What do you think?
Rate this book
The Fire Portrait: The page-turning novel of love and loss
I've taken risks in my life. Some have been physical ones, but some have been bolder and required more of myself.
When Englishwoman Frances McDonald sets up home in a remote South African hamlet in the shadow of the Hex River Mountains, she is regarded with suspicion by the community. Confined by a marriage of convenience, she seeks an outlet by learning the local language, teaching art, and exhibiting her paintings of the stunning veld landscape. Soon the spectre of war threatens to divide not only the country but the town itself and scupper Frances's hard-won acceptance.
While her husband leaves to fight for the Allies, Frances chances to meet a former love. The bright joy of that unexpected reunion is clouded by a day that will change her life. Out of the smoke and ash of a shocking fire, she is propelled on a journey that will take her from the arid veld to the bright lights of London and beyond.
When Englishwoman Frances McDonald sets up home in a remote South African hamlet in the shadow of the Hex River Mountains, she is regarded with suspicion by the community. Confined by a marriage of convenience, she seeks an outlet by learning the local language, teaching art, and exhibiting her paintings of the stunning veld landscape. Soon the spectre of war threatens to divide not only the country but the town itself and scupper Frances's hard-won acceptance.
While her husband leaves to fight for the Allies, Frances chances to meet a former love. The bright joy of that unexpected reunion is clouded by a day that will change her life. Out of the smoke and ash of a shocking fire, she is propelled on a journey that will take her from the arid veld to the bright lights of London and beyond.
416 pages, Paperback
Published August 19, 2021
17 people are currently reading
151 people want to read
About the author
Barbara Mutch
9 books92 followersBarbara Mutch is the author of four novels set in South Africa. The Housemaid's Daughter, a tale of love, hope and redemption, is set in the stunning Karoo. The Girl from Simon's Bay follows a forbidden romance in the port of Simon's Town during the 2nd World War. The Fire Portrait traces the life of a young artist in a rural hamlet who survives a fire to raise a child. In The Case Against Fili Du Bois, an adopted child must make her mark amid the joys and challenges of a newly-democratic South Africa.
Visit https://barbaramutch.com for more
Barbara was born and raised in South Africa, and is the granddaughter of Irish immigrants.
Visit https://barbaramutch.com for more
Barbara was born and raised in South Africa, and is the granddaughter of Irish immigrants.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
July 28, 2021
“Life may be harsh at times, but nature has the power to lift and inspire us.”
Set in a fictional hamlet, Aloe Glen, in the Western Cape during the 1930s, this story is about loss, love and rising from the ashes stronger than before. The novel opens with the protagonist relocating as a young girl from England to South Africa. She settles in Aloe Glen, on the railway line heading north from Cape Town. This rural village is a place of marked contrasts for culture, customs and climate and it influences the protagonist’s life. Aloe Glen is home to a small, tight-knit community of grit filled farmers and railway workers used to working together to survive the bitter cold in winter and the boiling heat in the summer. Stuck in a loveless marriage of convenience, Frances tries to fit in but when she begins to question tradition or introduce new ideas, the suspicious community develops a strong dislike for her. She attempts to pass the time by learning the language and by painting the scenery she encounters on her wanders into the endless veld, captivated by the flowers and aloes. It doesn’t take long before the locals take notice and Frances slowly makes gains within the community.
When her husband is called to war, Frances sees an opportunity to lead a peaceful existence as an artist. Unfortunately, her peace is short lived when a clash over politics starts to divide the village and a former lover comes back into her life. In a disastrous moment she loses everything she’s worked for, but gains something more precious. You’ll need to read more to find out about this phoenix rising from the ashes who paints a famous painting – the Fire Portrait.
Mutch has successfully interpreted Frances’ voice, tone and way of looking at the world. The setting is essential to the story; the heat, dust, drought, floods, and isolation all add to Frances’ introspection and reflection and inspiration as an artist. The author gently reminds us that there’s beauty in the remotest of places if we’re prepared to look hard enough. She lives near Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens and was inspired after watching the seasonal changes in her landscape.
This is a slow burning historical fiction/romance with insight into the art world and botanicals of the 1930s Western Cape and is supported by photos and additional information on the author’s website. Much of the novel centers around the protagonist’s development as an artist and botanical illustrator.
Publishes August 19, 2021.
