And once the ball really got rolling between the two of them, things got out of control pretty quickly. A little more might have been developed there. Poppy was a comical character, that person many of us has met who fancies herself just one step higher on the social ladder than she really is. What a dinner party!
May 12, 2016
A special thank you to Crown, NetGalley (digital), and LibraryThing (print) for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Southern author, Amber Brock delivers A FINE IMITATION –an intriguing historical fiction debut of glamour, art, deception, SECRETS, scandal, friendship, romance, and desire.
The exciting Jazz Age, emphasizes the era’s social, artistic, and cultural dynamism—and a woman’s role in this changing time. Difficult choices.
The book opens in 1913 at Vassar College, a private, liberal arts college in the town of Poughkeepsie, New York. Founded as a women's college in 1861, became coeducational in 1969.
Two young women: Vera Longacre, senior meets Georgian scandalous Southern belle, Bea Stillman from Atlanta (formerly at Agnes Scott). Her family wanted her to benefit from society.
Friends they became. As long as they were friends, Vera did not have to worry about a lack of excitement. Bea was lively and exciting—she was incorrigible. Different social classes. However, Bea was a risk taker, and Vera played it safe, pressured by family. Bea offered freedom. And there was Cliff and Arthur. Bea had secrets.
Flashing back and forth, dual time periods and narratives:
New York City, 1923, swept away in the glamorous penthouse of the Angelus building. Vera Bellington, Manhattan socialite, has beauty, sophistication, pedigree, and wealth. Her husband ten years older, financially sound had built the building in 1919—the two dominated the society within the building.
She was bored with her husband (Arthur)’s late nights, trips away. There were so-called friends, charities, money; however, she was lonely and restless. She thinks of love, friendships, and regrets of the past.
Her mother always threw up her education at Vassar, in art history-- she needed to get some use out of her studies. A French dealer with an established gallery in Paris. Vera had agreed to see the painting for a mural for their building.
From Vassar College days to the sophistication of the twenties in New York. The young girls' plans were to marry rich and make Bea into a real New Yorker. Bea had artistic talent and passing grades. She liked to live on the wild side.
However, Bea did not feel the need to study or excel—after all she knew they would have lovely lunches in the city, dinner parties, and trips to the shore, households to manage. A rich man to carry the load. However, Bea had her secrets. Their girlish mistakes.
Today, Vera often wonders what Bea’s life had become. She had imagined her enjoying a glamorous nightlife, juggling suitors, dancing at clubs until the wee hours of the morning. She spots her at the gallery, a secretary?
After ten years of a loveless marriage, she knew Arthur’s late nights and trips to the office was not what it appeared. She was unhappy. The relationship with her overbearing mother had always been strained, pushing her to be a wife in high society. It was about making her mother happy, and everyone but herself. Even her parent's marriage had been more like a business partnership.
A mural project. Emil Hallan, a handsome sexy French artist. Currently in Paris and he was coming to the city. Maybe it would be someone she could actually carry on a conversion with. He was posh. Mysterious. Secretive. An attraction. An affair. A chance for romance. Enigmatic Pasts are slowly unraveled. Happiness or security? A husband who had never cared for her, or the stranger who did?
An ongoing mystery surrounding Bea, keeping readers page-turning.
From the elegant roaring twenties, challenges of women of this period, a time of glamour, and sophistication, depicted with the stunning front cover, the allure, drawing you into the intrigue and mystery. The title has many meanings, very fitting—reaching for happiness, trying to fit into what they feel society warrants, social pressures, what is truth, and what is a lie---false or real- influences, art forgery, right or wrong.
An accurate depiction of the era. Is this glamorous and rebellious image of the flapper a true representation of the 1920s woman? The entrance of the free-spirited flapper, women began to take on a larger role in society and culture. However, in order to be a flapper, a woman had to have enough money and free time to play the part.
Despite increasing opportunities and education, marriage often remained the goal of most young women (or their mother’s goal). Society encouraged women to believe that their economic security and social status depended on a successful marriage. A changing time in women’s rights. Some brave enough to step out on their own. The “new woman” was on her way!
Infused with social influences, identity, and reinvention. Skillfully crafted, Brock makes her characters come alive on the page, with vivid settings---from the exciting art world, rich in history and charm. A nice contrast with two different personalities--Being true to oneself. A wonderful weekend escape- one of my favorite time periods.
For fans of Hazel Gaynor, Beatriz Williams, Erika Robuck, Susan Meissner, Melanie Benjamin, and Kathleen Tessaro.
Excited to meet a new talented southern author, and voice from Atlanta. With the author’s background, a perfect story--cannot wait to see what’s next. Looking forward to listening to the audio, as well narrated by Julia Whelan.
JDCMustReadBooks
Southern author, Amber Brock delivers A FINE IMITATION –an intriguing historical fiction debut of glamour, art, deception, SECRETS, scandal, friendship, romance, and desire.
The exciting Jazz Age, emphasizes the era’s social, artistic, and cultural dynamism—and a woman’s role in this changing time. Difficult choices.
The book opens in 1913 at Vassar College, a private, liberal arts college in the town of Poughkeepsie, New York. Founded as a women's college in 1861, became coeducational in 1969.
Two young women: Vera Longacre, senior meets Georgian scandalous Southern belle, Bea Stillman from Atlanta (formerly at Agnes Scott). Her family wanted her to benefit from society.