I was gifted this advance copy by Barbara Mutch, Allison and Busby, and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
Set in a fictional hamlet, Aloe Glen, in the Western Cape during the 1930s, this story is about loss, love and rising from the ashes stronger than before. The novel opens with the protagonist relocating as a young girl from England to South Africa. She settles in Aloe Glen, on the railway line heading north from Cape Town. This rural village is a place of marked contrasts for culture, customs and climate and it influences the protagonist’s life. Aloe Glen is home to a small, tight-knit community of grit filled farmers and railway workers used to working together to survive the bitter cold in winter and the boiling heat in the summer. Stuck in a loveless marriage of convenience, Frances tries to fit in but when she begins to question tradition or introduce new ideas, the suspicious community develops a strong dislike for her. She attempts to pass the time by learning the language and by painting the scenery she encounters on her wanders into the endless veld, captivated by the flowers and aloes. It doesn’t take long before the locals take notice and Frances slowly makes gains within the community.
When her husband is called to war, Frances sees an opportunity to lead a peaceful existence as an artist. Unfortunately, her peace is short lived when a clash over politics starts to divide the village and a former lover comes back into her life. In a disastrous moment she loses everything she’s worked for, but gains something more precious. You’ll need to read more to find out about this phoenix rising from the ashes who paints a famous painting – the Fire Portrait.
Mutch has successfully interpreted Frances’ voice, tone and way of looking at the world. The setting is essential to the story; the heat, dust, drought, floods, and isolation all add to Frances’ introspection and reflection and inspiration as an artist. The author gently reminds us that there’s beauty in the remotest of places if we’re prepared to look hard enough. She lives near Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens and was inspired after watching the seasonal changes in her landscape.
This is a slow burning historical fiction/romance with insight into the art world and botanicals of the 1930s Western Cape and is supported by photos and additional information on the author’s website. Much of the novel centers around the protagonist’s development as an artist and botanical illustrator.
Publishes August 19, 2021.
I was gifted this advance copy by Barbara Mutch, Allison and Busby, and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
September 17, 2022
Frances McDonald is a memorable character who takes us on a voyage of discovery as she starts out tentatively as an artist culminating in a world-renowned work emerging from personal tragedy. Set in a fictional town on the edge of the Karoo, the complexities of human interaction and sense of being an outsider are reflected in Frances's daily experiences of the town. The story and characters quickly drew me in and kept me reading. Highly recommend this book.
May 1, 2022
This book was phenomenal I loved everything about it I fell in love with Aloe Glen and want to live there now! What an amazing story!
August 11, 2021
Thank you to NetGalley, the Publishers and the Author for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
This was a fantastic work of historical fiction about a time period and country that I'm less familiar with. I thought the book was beautifully written; it felt like you were immersed in the landscape and were also on the journey that the characters went on. The plot was complex, but not overwhelming, and it covered a lot of themes.
The story has made me want to learn more about the broader context in which the novel is set as a result!
This was a fantastic work of historical fiction about a time period and country that I'm less familiar with. I thought the book was beautifully written; it felt like you were immersed in the landscape and were also on the journey that the characters went on. The plot was complex, but not overwhelming, and it covered a lot of themes.
The story has made me want to learn more about the broader context in which the novel is set as a result!
May 11, 2024
Writing at its best.
March 4, 2022
There is a passion and longing that I read between the lines in ‘The Fire Portrait’ by Barbara Mutch. I thoroughly enjoyed her previous novel The Girl from Simon’s Bay and once again was struck by her passion for South Africa and her longing for tolerance and understanding; emotions that are all too prevalent in our daily lives. In the 21st Century we still sit with racial intolerance and a migrant crisis, as people escape war, despots and poverty for a better life. But humanity has migrated since time began, seeking safety, shelter and food or simply a life different from the one born into. So why are we still so suspicious?
This story resonated with me as one who is passionate about her adopted country (yes I am an immigrant) but sad for the intolerance and misunderstandings that colonialism and apartheid brought.
In this absorbing novel, set in the early to mid -1900s, Mutch talks to the suspicions and mistrust that the Afrikaner folk of a small Karoo town have towards a young British girl and the destructive consequences.
‘I’ve left the daffodils behind. Now, I race to capture the diverse colours of Africa. The orange of the Namaqualand daisies, the blue –rose of dawn, the gritty ochres of desert. The fleeting jewel of a kingfisher’s wing.’
This then introduces us to the young Englishwoman, aspiring artist Frances Whittington. The time; 1921, the place; Embury St David’s, England; after the Boer War, after WWl, and heading towards WWll. Mutch has researched her historical facts meticulously bringing all the idiosyncrasies of that time to life revealing a story that is like a magnificent canvas peopled with fascinating characters, terrain and lifestyle. Vivid, intense and emotive Mutch has created an intimacy between reader and protagonist.