Friends they became. As long as they were friends, Vera did not have to worry about a lack of excitement. Bea was lively and exciting—she was incorrigible. Different social classes. However, Bea was a risk taker, and Vera played it safe, pressured by family. Bea offered freedom. And there was Cliff and Arthur. Bea had secrets.
Flashing back and forth, dual time periods and narratives:
New York City, 1923, swept away in the glamorous penthouse of the Angelus building. Vera Bellington, Manhattan socialite, has beauty, sophistication, pedigree, and wealth. Her husband ten years older, financially sound had built the building in 1919—the two dominated the society within the building.
She was bored with her husband (Arthur)’s late nights, trips away. There were so-called friends, charities, money; however, she was lonely and restless. She thinks of love, friendships, and regrets of the past.
Her mother always threw up her education at Vassar, in art history-- she needed to get some use out of her studies. A French dealer with an established gallery in Paris. Vera had agreed to see the painting for a mural for their building.
From Vassar College days to the sophistication of the twenties in New York. The young girls' plans were to marry rich and make Bea into a real New Yorker. Bea had artistic talent and passing grades. She liked to live on the wild side.
However, Bea did not feel the need to study or excel—after all she knew they would have lovely lunches in the city, dinner parties, and trips to the shore, households to manage. A rich man to carry the load. However, Bea had her secrets. Their girlish mistakes.
Today, Vera often wonders what Bea’s life had become. She had imagined her enjoying a glamorous nightlife, juggling suitors, dancing at clubs until the wee hours of the morning. She spots her at the gallery, a secretary?
After ten years of a loveless marriage, she knew Arthur’s late nights and trips to the office was not what it appeared. She was unhappy. The relationship with her overbearing mother had always been strained, pushing her to be a wife in high society. It was about making her mother happy, and everyone but herself. Even her parent's marriage had been more like a business partnership.
A mural project. Emil Hallan, a handsome sexy French artist. Currently in Paris and he was coming to the city. Maybe it would be someone she could actually carry on a conversion with. He was posh. Mysterious. Secretive. An attraction. An affair. A chance for romance. Enigmatic Pasts are slowly unraveled. Happiness or security? A husband who had never cared for her, or the stranger who did?
An ongoing mystery surrounding Bea, keeping readers page-turning.
From the elegant roaring twenties, challenges of women of this period, a time of glamour, and sophistication, depicted with the stunning front cover, the allure, drawing you into the intrigue and mystery. The title has many meanings, very fitting—reaching for happiness, trying to fit into what they feel society warrants, social pressures, what is truth, and what is a lie---false or real- influences, art forgery, right or wrong.
An accurate depiction of the era. Is this glamorous and rebellious image of the flapper a true representation of the 1920s woman? The entrance of the free-spirited flapper, women began to take on a larger role in society and culture. However, in order to be a flapper, a woman had to have enough money and free time to play the part.
Despite increasing opportunities and education, marriage often remained the goal of most young women (or their mother’s goal). Society encouraged women to believe that their economic security and social status depended on a successful marriage. A changing time in women’s rights. Some brave enough to step out on their own. The “new woman” was on her way!
Infused with social influences, identity, and reinvention. Skillfully crafted, Brock makes her characters come alive on the page, with vivid settings---from the exciting art world, rich in history and charm. A nice contrast with two different personalities--Being true to oneself. A wonderful weekend escape- one of my favorite time periods.
For fans of Hazel Gaynor, Beatriz Williams, Erika Robuck, Susan Meissner, Melanie Benjamin, and Kathleen Tessaro.
Excited to meet a new talented southern author, and voice from Atlanta. With the author’s background, a perfect story--cannot wait to see what’s next. Looking forward to listening to the audio, as well narrated by Julia Whelan.
JDCMustReadBooks
June 19, 2016
An enjoyable read about 1920's high society Manhattan and the art world. We get a glimpse into the life of Park Avenue, art galleries and Vassar -- more importantly a light is shone on what is expected of women and what their expectations should be of their lives and marriages. A world is painted that shows the importance of a family name and family money. Throw in a scandal from college, some secrets and a hint of mystery and I flew through this novel in 2 days.
While this may be Amber Brock's debut novel, I will be waiting anxiously for her next one. She is an author to watch.
While this may be Amber Brock's debut novel, I will be waiting anxiously for her next one. She is an author to watch.
February 18, 2018
This was a good read that took place in the 1920's.The book was well written,with some surprises in there too.I read this book quickly as it kept me wanting to know what was going to happen next.I also got very involved in the character's life as well.
March 20, 2016
Thank you for the book, Goodreads! Here is my honest opinion...excellent! A very strong 4.5. Vera is a rich girl with looks, lots of money, not much on brains when it comes to the ways of the world and definitely low on gumption. She meets Bea in college and they become fast friends. There is a scandal. Years later Vera is still trying to come to grips with what happened those ten years earlier.
She lives in the penthouse of a large New York City apartment building her husband designed and built. A young man is hired to paint a mural on the walls of the basement indoor pool. He becomes the topic of gossip because he won't let anyone see his work until he is done. With time, he and Vera become close. This adds more fuel to the gossip. After the work is done, Vera must make a decision. Does she lets others continue to live her life for her or does she go free?
She lives in the penthouse of a large New York City apartment building her husband designed and built. A young man is hired to paint a mural on the walls of the basement indoor pool. He becomes the topic of gossip because he won't let anyone see his work until he is done. With time, he and Vera become close. This adds more fuel to the gossip. After the work is done, Vera must make a decision. Does she lets others continue to live her life for her or does she go free?