Frances is a feisty red headed girl, with a perception beyond her years. Her father adores her encouraging her independence. Her mother is aloof but proper on all fronts. Her family is wealthy, she moves in the right circles and marriage prospects for this 19 year old are good. With the 1929 crash comes straightened circumstances and prospects drift away from this girl with no money. Frances is sent to Cape Town to stay with her Aunt. An adventure that this resourceful girl embraces.
I could see through Frances’ eyes the magic of our beautiful proteas and indigenous flora as they engulfed her and filled her sketchpads. Her work is accepted by Kirstenbosch, her eye for detail and beauty honed. But when her aunt dies suddenly her circumstances are yet again threatened, and she loses her love. An arranged marriage follows with old family friend Julian that takes her to a hamlet on the edge of the Karoo in the shadow of the Hex River mountains; it will expose her to suspicion by the locals; it will introduce her to the rich and unusual plants of the Karoo scrub and a new Frances will emerge. She learns the language, supports her kind and gentle husband as the headmaster’s wife and tries to understand these reserved yet gossipy Afrikaners.
But old resentment dies hard and Frances has to tackle hate and divided loyalties as World War ll looms and fire burns in the bellies of the Boer. Suffice to say, without giving spoilers, that through destruction comes beauty - a painting that will bring her fame and heartbreak, satisfaction and hope for the country she loves. A heartfelt story, that I enjoyed immensely as I shadowed a brave and resourceful woman.
December 30, 2021
I received the opportunity to read this book before publication, free via Netgalley. I have never read or heard of Barbara Mutch previously. I really enjoyed this story and look forward to reading more of her work! *4.5 stars.
The Fire Portrait was touching, intriguing, and beautiful! So many great words and reflections, so well written. Very well researched, perfectly told. I have highlighted many great quotes from this book for reference and reflection.
I felt easily drawn into the time period and culture of the book. It wasn't dry or overly historical, but the perfect background to set the story. I really enjoyed getting a feel for Africa during this time, as I am more familiar with Europe during the world wars.
The Fire Portrait reads from the main character Frances point of view. I really got to know Frances, understand her and feel for her. I loved the little diary entries in the beginnings of some of the chapters, glimpses into her soul and her secrets.
I especially loved how the author described the art, the botanical paintings, the aloes, and the color mixing, and the mountains and sky of Africa. So captivating and intriguing. So much talent, technique and creativity. Fascinating art!
I loved how much "fire" and courage Frances possessed; she wasn't afraid to speak up, change ways, and question society. She was the strong one in her marriage, a great woman to model.
I really liked the romance to the story. It felt completely relatable, moving, sad, and sweet. Maturely written, a deep and real romance, nothing cheesy or juvenile. I loved both Mark and Julian.
What a special story, a pleasure to have read. Kind of sits with me like a sweet distant memory. Thank you!
#NetGalley #TheFirePortrait
The Fire Portrait was touching, intriguing, and beautiful! So many great words and reflections, so well written. Very well researched, perfectly told. I have highlighted many great quotes from this book for reference and reflection.
I felt easily drawn into the time period and culture of the book. It wasn't dry or overly historical, but the perfect background to set the story. I really enjoyed getting a feel for Africa during this time, as I am more familiar with Europe during the world wars.
The Fire Portrait reads from the main character Frances point of view. I really got to know Frances, understand her and feel for her. I loved the little diary entries in the beginnings of some of the chapters, glimpses into her soul and her secrets.
I especially loved how the author described the art, the botanical paintings, the aloes, and the color mixing, and the mountains and sky of Africa. So captivating and intriguing. So much talent, technique and creativity. Fascinating art!
I loved how much "fire" and courage Frances possessed; she wasn't afraid to speak up, change ways, and question society. She was the strong one in her marriage, a great woman to model.
I really liked the romance to the story. It felt completely relatable, moving, sad, and sweet. Maturely written, a deep and real romance, nothing cheesy or juvenile. I loved both Mark and Julian.
What a special story, a pleasure to have read. Kind of sits with me like a sweet distant memory. Thank you!
#NetGalley #TheFirePortrait
August 15, 2021
Frances McDonald’s story plays predominantly in the South Africa of the 1930’s and 40’s, a time when Britain ruled the country and Afrikaaners felt marginalized. This is the background of Frances’ story, and also becomes her battleground in which she struggles for contentment within a passionless marriage and strives to perfect her artistic skills, the latter increasingly as a means of supporting herself while her husband is away at war.