April 9, 2016
Disclosure: I know the author, Amber Brock, and am proud to call her my friend.
Review: I heartily recommend A Fine Imitation to everyone who loves good historical fiction. The story shakes together a tasty cocktail of money, love, sexual politics, art, and intrigue that delivers I delightful readerly-buzz. The characters (especially Bea and Mrs. Longacre) leap off the page as do the skillfully gilded backdrops of 1920s New York City. The plot delivered more than a few satisfying sharp turns and I found myself happily devouring the pages right through the last sentence. I eagerly anticipate further stories from this talented and clever first-time author.
Review: I heartily recommend A Fine Imitation to everyone who loves good historical fiction. The story shakes together a tasty cocktail of money, love, sexual politics, art, and intrigue that delivers I delightful readerly-buzz. The characters (especially Bea and Mrs. Longacre) leap off the page as do the skillfully gilded backdrops of 1920s New York City. The plot delivered more than a few satisfying sharp turns and I found myself happily devouring the pages right through the last sentence. I eagerly anticipate further stories from this talented and clever first-time author.
April 30, 2017
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. (Thanks, LibraryThing!)
I like to think that a good book makes you appreciate the writing and the effort put into it, but a great book, a really fantastic book, makes you forget completely that someone wrote it at all.
A Fine Imitation was fantastic book.
The story alternates between 1913 and 1923, effectively showing how Vera's time at Vassar influenced her life ten years later as a dutiful society wife stuck in a loveless marriage, trapped in an empty, joyless life.
Vera seems content in her denial, never quite admitting to herself that is she is unhappy, that is until the arrival of the enigmatic painter Emil Hallan. Mr. Hallan is hired to paint a mural in the pool room of Vera's building, the Angelus, owned and built by Vera's neglectful husband. (Who I seriously wanted to reach into the book and slap silly many times.)
Vera is instantly drawn to Mr. Hallan and his passion for art and life, causing both anguish at the life she feels she missed out on and hope that perhaps it isn't too late to live the life she always dreamed of.
As I said above, I just loved this book. I truly felt for Vera, I felt her loneliness, the social claustrophobia, the need to please everyone around her because that is what she'd be raised to do. I was rooting for her, waiting for the moment she would realize that there is always a choice, it may not seem like it, or feel like it, but it is there.
There wasn't a dull moment in this book and I actually found myself purposely dragging it out, reading much slower than I usually do. I found her world fascinating, and I really enjoyed my time there. I wholeheartedly recommend this book.
I like to think that a good book makes you appreciate the writing and the effort put into it, but a great book, a really fantastic book, makes you forget completely that someone wrote it at all.
A Fine Imitation was fantastic book.
The story alternates between 1913 and 1923, effectively showing how Vera's time at Vassar influenced her life ten years later as a dutiful society wife stuck in a loveless marriage, trapped in an empty, joyless life.
Vera seems content in her denial, never quite admitting to herself that is she is unhappy, that is until the arrival of the enigmatic painter Emil Hallan. Mr. Hallan is hired to paint a mural in the pool room of Vera's building, the Angelus, owned and built by Vera's neglectful husband. (Who I seriously wanted to reach into the book and slap silly many times.)
Vera is instantly drawn to Mr. Hallan and his passion for art and life, causing both anguish at the life she feels she missed out on and hope that perhaps it isn't too late to live the life she always dreamed of.
As I said above, I just loved this book. I truly felt for Vera, I felt her loneliness, the social claustrophobia, the need to please everyone around her because that is what she'd be raised to do. I was rooting for her, waiting for the moment she would realize that there is always a choice, it may not seem like it, or feel like it, but it is there.
There wasn't a dull moment in this book and I actually found myself purposely dragging it out, reading much slower than I usually do. I found her world fascinating, and I really enjoyed my time there. I wholeheartedly recommend this book.
June 27, 2016
It is hard to believe this historical fiction novel is by a debut author. It's an extremely well crafted story told in two time sequences, college days at Vassar just prior to WWI and 1923 post war NYC. Vera Longacre is from a wealthy NYC family and is a student of art history at Vassar when she meets fellow student, the feisty Bea Stillman. Vera has been raised to follow all the protocols of her class status. Bea is from an upper class southern family, used to having a bit of fun and breaking the rules. They are unlikely friends, but Bea gets Vera to live a little. Maybe a little too much when she forges Vera's mother's signature so the two friends can spend a weekend having fun at Yale with Bea's male cousin and friends. Vera's mother finds out and both girls are forced to leave Vassar. Vera immediately marries Arthur Bellington on the strong urging of her mother. Arthur is an older, wealthy architect, and Vera's married life starts out as a social whirl of dinner parties and cocktail receptions in the Upper Eastside, Angelus apartment building that Arthur designed. Pretty soon Vera becomes bored with Arthur working too much and she crosses paths with Bea, whom she lost track of after leaving Vassar, at a local art gallery where Vera spots a forgery. Vera's art background is called into play when the tenants at the posh Angelus Apartment decide their pool area needs a mural, and they seek an artist to do the work. Vera finds herself more than taken with artist, Emil Hallan's talent, and soon they start carrying on an affair. The story is very carefully and slowly revealed and you will certainly enjoy the cast of characters. I thoroughly enjoyed the ending.