This book was very dear to my nostalgic heart, as I recognized myriads of scenes, pictures of nature, and the peculiarities of South African people; so colourful, but divided by their vastly differing heritages. I could almost smell the dust of the dry Karoo summer, see the stark outlines of aloes along the ridges, and hear the accent of the Afrikaans farmers in Aloe Glen, so rich and true were the descriptions. Frances’ dismay at being the shunned outsider is vividly brought to the reader’s imagination. I enjoyed reading about her development as an artist and her growth as a compassionate human being; but even more so, I admired her tenaciousness and inventiveness in overcoming the difficult situations in which she finds herself. I could even understand her morally dubious decision to… ah, I can’t give this secret away!
I am not quite sure how to categorize this book: it is partly a love story, partly a coming of age tale, partly of an artist finding her ultimate skill, it is all of these and more, woven into a multicoloured quilt of images and impressions - historical fiction at its best. If there are some clichés and stereotypes, they are easily forgiven. There is little drama of action, but much drama in tension. I found this a book to curl up with and enjoy in peaceful leisure – a lovely read!
My thanks go to NetGalley and the publishers for granting me this eARC!
This book was very dear to my nostalgic heart, as I recognized myriads of scenes, pictures of nature, and the peculiarities of South African people; so colourful, but divided by their vastly differing heritages. I could almost smell the dust of the dry Karoo summer, see the stark outlines of aloes along the ridges, and hear the accent of the Afrikaans farmers in Aloe Glen, so rich and true were the descriptions. Frances’ dismay at being the shunned outsider is vividly brought to the reader’s imagination. I enjoyed reading about her development as an artist and her growth as a compassionate human being; but even more so, I admired her tenaciousness and inventiveness in overcoming the difficult situations in which she finds herself. I could even understand her morally dubious decision to… ah, I can’t give this secret away!
I am not quite sure how to categorize this book: it is partly a love story, partly a coming of age tale, partly of an artist finding her ultimate skill, it is all of these and more, woven into a multicoloured quilt of images and impressions - historical fiction at its best. If there are some clichés and stereotypes, they are easily forgiven. There is little drama of action, but much drama in tension. I found this a book to curl up with and enjoy in peaceful leisure – a lovely read!
My thanks go to NetGalley and the publishers for granting me this eARC!
April 16, 2022
An excellent book. Superb characterization, an interesting perspective on race and English - Afrikaans dynamics and authentic descriptions of flora and fauna in the Karoo. Unfortunately a 5 star rating, easily earned for written content is sabotaged by a narrator who does not speak Afrikaans. So much of the book offers a unique South African flavour through terms and phrases in Afrikaans. I cringed every time the narrator confidently (and shamelessly) spewed out jarring renditions of words like Dominee, vygie, juffrou…This tendency to hand brilliant South African literature to foreign narrators to butcher is a recurring theme. These arrogant individuals do not seem to make the slightest effort to get to grips with the pronunciation of words in Afrikaans. Phonetic renditions with some twisted German - sounding spin once in a while does not cut it. I do wish that Audible would find just one of the 54 million South Africans in the country to narrate South African books. So disappointing…
November 14, 2025
I picked this book up only because it was sitting on the bookshelf at my Airbnb in Cape Town, so I went in with zero expectations, and I ended up loving it! The way she writes about African landscapes made Cape Town feel newly alive to me. I finished it wanting to walk through Kirstenbosch and Aloe Glen just to see the plants and colors the way she describes them.
Her story of love, loss, and saying yes to life even when it’s messy stayed with me. It reminded me that beauty isn’t always obvious—sometimes you have to look a little harder to notice what’s blooming.
A quiet, unexpected read that ended up brightening the landscape I fortunately get to enjoy daily :)
Her story of love, loss, and saying yes to life even when it’s messy stayed with me. It reminded me that beauty isn’t always obvious—sometimes you have to look a little harder to notice what’s blooming.
A quiet, unexpected read that ended up brightening the landscape I fortunately get to enjoy daily :)
March 13, 2022
Englishwoman Frances marries and moves to remote South Africa where the community are unwelcoming for a number of reasons. She becomes and artist and eventually well known (after the war). A very interesting read which made me feel I was there in the landscape with her (I've never been to SA). I felt it was a bit long in the middle or else needed more extensive writing at the end but that's a minor quibble. Recommended.
August 12, 2025
I loved this book. Barbara Mutch's writing is amazing - I could read her writing indefinitely, whatever the subject. Fran holds her art so highly she is prepared to marry a man she doesn't love in order to pursue it, moving to a remote part of Africa with him, where she finds plants to paint in the harshest of landscapes. Very moving and highly recommended.