March 17, 2016
Vera Longacre Bellington, wealthy wife of Arthur Bellington, real estate mogul, spends her days taking tea with the ladies in her circle and her nights waiting for her husband to come home. It seems more and more frequently he's required to travel out of town overnight for business. The middle of her week is invariable punctuated by lunch with her oppressive mother at the Tea Room at the Plaza Hotel. We're given a strong dose of what kind of medicine Vera's mother is from the opening pages. It's clear there's no going up against Lorna Longacre, let alone the thought of going against her and winning.
The narrative alternates between Vera's experiences at Vassar in 1913 and her present life in New York City 1923. Scenes from 1923 include cocktail parties, dinner parties and exchanges with the other residents of the Angelus building owned by Arthur Bellington. The Bellingtons live in the penthouse apartment. Life at Vassar includes exchanges with classmates, a best friend, Bea Stillman and outings with three young men from Harvard.
At one of the many dinner parties Vera and her husband attend, a resident of the Angelus building suggests Arthur have a muralist paint the poolroom, everyone is in favor and an artist is hired. Painter, Emil Hallan arrives and sets the female residents atwitter, he's so handsome and mysterious after all.
Vera feels she should act the hostess and greets Emil as he arrives in New York City but afterward is often cold and rude toward him. They both arrive at the Metropolitan Museum of Art at the same time and end up exploring the collection together. Vera was an art student at Vassar and has a small collection of original art.
Each setting, Vassar 1913 and NYC 1923 should have a very distinct feeling and flavor, one being before WWI and the other being soon after. However there is very little detail about the context of the story, neither the politics of the nation nor the aftermath of the war is described with the exception of a few comments one character offers about his feelings toward Germans. He's then hushed by his wife who doesn't want unpleasant things discussed at her dinner party.
Hushing of the unpleasant could be the theme for the entire book, nothing unpleasant shall be discussed either between spouses, friends or lovers or even with the reader. It's only through the cover blurb that we know the protagonists has feelings for the mysterious painter. She buries her feelings, even from us, so there really isn't any conflict to pull us into this story. She's rude and stand offish toward Emil but never describes any attraction she may have toward him, she doesn't even describe his outward appearance in a way that might hint at a physical attraction. Finally over a hundred and fifty pages into the book she shares how she feels, she wants him to love her. Okay, she's repressed and neglected it's understandable. But there has been no anguish, guilt, suffering or torment to get us to this point. It's as if her feelings have fallen out of the blue. Unfortunately there's no spark between the characters, Emil and Vera, or any of the other characters either. They all come off the page cold, flat and lifeless. The dialog is often stiff, stilted and unrealistic. The details about the wealthy society ladies don't have an authentic feel to them. The thread of art and painting might have offered an interesting bit of filler but even that is depicted with a broad indistinct stroke. Vera recalls the thrill of finding each piece of work in the collection of she prizes as her own. But the way the work is described is bland and uninspired, she even admits to not knowing how to pronounce one artist's name. If she was an art student who loved the artist's work I think she might have learned how to pronounce his name. Maybe not but if she loved the piece enough to buy it then she would more than likely have some emotive words to describe it, something beyond "lovely".
This entire story hinges on emotions, passionate, loving, lustful, shameful, hurtful. Unfortunately these characters aren't life like enough to show us their own feelings we have to be told how they feel.
The narrative alternates between Vera's experiences at Vassar in 1913 and her present life in New York City 1923. Scenes from 1923 include cocktail parties, dinner parties and exchanges with the other residents of the Angelus building owned by Arthur Bellington. The Bellingtons live in the penthouse apartment. Life at Vassar includes exchanges with classmates, a best friend, Bea Stillman and outings with three young men from Harvard.
At one of the many dinner parties Vera and her husband attend, a resident of the Angelus building suggests Arthur have a muralist paint the poolroom, everyone is in favor and an artist is hired. Painter, Emil Hallan arrives and sets the female residents atwitter, he's so handsome and mysterious after all.
Vera feels she should act the hostess and greets Emil as he arrives in New York City but afterward is often cold and rude toward him. They both arrive at the Metropolitan Museum of Art at the same time and end up exploring the collection together. Vera was an art student at Vassar and has a small collection of original art.
Each setting, Vassar 1913 and NYC 1923 should have a very distinct feeling and flavor, one being before WWI and the other being soon after. However there is very little detail about the context of the story, neither the politics of the nation nor the aftermath of the war is described with the exception of a few comments one character offers about his feelings toward Germans. He's then hushed by his wife who doesn't want unpleasant things discussed at her dinner party.
Hushing of the unpleasant could be the theme for the entire book, nothing unpleasant shall be discussed either between spouses, friends or lovers or even with the reader. It's only through the cover blurb that we know the protagonists has feelings for the mysterious painter. She buries her feelings, even from us, so there really isn't any conflict to pull us into this story. She's rude and stand offish toward Emil but never describes any attraction she may have toward him, she doesn't even describe his outward appearance in a way that might hint at a physical attraction. Finally over a hundred and fifty pages into the book she shares how she feels, she wants him to love her. Okay, she's repressed and neglected it's understandable. But there has been no anguish, guilt, suffering or torment to get us to this point. It's as if her feelings have fallen out of the blue. Unfortunately there's no spark between the characters, Emil and Vera, or any of the other characters either. They all come off the page cold, flat and lifeless. The dialog is often stiff, stilted and unrealistic. The details about the wealthy society ladies don't have an authentic feel to them. The thread of art and painting might have offered an interesting bit of filler but even that is depicted with a broad indistinct stroke. Vera recalls the thrill of finding each piece of work in the collection of she prizes as her own. But the way the work is described is bland and uninspired, she even admits to not knowing how to pronounce one artist's name. If she was an art student who loved the artist's work I think she might have learned how to pronounce his name. Maybe not but if she loved the piece enough to buy it then she would more than likely have some emotive words to describe it, something beyond "lovely".
This entire story hinges on emotions, passionate, loving, lustful, shameful, hurtful. Unfortunately these characters aren't life like enough to show us their own feelings we have to be told how they feel.
February 24, 2016
A FINE IMITATION
A Fine Imitation by Amber Brock takes place in the Jazz Age in New York City, though the novel takes only one cursory dip into that thrilling and unconventional age unfolding merely a few miles north of the setting of this novel. The brief visit is accompanied by near swoons by the high-society stiff and proper heroine Vera Bellington who is about the palest, weakest-kneed, and most tepid and uninteresting heroine I believe I have ever read.
Three quarters of the book is a tedious, long-drawn out, mind-numbing slog through a dull procession of teas, luncheons, and dinner parties, excruciatingly detailed by fashion descriptions, food courses, and endless streams of gossip amongst paper thin characters that are as shallow and wispy as the pages you long to turn.
Vera is trapped in a gilded cage of high society rules and a loveless marriage. You will guess why her husband is never home and ignores her when he is far far before the author hints at the answer.
Having studied art at Vassar – which one wonders –even in a gilded cage, why could she not find something to do with that? Downton Abbey anyone? Rich society women of means on Park Avenue did do things besides lunch, dinner, tea and write checks! Good, Lord! However, Mother – Cruella DeVille on Park and Madison, sends her off to assess a painting where Vera discovers forgery and her long forsaken college buddy with whom she had been involved with ---SCANDAL!
At this point I became interested, but the scandal turns out to be so mild—at least our pale heroine’s part, or at least her reaction to it…all muted swallowed colors, such tepid tea that it was like reading through a fog.
Vera then gets appointed to find an artist to paint a mural; the artist lays eyes upon her and instantly falls in love. The illicit romance is filled with scandal –but the scandal of a rude word, an inappropriate gesture. It is all presented at such a glacier pace until suddenly, Vera is descending from her penthouse to his 2nd story apartment (descension from her class to his) and tumbling into bed. No hands held. No kiss. No build up. Heretofore their conversation has consisted of the discussion of books and poetry and art. And I mean academic discussion. This is a bloodless romance if ever there were one and this is most likely the first – certainly the most sterile I have ever read.
Vera Bellington is a woman who goes to lunch, is driven home, undressed by her maid, and then is dressed for dinner. There is not a spark of life in her. She allows herself to be treated abysmally by her husband and then begs for more. So why should I spend 300 pages caring about her.
I don’t.
Let us take a look at what was going on in 1913. The build up to WWI. How about 1923? Women’s Suffrage. You think perhaps a marcher or two might have passed by Park Avenue? None of this touches the life of this novel.
A novel about a woman discovering her imprisonment in a gilded cage who finds the courage to set herself free is an exciting and remarkable storyline.
It is not a storyline that should speed-through in the last 20 or so pages.
How thrilling if we could have been taken on that journey; a journey that in 2016—over one hundred years later-- women of all ages and from all economic backgrounds are still embarking upon anew every single day.
A Fine Imitation by Amber Brock takes place in the Jazz Age in New York City, though the novel takes only one cursory dip into that thrilling and unconventional age unfolding merely a few miles north of the setting of this novel. The brief visit is accompanied by near swoons by the high-society stiff and proper heroine Vera Bellington who is about the palest, weakest-kneed, and most tepid and uninteresting heroine I believe I have ever read.
Three quarters of the book is a tedious, long-drawn out, mind-numbing slog through a dull procession of teas, luncheons, and dinner parties, excruciatingly detailed by fashion descriptions, food courses, and endless streams of gossip amongst paper thin characters that are as shallow and wispy as the pages you long to turn.
Vera is trapped in a gilded cage of high society rules and a loveless marriage. You will guess why her husband is never home and ignores her when he is far far before the author hints at the answer.
Having studied art at Vassar – which one wonders –even in a gilded cage, why could she not find something to do with that? Downton Abbey anyone? Rich society women of means on Park Avenue did do things besides lunch, dinner, tea and write checks! Good, Lord! However, Mother – Cruella DeVille on Park and Madison, sends her off to assess a painting where Vera discovers forgery and her long forsaken college buddy with whom she had been involved with ---SCANDAL!
At this point I became interested, but the scandal turns out to be so mild—at least our pale heroine’s part, or at least her reaction to it…all muted swallowed colors, such tepid tea that it was like reading through a fog.
Vera then gets appointed to find an artist to paint a mural; the artist lays eyes upon her and instantly falls in love. The illicit romance is filled with scandal –but the scandal of a rude word, an inappropriate gesture. It is all presented at such a glacier pace until suddenly, Vera is descending from her penthouse to his 2nd story apartment (descension from her class to his) and tumbling into bed. No hands held. No kiss. No build up. Heretofore their conversation has consisted of the discussion of books and poetry and art. And I mean academic discussion. This is a bloodless romance if ever there were one and this is most likely the first – certainly the most sterile I have ever read.
Vera Bellington is a woman who goes to lunch, is driven home, undressed by her maid, and then is dressed for dinner. There is not a spark of life in her. She allows herself to be treated abysmally by her husband and then begs for more. So why should I spend 300 pages caring about her.
I don’t.
Let us take a look at what was going on in 1913. The build up to WWI. How about 1923? Women’s Suffrage. You think perhaps a marcher or two might have passed by Park Avenue? None of this touches the life of this novel.
A novel about a woman discovering her imprisonment in a gilded cage who finds the courage to set herself free is an exciting and remarkable storyline.
It is not a storyline that should speed-through in the last 20 or so pages.
How thrilling if we could have been taken on that journey; a journey that in 2016—over one hundred years later-- women of all ages and from all economic backgrounds are still embarking upon anew every single day.
May 4, 2016
One of the things that I thought the author did really well in this book was attention to historic detail. I could really picture the clothes, jewelry, the fashions etc as well as the dialogue between characters and the social constraints that Vera had during that time. I really really enjoyed the historic details of this book. I felt like I was really there experiencing and interacting with all these things as a reader.
I liked the characters just fine….I don’t know that I connected with them or their love story in the way that I had hoped. I felt like Vera was a little to pensive for me as a reader. I almost expected her to be more bold and more decisive when it came to her heart.
I often felt like she was weighing her choices too heavily….on one hand I get it because as a woman of the period, she would have been ruined socially leaving her husband but she obviously didn’t really have a ‘relationship’ with him etc. I guess I felt like women in this period (especially in the books I’ve read in this period) are typically seen as more ‘defiant’ of social norms and in this case I didn’t feel like Vera was entirely up to snuff in that department.
I did however enjoy some of the secondary characters a lot. For one I really liked Poppy. She was funny and brought an interesting element to the story. And while the ending wrapped a little too quickly for my taste, I felt that it was fitting and ‘finished’. Everything was resolved and I was pleased with the resolution overall.
I am in love with the cover too. I love the pale green dress on the woman and the whole color scheme and font selection screams 1920s high society New York. It was a very fitting cover choice for the book. I loved it!
Overall this is a decent summer read. If you are a fan of the period you will not be disappointed in the attention to historic detail!
See my full review here
I liked the characters just fine….I don’t know that I connected with them or their love story in the way that I had hoped. I felt like Vera was a little to pensive for me as a reader. I almost expected her to be more bold and more decisive when it came to her heart.
I often felt like she was weighing her choices too heavily….on one hand I get it because as a woman of the period, she would have been ruined socially leaving her husband but she obviously didn’t really have a ‘relationship’ with him etc. I guess I felt like women in this period (especially in the books I’ve read in this period) are typically seen as more ‘defiant’ of social norms and in this case I didn’t feel like Vera was entirely up to snuff in that department.
I did however enjoy some of the secondary characters a lot. For one I really liked Poppy. She was funny and brought an interesting element to the story. And while the ending wrapped a little too quickly for my taste, I felt that it was fitting and ‘finished’. Everything was resolved and I was pleased with the resolution overall.
I am in love with the cover too. I love the pale green dress on the woman and the whole color scheme and font selection screams 1920s high society New York. It was a very fitting cover choice for the book. I loved it!
Overall this is a decent summer read. If you are a fan of the period you will not be disappointed in the attention to historic detail!
See my full review here
February 7, 2016
Readers won't be able to set this book down, once they begin reading it. A Fine Imitation is the first novel I have read by the more than talented writer, Amber Brock. Her main character, Vera Belington, will call all readers to this intriguing historical read.
Vera Bellington is a woman who grows up having it all. The richness of life is constant but lacking in a few areas. One area is her mom. Another is the loveless marriage she's found herself bound within...will her life change? Now, enters a mysterious man. Then there's a painter, who ignites a passion in Vera that she can't ignore. But nobody is perfect. Vera soon finds herself sandwiched in a place where she must make decisions. Where she decides to head and what happens next, is for readers to find themselves.
A Fine Imitation is one marvelous novel that is stunning well-developed and the words on every page will entice readers every time. Amber Brock is the new author to watch for...her writing is exciting, brilliant, and vibrant. Characters are so life like it's hard to believe it's all a work one clever mind. Overall, I highly recommend this title to readers everywhere.
Vera Bellington is a woman who grows up having it all. The richness of life is constant but lacking in a few areas. One area is her mom. Another is the loveless marriage she's found herself bound within...will her life change? Now, enters a mysterious man. Then there's a painter, who ignites a passion in Vera that she can't ignore. But nobody is perfect. Vera soon finds herself sandwiched in a place where she must make decisions. Where she decides to head and what happens next, is for readers to find themselves.
A Fine Imitation is one marvelous novel that is stunning well-developed and the words on every page will entice readers every time. Amber Brock is the new author to watch for...her writing is exciting, brilliant, and vibrant. Characters are so life like it's hard to believe it's all a work one clever mind. Overall, I highly recommend this title to readers everywhere.
February 22, 2016
Love finding a book A Fine Imitationthat I can't wait to return to! Enjoyed this book on many levels. For one, learning what it was like to attend Vassar in 1913 (author did LOTS of research) and to be part of high society in NYC in 2013. And brushing up on my art history and the masters. Following different relationships and how some grew closer and some farther apart. Seeing a romance grow between two lovers at opposite ends of society. Watching courage develop to make risky, uncomfortable decisions. Wondering what was going to happen next! And finally, mulling over how some choices in our lives have such lasting consequences not just on our lives, but on others. I received an ARC of this book.
March 25, 2017
I finished this book in three long sittings...that should tell you it's very worth the read. I constantly wondered how the story would end and what on earth was the painting of. I felt for the main character in the book, Vera. As huge historical fiction fan, society rules fascinate me and this did not disappoint.
I've found that I LOVE books that alternate storylines as this one does. I love how it lends me to "just one more chapter." This hit the spot after a month long reading slump.
I've found that I LOVE books that alternate storylines as this one does. I love how it lends me to "just one more chapter." This hit the spot after a month long reading slump.
January 24, 2018
I enjoyed the beginning of this book. In the middle, I was very annoyed with the main character and her flirtatious behavior. She was just a bit unreal to me in how she would flip-flop in her feelings. That went on for a while and had me wanting it to be over. I did, however, really enjoy the end of the book. There was still bits of unreal behavior to me, but overall I felt interested again. The main character does stand up for her own self in the end which is always admirable - going from noodle brain to someone with some back bone!
March 22, 2020
Enjoyable story and characters but no real history. This story uses alternating timelines between 1913 and 1923, but it feels like it could have been any time period.
February 7, 2016
(I won this Uncorrected Proof, Advanced Copy from a Goodread's Giveway in return for a review and to also find any needed corrections-which are located at the end of this review.)
A Fine Imitation is a wonderful novel to place on every bookshelf.
The story revolves around colors that revolve around the characters' personalities (ie: pg. 14-Arthur's eyes are described as "pale blue, like crystal," and as the story progresses, [pg. 26] Arthur's eyes are expressed as, "ice-blue eyes"). However, I have noticed that when Vera tells Emil Hallan that her favorite color is orange, she only wears the color once (pg. 117). Maybe it could have been intentional-to set a strong metaphor about how trapped the main character felt to not wear her favorite color. The symbol for tea also moved me to note how carefully placed the symbols are in the setting of the novel. Also, let's not forget the symbolic action of letting one's hair down (pg. 190). There is also incredible detail for everyday actions (ie: pg 100). Also, the way the story progresses from past to the present, you can start to wonder if Vera is finding a comparison of Hallan to someone from her past.
Because this is an advanced copy with Uncorrected Proof, I have found a few things I hope will be corrected by the release date. There are a few typos through the book (I am not sure what page, but I remember reading the word "nook" instead of "book").
There is also a strange feel to some chapters (Chapters 30 and 31 could have had another memory from Vassar in between them, even if it's just a short one. The absence of a skip in time gave off a strange, off-patterned feeling.)
As stated before, I would have liked to see Vera wear more orange when she and Hallan were together, especially as the story progressed.
From the first chapter, I was a bit confused on what both Bea and Vera were studying, whether art studies was what the two girls majored in, or rather just an elective that they both took an interest in. By page 43, it finally revealed that Vera was an art major.
Other than those few errors, I enjoyed reading this book. It was a wonderful novel that transformed me into a fan of Amber Brock, and I hope to read more novels of hers to come.
A Fine Imitation is a wonderful novel to place on every bookshelf.
The story revolves around colors that revolve around the characters' personalities (ie: pg. 14-Arthur's eyes are described as "pale blue, like crystal," and as the story progresses, [pg. 26] Arthur's eyes are expressed as, "ice-blue eyes"). However, I have noticed that when Vera tells Emil Hallan that her favorite color is orange, she only wears the color once (pg. 117). Maybe it could have been intentional-to set a strong metaphor about how trapped the main character felt to not wear her favorite color. The symbol for tea also moved me to note how carefully placed the symbols are in the setting of the novel. Also, let's not forget the symbolic action of letting one's hair down (pg. 190). There is also incredible detail for everyday actions (ie: pg 100). Also, the way the story progresses from past to the present, you can start to wonder if Vera is finding a comparison of Hallan to someone from her past.
Because this is an advanced copy with Uncorrected Proof, I have found a few things I hope will be corrected by the release date. There are a few typos through the book (I am not sure what page, but I remember reading the word "nook" instead of "book").
There is also a strange feel to some chapters (Chapters 30 and 31 could have had another memory from Vassar in between them, even if it's just a short one. The absence of a skip in time gave off a strange, off-patterned feeling.)
As stated before, I would have liked to see Vera wear more orange when she and Hallan were together, especially as the story progressed.
From the first chapter, I was a bit confused on what both Bea and Vera were studying, whether art studies was what the two girls majored in, or rather just an elective that they both took an interest in. By page 43, it finally revealed that Vera was an art major.
Other than those few errors, I enjoyed reading this book. It was a wonderful novel that transformed me into a fan of Amber Brock, and I hope to read more novels of hers to come.
January 16, 2016
** I received an advanced reader's copy of this book from LibraryThing **
Vera lives in a gilded cage. She has everything she could want-money, clothes, the best name in New York- but her marriage is a loveless one and her friends are only interested in what she can do for them. So when mysterious French artist Emil Hallan is hired to paint a mural in her exclusive Manhattan building and sets her social circle talking, she finds herself inexplicably drawn to him. This attraction has the power to ruin her, or to set her free.
The story is woven together from split narration between Vera's school days at Vassar college where she studies art history, and her present day ten years later as a socialite in 1923 Manhattan. The settings are vivid and sumptuous, and Brock really makes her characters come alive. Vera's loneliness amidst her glittering world was especially masterfully written. I loved how all the threads of the story came together at the end without feeling hurried or forced.
There were a lot of elements from the art history angle, to the love story, to the mystery, and they all worked together perfectly. It was a fast paced read and I inhaled this book in about two days. I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves romantic historical fiction with a twist, or is just looking for a good story about what it means to find happiness in a lonely world where love is the exception and not the rule.
Vera lives in a gilded cage. She has everything she could want-money, clothes, the best name in New York- but her marriage is a loveless one and her friends are only interested in what she can do for them. So when mysterious French artist Emil Hallan is hired to paint a mural in her exclusive Manhattan building and sets her social circle talking, she finds herself inexplicably drawn to him. This attraction has the power to ruin her, or to set her free.
The story is woven together from split narration between Vera's school days at Vassar college where she studies art history, and her present day ten years later as a socialite in 1923 Manhattan. The settings are vivid and sumptuous, and Brock really makes her characters come alive. Vera's loneliness amidst her glittering world was especially masterfully written. I loved how all the threads of the story came together at the end without feeling hurried or forced.
There were a lot of elements from the art history angle, to the love story, to the mystery, and they all worked together perfectly. It was a fast paced read and I inhaled this book in about two days. I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves romantic historical fiction with a twist, or is just looking for a good story about what it means to find happiness in a lonely world where love is the exception and not the rule.
May 8, 2020
Some stories told through alternate timelines can sometimes become confusing. That was not the case with this novel. I enjoyed the way the story flowed from 1913 to 1923 detailing the life of Vera, a woman born into a wealthy family with all the responsibility and expectations it entails. She is allowed to go to college at Vassar where she befriends a woman, Bea, who allows Vera to experience world in a way she could never have imagined. Her story is told alternating from her days at Vassar when she gets involved in a situation with Bea, her unconventional friend and ten years later. Vera begins to question all she knew and believed living a protected life of wealth when she begins an affair with an artist who was hired to paint a mural in the luxury building in which she lives with her husband.
The story exposes questions of human nature that we all have about life. Did I make the right decision? Was it the decision I wanted or was it to make other people happy? What happens when you challenge the beliefs and customs you were raised to believe are "best?" What are you willing to sacrifice for a chance to experience a different beginning?
The story exposes questions of human nature that we all have about life. Did I make the right decision? Was it the decision I wanted or was it to make other people happy? What happens when you challenge the beliefs and customs you were raised to believe are "best?" What are you willing to sacrifice for a chance to experience a different beginning?
June 3, 2022
This book is a ChickLit escape read. Take it to the beach. Read it curled up in front of the fireplace during a snowstorm. It will keep you entertained for hours. But like most ChickLit, it’s all plot without the enduring depth of literature. That said, we all need books like this once in a while!
Written by Amber Brock, this is the story of Vera Longacre Bellington, a beautiful, charming, sophisticated young married woman who seemingly has it all—a handsome, wealthy husband, a penthouse apartment on New York’s exclusive Park Avenue, and so many servants she doesn’t ever lift a finger except to ring the bell. It’s the socialite life to which she was raised to live. So why is she so unhappy? Shifting back and forth in time between Vera’s senior year at Vassar in the fall of 1913 and 10 years later in 1923, this coming-of-age novel starts out a bit slow but soon picks up the pace as Vera, desperately hurt by her cold, inattentive husband, becomes enamored with a European artist hired to paint a mural on the walls of the apartment building’s subterranean pool. Will she risk everything she has for this passionate, illicit love? And what price will she pay if she is caught?
Not only is this book a wonderful dive into the roaring ‘20s among the super wealthy with lots of period details that make it all just pop, but also it’s a solid exploration of the high-end world of fine art. It’s obvious that Brock did her art history research, and this adds so much to the book—sort of like the difference between seeing a black-and-white photo of a painting vs. the real thing in color.
Kudos to the author on the title of the book, which is a clever play of words on several levels. Still, at its core this is ChickLit with a very well-crafted plot that boasts several clever twists (some of which are predictable if you’re paying attention) that will keep you engrossed in the story until the last page. It’s really quite entertaining!
Written by Amber Brock, this is the story of Vera Longacre Bellington, a beautiful, charming, sophisticated young married woman who seemingly has it all—a handsome, wealthy husband, a penthouse apartment on New York’s exclusive Park Avenue, and so many servants she doesn’t ever lift a finger except to ring the bell. It’s the socialite life to which she was raised to live. So why is she so unhappy? Shifting back and forth in time between Vera’s senior year at Vassar in the fall of 1913 and 10 years later in 1923, this coming-of-age novel starts out a bit slow but soon picks up the pace as Vera, desperately hurt by her cold, inattentive husband, becomes enamored with a European artist hired to paint a mural on the walls of the apartment building’s subterranean pool. Will she risk everything she has for this passionate, illicit love? And what price will she pay if she is caught?
Not only is this book a wonderful dive into the roaring ‘20s among the super wealthy with lots of period details that make it all just pop, but also it’s a solid exploration of the high-end world of fine art. It’s obvious that Brock did her art history research, and this adds so much to the book—sort of like the difference between seeing a black-and-white photo of a painting vs. the real thing in color.
Kudos to the author on the title of the book, which is a clever play of words on several levels. Still, at its core this is ChickLit with a very well-crafted plot that boasts several clever twists (some of which are predictable if you’re paying attention) that will keep you engrossed in the story until the last page. It’s really quite entertaining!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 515 reviews