August 14, 2021
Frances McDonald takes chances. All throughout her life. She doesn't do the expected, her life is not what one would expect. I enjoyed reading about her taking chances and the results of those changes. It was an incredible journey, one I had not traveled before. A new experience!
December 12, 2021
An engrossing read with well-fleshed out characters.
January 1, 2022
A good read that kept me engaged. Taught me a lot about South African history that I had not known before
January 15, 2023
A wonderful book... the Karoo came to life through the authors prose and through Frances' paintings. It felt wonderfully familiar.
October 29, 2023
I loved this book.
Took me down memory lane having grown up in South Africa.
Took me down memory lane having grown up in South Africa.
January 20, 2025
Very interesting and well written. Really enjoyed this.
March 3, 2025
Loved this, so descriptive and a great plot. You can vividly picture the scenes in front of you with Barabara Mutch's incredible writing.
July 12, 2025
A well written and researched story with intricate story lines which highlights a certain era in South African history
September 14, 2023
I didn’t love it as much as the first two but once again, a beautifully written and well researched work that leaves you thinking. A good book, like a good piece of art should make you feel something and this did.
March 23, 2023
I devoured this book - so well written and loved her descriptive language. This is the first book I have read from this author and can’t wait to read the Girl from Simons Bay.
October 8, 2021
Thank you Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this.
The Fire Portrait is a beautiful and touching story, which follows the life of Frances McDonald.
Her life leads her to a one-sided love marriage (on her husbands part), while her heart yearns for another, and to a new life in Aloe Glen, in the Western Cape. Fitting into her new life, tragedy stricks when her husband is called to war and the peaceful life that she once lead meets more tragedy. It is during this time, she reunites with old friends and new beginnings start.
The Fire Portrait is a beautiful and touching story, which follows the life of Frances McDonald.
Her life leads her to a one-sided love marriage (on her husbands part), while her heart yearns for another, and to a new life in Aloe Glen, in the Western Cape. Fitting into her new life, tragedy stricks when her husband is called to war and the peaceful life that she once lead meets more tragedy. It is during this time, she reunites with old friends and new beginnings start.
August 25, 2023
I always enjoy Barbara Mutch's books - they are very well written and this one is a fascinating story mostly based in her native South Africa.
The story is set both before and through the Second World War and portrays Frances's journey from England to South Africa to live first in Cape Town and then through a marriage more of convenience and affection than love to live in small town, small minded Aloe Glen. It also charts her journey from talented, amateur artist to professional, world renowned artist.
The back drop to the story, carefully crafted throughout, is of racial and cultural tensions bubbling beneath the surface of life, rarely openly expressed but always present. Frances navigates this with pain and perseverance till the shocking event that leads to her painting The Fire Portrait.
I enjoyed the wealth of well-researched detail of both painting and botany especially the flora of the fynbos which really enhanced the story.
It is a deeply poignant story and has a satisfying and clever conclusion in that Frances achieves not the expected revenge but her actions instead lead to a far better life for everyone in Aloe Glen than the bigoted event that could have permanently soured life for all.
It's a book that lingers after the last page and I look forward to reading it again in the future.
I have just re-read it and again I am left amazed and touched by both by the beautiful story, so well crafted and the writing. Barbara Mutch is a talented author and I look forward to any future work from her.
The story is set both before and through the Second World War and portrays Frances's journey from England to South Africa to live first in Cape Town and then through a marriage more of convenience and affection than love to live in small town, small minded Aloe Glen. It also charts her journey from talented, amateur artist to professional, world renowned artist.
The back drop to the story, carefully crafted throughout, is of racial and cultural tensions bubbling beneath the surface of life, rarely openly expressed but always present. Frances navigates this with pain and perseverance till the shocking event that leads to her painting The Fire Portrait.
I enjoyed the wealth of well-researched detail of both painting and botany especially the flora of the fynbos which really enhanced the story.
It is a deeply poignant story and has a satisfying and clever conclusion in that Frances achieves not the expected revenge but her actions instead lead to a far better life for everyone in Aloe Glen than the bigoted event that could have permanently soured life for all.
It's a book that lingers after the last page and I look forward to reading it again in the future.
I have just re-read it and again I am left amazed and touched by both by the beautiful story, so well crafted and the writing. Barbara Mutch is a talented author and I look forward to any future work from her.
June 4, 2022
I enjoyed The Girl from Simon's Bay by this author and was thrilled to discover that she had written another novel. This South African author writes with great skill and brings to life many aspects of life in this country with all its joys and sorrows.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews