What do you think?
Rate this book
Molly & the Captain
A celebrated artist of the Georgian era paints his two young daughters at the family home in Bath. The portait, known as ‘Molly & the Captain’ becomes instantly famous. It’s fate is destined to echo down the centuries, touching many lives.
Molly & the Captain is a story about time and art and love.
Molly & the Captain is a story about time and art and love.
Hardcover
Published October 27, 2022
19 people are currently reading
409 people want to read
About the author
Anthony Quinn
16 books128 followersAnthony Quinn was born in Liverpool in 1964. Since 1998 he has been the film critic of the Independent. His debut novel The Rescue Man won the Authors' Club Best First Novel Award. His second novel Half of the Human Race was released in spring 2011.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
October 24, 2022
The most impressive thing about the book is the way the author effortlessly evokes three different time periods. The clearest example is the first section set in the 1780s in which the story is related in the form of the journal of Laura (the ‘Captain’ of the book’s title), daughter of the famous but fictional painter, William Merrymount, and her letters to her cousin, Susan. The prose has the idiosyncracies of style of that period, exemplified in this passage from the opening chapter. ‘Mr Lowther called at the house again. He stayed for an hour & behaved with a Civility I had thought beyond him…. Molly & I later prevail’d on him to accompany Ma on the piano forte.’ Moving between Bath and London we witness how Laura’s desire for recognition of her artistic talent is thwarted by circumstances and social conventions.
The second part of the book, set a hundred years later, was much my favourite section. I loved the character of Paul, a young artist whose disability places limits – sometimes self-imposed – on his achieving the success his talent deserves. His friend, the impoverished Philip Evenlode, is also a wonderfully sympathetic character. I really became engaged in Paul’s story and that of his sister, Maggie, frustrated in her ambition to pursue a university education because of the expectation she will care for their ailing mother. There are some particularly moving parts to the book and, for me, this section could have been a novel in its own right.
The final – and longest – section, set in 1983, is largely a story of strained family relationships. It was my least favourite part of the book not because it’s not well written but because it seemed the most tangential to the story of fate of the painting. I suspect it may be of most interest to those who, like me, have read the author’s earlier book, Eureka, because it features a key character from that book, actress Billie Cantrip. In fact, this section felt rather like a follow-up to Eureka. What Billie did next, if you like. The final reveal of the solution to the mystery of the painting Molly & the Captain didn’t come as much of a revelation to me nor, I suspect, to other observant readers. However it did neatly bring the story full circle providing links between characters separated by centuries.
This is sounding like I didn’t enjoy the book; I did. It’s just I found myself actively seeking out connections between the three sections of the book rather than these emerging unbidden. Having said that, there were some neat touches such as the little ‘time tunnels’ that occasionally open giving brief glimpses of events or characters from earlier periods. If there is a recurring theme to the book it’s the barriers placed in the way of individuals – particularly women – to realising their potential in life, expressing their creativity and being recognised for their talent.
If it didn’t completely succeed for me, Molly & the Captain is still a skilfully crafted novel, impressive in its scope with some wonderfully drawn characters.
The second part of the book, set a hundred years later, was much my favourite section. I loved the character of Paul, a young artist whose disability places limits – sometimes self-imposed – on his achieving the success his talent deserves. His friend, the impoverished Philip Evenlode, is also a wonderfully sympathetic character. I really became engaged in Paul’s story and that of his sister, Maggie, frustrated in her ambition to pursue a university education because of the expectation she will care for their ailing mother. There are some particularly moving parts to the book and, for me, this section could have been a novel in its own right.
The final – and longest – section, set in 1983, is largely a story of strained family relationships. It was my least favourite part of the book not because it’s not well written but because it seemed the most tangential to the story of fate of the painting. I suspect it may be of most interest to those who, like me, have read the author’s earlier book, Eureka, because it features a key character from that book, actress Billie Cantrip. In fact, this section felt rather like a follow-up to Eureka. What Billie did next, if you like. The final reveal of the solution to the mystery of the painting Molly & the Captain didn’t come as much of a revelation to me nor, I suspect, to other observant readers. However it did neatly bring the story full circle providing links between characters separated by centuries.
This is sounding like I didn’t enjoy the book; I did. It’s just I found myself actively seeking out connections between the three sections of the book rather than these emerging unbidden. Having said that, there were some neat touches such as the little ‘time tunnels’ that occasionally open giving brief glimpses of events or characters from earlier periods. If there is a recurring theme to the book it’s the barriers placed in the way of individuals – particularly women – to realising their potential in life, expressing their creativity and being recognised for their talent.
If it didn’t completely succeed for me, Molly & the Captain is still a skilfully crafted novel, impressive in its scope with some wonderfully drawn characters.
June 12, 2022
It’s very difficult for a book that stretches over 300 years to keep a reader invested in different characters, over different time periods, but Anthony Quinn manages to do that. The weakest characters are the most modern, in my opinion, one of them being somewhat of a cypher.
He is extremely good at period, and in portraying family dynamics, so questions are raised about what gifts are passed on, and to whom, creatively as well as in fact.
The book is obstensibly about a painting and its journey down the centuries, but this is a frame for not just the act of creation, and of painting itself, but the emotional journeys of those involved with it in some way over time.
An absorbing book, written very well by a writer at the top of his form.
He is extremely good at period, and in portraying family dynamics, so questions are raised about what gifts are passed on, and to whom, creatively as well as in fact.
The book is obstensibly about a painting and its journey down the centuries, but this is a frame for not just the act of creation, and of painting itself, but the emotional journeys of those involved with it in some way over time.
An absorbing book, written very well by a writer at the top of his form.
February 12, 2023
Anthony Quinn’s books just get better and better. In Molly and the Captain, he again shows his mastery in imagining history, but this time over three centuries with a highly-rated painting as the fulcrum. As deft with his prose in imagining the 18th and 19th centuries as he’s previously been with suffragists, spies, and the labyrinthine world of the theatre and film, he makes the time transitions seamless. There’s even a major part for a player from Eureka, grafted into his plot without a hint of self-referential smart-assedness. I cannot imagine how Quinn can top Molly and the Captain, but I suspect that he’s already working on it.
October 2, 2022
Molly & the Captain is a novel in three parts, set in London across 300 years of history. I'm not sure that the themes are quite strong enough to bind the three eras together: aside from the crossover motif paintings, they feel like very separate stories.
The first two sections I found charming in their own rights - the first an epistolary story set in Regency London, the second a more classical narrative set in the late Victorian period. While the characters aren't particularly complex, they are sympathetic and engaging. I was invested in their individual storylines, and could've quite happily read an entire novel based on either era.
Sadly, I found the third section unconvincing, with shallow characters and a somewhat predictable story arc. It made an underwhelming finish to an otherwise enjoyable read.
*Thank you to Netgalley for the arc in exchange for an honest review*
The first two sections I found charming in their own rights - the first an epistolary story set in Regency London, the second a more classical narrative set in the late Victorian period. While the characters aren't particularly complex, they are sympathetic and engaging. I was invested in their individual storylines, and could've quite happily read an entire novel based on either era.
Sadly, I found the third section unconvincing, with shallow characters and a somewhat predictable story arc. It made an underwhelming finish to an otherwise enjoyable read.
*Thank you to Netgalley for the arc in exchange for an honest review*
February 28, 2023
I'm not sure why the quote 'a gripping mystery' is appended to the title as the whereabouts of the missing painting, 'Molly and the Captain', is fairly obvious - or at least it was to me. Despite this being beautifully written, I wasn't engaged by the characters or story. It was a pleasant read, but maybe using three different historical periods stopped me becoming fully invested in the characters' lives. I'm not sure that having the three different stories led to any profound insights except that women are often overlooked and artists live lonely lives. I know that already, but this novel didn't allow me to fully feel it.
January 26, 2023
I loved this book but even I didn’t realise how much until I turned the page to discover it was the last and felt quite bereft. I wanted to keep checking to make sure I hadn’t missed anything! I honestly feel really quite sad to have finished this book but the whole cast of characters will stay with me. The way every character is written so thoughtfully through every period is so good, each one’s story is unique but perhaps not quite so different as common themes are beautifully woven throughout the story. Definitely a recommended read,
February 29, 2024
This is a beautifully crafted novel. Three families, each a century apart, the story is very well constructed with a famous painting as the connecting piece. Wonderful depth of character in a flowing narrative that kept me hooked from start to finish. An excellent read.
November 23, 2022
Beautifully written literary historical fiction. The three era's were immersive and the characters fascinating.
November 14, 2024
I loved the first two sections, and particularly enjoyed the portrayal of both sets of siblings. However I was left feeling a bit short changed as both of those sections could have been full length novels in their own right.
The third section was my least favourite, as it felt more like an epilogue / follow up to Eureka. Bringing back the character of Billie Cantrip didn't add anything to this particular narrative in my opinion.
The third section was my least favourite, as it felt more like an epilogue / follow up to Eureka. Bringing back the character of Billie Cantrip didn't add anything to this particular narrative in my opinion.
January 17, 2023
Anthony Quinn is such a consistently good writer I always look forward to a new book from him. This is an excellent historical novel set in three time periods 18th 19th 20th in London. It concerns women artists, the dominance of male artists and matters of the heart. I found this thoroughly absorbing with a wholly satisfying conclusion.
March 31, 2023
Great book, really enjoyed it
September 15, 2022
Anthony Quinn writes a delightful and compelling novel spanning 3 centuries with 3 stories in different time periods, all connected by art, family, and featuring the well known painter William Merrymount and his famous painting Molly and the Captain, depicting his 2 daughters, Laura and Molly, as children. It's a painting he refuses to sell, despite the ridiculous amounts offered for it, insisting on keeping it as a legacy for his girls, a painting that will go on to echo through time in its connections with so many lives. It begins in 1785, with Laura's journal, relating her close relationship with her father, William, a painter herself, but doomed to never be recognised, partly because she was a woman, and partly through the inevitable comparisons with her father. Her love life is a difficult affair as she faces betrayal, although as we go on to learn that this might have been a blessing in disguise.
She forms a strong friendship with an actress, Lizzie, only to become estranged later. Laura finds herself having to face efforts to swindle her out of the famous painting and it even gets stolen. Engaging with a committed art biographer, she goes on to unearth family secrets. The second story is set in the late 19th century, revolves around the disabled artist, Paul, and his favourite place to paint, Kensington Gardens, a place of ghosts that are set to haunt him. His sister, Maggie, a teacher who had sacrificed her dreams of going to Cambridge, having to take care of her mother, and then to look after Paul. She sees a painting, from the Merrymount school, that she is drawn to, and goes to the auction in the hope of acquiring it, but the price it eventually commands is way out of her league and is a shocking surprise, particularly given its lack of provenance.
The final story is set in more modern times, featuring Nell in Kentish Town, an unrecognised painter in her sixties, who at long last begins to achieve some fame after her appearance on Nationwide. This TV appearance leads to her connecting with an unknown member of her family, and learning of her blood relationship to William Merrymount. She takes in a lodger, the famous young pop star and musician, Robbie Furlong, a protege of her actress daughter, Billie. This is to lead to conflict between mother and daughter that threatens to break the family apart. The painting that Nell buys for family reasons is to yield a unexpected and welcome surprise that provides a circular connection back to the first story.
Quinn examines the nature of art, artistic talent and creativity, inheritance, fame versus obscurity, love, loss, desire, passion, the human flaws of artists, their relationships, through 3 families, and the impact of history and the connections that endure and their repercussions through time. The author skilfully creates a sense of coherence between all the stories, forming a circle between them with uncovered family links and the Molly and Captain painting. This is a beautifully engaging read, I appreciated the distinct characters inhabiting each of the different historical periods and the many inspirations and all too human stories that lie behind being an artist and their works of art. Highly recommended. Many thanks to the publisher for an ARC.
She forms a strong friendship with an actress, Lizzie, only to become estranged later. Laura finds herself having to face efforts to swindle her out of the famous painting and it even gets stolen. Engaging with a committed art biographer, she goes on to unearth family secrets. The second story is set in the late 19th century, revolves around the disabled artist, Paul, and his favourite place to paint, Kensington Gardens, a place of ghosts that are set to haunt him. His sister, Maggie, a teacher who had sacrificed her dreams of going to Cambridge, having to take care of her mother, and then to look after Paul. She sees a painting, from the Merrymount school, that she is drawn to, and goes to the auction in the hope of acquiring it, but the price it eventually commands is way out of her league and is a shocking surprise, particularly given its lack of provenance.
The final story is set in more modern times, featuring Nell in Kentish Town, an unrecognised painter in her sixties, who at long last begins to achieve some fame after her appearance on Nationwide. This TV appearance leads to her connecting with an unknown member of her family, and learning of her blood relationship to William Merrymount. She takes in a lodger, the famous young pop star and musician, Robbie Furlong, a protege of her actress daughter, Billie. This is to lead to conflict between mother and daughter that threatens to break the family apart. The painting that Nell buys for family reasons is to yield a unexpected and welcome surprise that provides a circular connection back to the first story.
Quinn examines the nature of art, artistic talent and creativity, inheritance, fame versus obscurity, love, loss, desire, passion, the human flaws of artists, their relationships, through 3 families, and the impact of history and the connections that endure and their repercussions through time. The author skilfully creates a sense of coherence between all the stories, forming a circle between them with uncovered family links and the Molly and Captain painting. This is a beautifully engaging read, I appreciated the distinct characters inhabiting each of the different historical periods and the many inspirations and all too human stories that lie behind being an artist and their works of art. Highly recommended. Many thanks to the publisher for an ARC.
July 4, 2023
Three timelines, three studies of artist families. ‘Molly & the Captain’ by Anthony Quinn is the story of one painting via three families across three centuries. It starts in Georgian Bath with the artist William Merrymount and his two daughters. His portrait of the two girls, ‘Molly & the Captain,’ intrigues through the centuries and ends up in North London in the current time.
Each of the three parts stands alone, the connections revealing themselves in the final pages. In 1758, Merrymount is a renowned artist. His elder daughter Laura is a promising student and it is she who tells the family’s story through letters to her cousin. When her emotionally brittle sister Molly falls in love with the man Laura had thought to marry, their lives change. Things are not as they appear, secrets are well-hidden even within their household and Laura discovers facts she perhaps would prefer to remain unknown.
In 1889, artist Paul Stransom makes a living painting pictures of his local area, preferring to paint landscapes in parks rather than portraits. Tempted to venture abroad, perhaps to Normandy where colleagues are having success, his plans change when in Kensington Gardens he sees a mother and two young daughters, all dressed in white. When he approaches them, they disappear. Meanwhile his sister Maggie is faced with choosing to marry a man with the means to support her, or the poor man she loves.
In modern-day North London, artist Nell is preparing for an exhibition, a retrospective of her work which should bring long-overdue recognition. Her actress daughter Billie meets a young musician who she is to work with in a film. Horrified by the squat where Robbie lives, Billie suggests her mother take him into her house to replace the lodgers currently moving out of her loft. The consequences impact on all their lives.
This is a book about families, love and loyalty, about how creativity impinges on the privacy of family members and how the conflicts of success are just as difficult to deal with now as in Georgian times. Life – romance, loyalty, self-sacrifice, betrayal, opportunities, failure – always seem to get in the way.
It took me longer to read than I expected although it is not a particularly long book. The pace is slow, Quinn takes times to describe his settings with characteristic care of detail. Essentially this is a gentle mystery, a question runs throughout the three sections: what happened to the painting ‘Molly & the Captain’?
The ending has a wonderful, but gentle, twist. A thoughtful read and one I expect to gain more from on re-reading.
Read more of my book reviews at http://www.sandradanby.com/book-revie...
Each of the three parts stands alone, the connections revealing themselves in the final pages. In 1758, Merrymount is a renowned artist. His elder daughter Laura is a promising student and it is she who tells the family’s story through letters to her cousin. When her emotionally brittle sister Molly falls in love with the man Laura had thought to marry, their lives change. Things are not as they appear, secrets are well-hidden even within their household and Laura discovers facts she perhaps would prefer to remain unknown.
In 1889, artist Paul Stransom makes a living painting pictures of his local area, preferring to paint landscapes in parks rather than portraits. Tempted to venture abroad, perhaps to Normandy where colleagues are having success, his plans change when in Kensington Gardens he sees a mother and two young daughters, all dressed in white. When he approaches them, they disappear. Meanwhile his sister Maggie is faced with choosing to marry a man with the means to support her, or the poor man she loves.
In modern-day North London, artist Nell is preparing for an exhibition, a retrospective of her work which should bring long-overdue recognition. Her actress daughter Billie meets a young musician who she is to work with in a film. Horrified by the squat where Robbie lives, Billie suggests her mother take him into her house to replace the lodgers currently moving out of her loft. The consequences impact on all their lives.
This is a book about families, love and loyalty, about how creativity impinges on the privacy of family members and how the conflicts of success are just as difficult to deal with now as in Georgian times. Life – romance, loyalty, self-sacrifice, betrayal, opportunities, failure – always seem to get in the way.
It took me longer to read than I expected although it is not a particularly long book. The pace is slow, Quinn takes times to describe his settings with characteristic care of detail. Essentially this is a gentle mystery, a question runs throughout the three sections: what happened to the painting ‘Molly & the Captain’?
The ending has a wonderful, but gentle, twist. A thoughtful read and one I expect to gain more from on re-reading.
Read more of my book reviews at http://www.sandradanby.com/book-revie...
January 5, 2024
Molly and the Captain follows the story of a painting and those connected witn it through three time periods; it's origin in the Georgian era, to the Victorian era and then thr early 1980s.
As someone who finds time-hopping books irritating and often difficult to follow, I was relieved that the book is laid out in three parts, each era consecutively following the other. Linguistically the prose subtly reflects each era.
We start in Georgian times, reading the journal of Laura who is the daughter of a respected artist. Laura is a talented artist in her own right, but as is so often the case her talent is not recognised due to her sex and also due to the preference for the talent of her father. She and her sister Molly, who has delicate mental health are the two children featured in the painting which the family refers to as Molly and the Captain. Laura may have found love, but the man then marries her sister. She is later further let down when she befriends an actress friend of her father and discovers a betrayal. Laura becomes close to a Gentleman who she paints and it is this portrait we follow through the rest of the book.
We then move into the second part of the story. Set in the Victorian era it follows Paul, a disabled painter and his sister Maggie. Maggie spots the portrait at an auction but fails to win the bid. This section of the book features a gentle, charming love story (both romantic and sibling love), a haunting of sorts, a celebrity of the era (tantalisingly we never find out who), and culminates with the portrait returning to Maggie. A beautiful story which I would have loved to have been a novel in itself.
The last part is set in the early 1980s and revolves around artist Nell and her daughter Billie. The story revolves around love and sexual desire, importantly highlighting that older women also need to feel attractive and still have a sex drive! Family ties to the portrait appear and there is a slightly predictable yet enjoyable ending.
The characters in the first and second part of the novel are beautifully written and very likeable. Not so much in the third part for me.
This was a real comfort read, a gentle pace and beautifully written.
As someone who finds time-hopping books irritating and often difficult to follow, I was relieved that the book is laid out in three parts, each era consecutively following the other. Linguistically the prose subtly reflects each era.
We start in Georgian times, reading the journal of Laura who is the daughter of a respected artist. Laura is a talented artist in her own right, but as is so often the case her talent is not recognised due to her sex and also due to the preference for the talent of her father. She and her sister Molly, who has delicate mental health are the two children featured in the painting which the family refers to as Molly and the Captain. Laura may have found love, but the man then marries her sister. She is later further let down when she befriends an actress friend of her father and discovers a betrayal. Laura becomes close to a Gentleman who she paints and it is this portrait we follow through the rest of the book.
We then move into the second part of the story. Set in the Victorian era it follows Paul, a disabled painter and his sister Maggie. Maggie spots the portrait at an auction but fails to win the bid. This section of the book features a gentle, charming love story (both romantic and sibling love), a haunting of sorts, a celebrity of the era (tantalisingly we never find out who), and culminates with the portrait returning to Maggie. A beautiful story which I would have loved to have been a novel in itself.
The last part is set in the early 1980s and revolves around artist Nell and her daughter Billie. The story revolves around love and sexual desire, importantly highlighting that older women also need to feel attractive and still have a sex drive! Family ties to the portrait appear and there is a slightly predictable yet enjoyable ending.
The characters in the first and second part of the novel are beautifully written and very likeable. Not so much in the third part for me.
This was a real comfort read, a gentle pace and beautifully written.
February 2, 2023
This book takes its name from a picture of his two daughters made by the 18th century painter William Merrymount. The other daughter in the picture is actually named Laura but family lore gave her the nickname of ‘Captain’. It is the history of this picture and its owners that Quinn depicts with immense care and accuracy.
Firstly the diaries and letter of Laura Merrymount recount events mainly in the 1780s. Whilst Merrymount is imaginary, (inspired by Thomas Gainsborough), the voice of Laura is utterly convincing as she describes her own career as an artist, an unfortunate marital rivalry with Molly and then a period of caring for her, as spinsters together in Kentish Town. The style is impeccably 18th century epistolary.
Secondly we are in Chelsea in the 1880s with artist Paul Stransom and his sister Maggie. Reminiscent of the ‘New Woman’ heroines of that era’s novels, she has missed out on the chance of going to university due to having to nurse their mother. Through friends of her brother, she happens to acquire a picture with strong connections to the famous Molly and The Captain.
The final section in Kentish Town in the 1980s recounts artist Nell and her daughter Billie, the latter a film actress appearing in what sounds like a British version of Wim Wenders’ The Wings of Desire, as they both vie for the affections of a young pop star, Robbie. This is all very enjoyable, by turns comical and poignant. A secret about the titular painting emerges to bind all three sections tightly together.
Very difficult to praise adequately in a short review, this was one of the richest and most rewarding books I read in 2022. However I would have appreciated it if the cover had featured an impression of the ‘Merrymount’ picture.
Firstly the diaries and letter of Laura Merrymount recount events mainly in the 1780s. Whilst Merrymount is imaginary, (inspired by Thomas Gainsborough), the voice of Laura is utterly convincing as she describes her own career as an artist, an unfortunate marital rivalry with Molly and then a period of caring for her, as spinsters together in Kentish Town. The style is impeccably 18th century epistolary.
Secondly we are in Chelsea in the 1880s with artist Paul Stransom and his sister Maggie. Reminiscent of the ‘New Woman’ heroines of that era’s novels, she has missed out on the chance of going to university due to having to nurse their mother. Through friends of her brother, she happens to acquire a picture with strong connections to the famous Molly and The Captain.
The final section in Kentish Town in the 1980s recounts artist Nell and her daughter Billie, the latter a film actress appearing in what sounds like a British version of Wim Wenders’ The Wings of Desire, as they both vie for the affections of a young pop star, Robbie. This is all very enjoyable, by turns comical and poignant. A secret about the titular painting emerges to bind all three sections tightly together.
Very difficult to praise adequately in a short review, this was one of the richest and most rewarding books I read in 2022. However I would have appreciated it if the cover had featured an impression of the ‘Merrymount’ picture.
December 26, 2023
A decent Christmas holiday read. I was fairly engrossed in the multiple storylines and the fates of the characters, their lives and loves. The concept of three stories in three centuries, linked by the eponymous painting from the first story, is a good one. And it kind of works, although I felt the structure needed the the second section to be connected to the other two parts by a bit more than location and the presence of the painting. (That said, in common with other reviewers on here, this was the part I liked best, mostly due to its empathetic characters). The pitching of the novel as a 'mystery' in some of the promo materials is a bit misplaced. I assume this refers to questions over the fate of the painting, but these never really felt all that fundamental to the story. Overall this feels more like a book exploring themes (relationships, the artistic mindset, recognition of talented women) and enjoying itself in finding echoes between the stories it tells than any sort of mystery. The painting feels more like an excuse for the story than its linchpin. Some of the epistolary first story, although actually not the longest section of the book, dragged a little and, overall, the book could have been tighter. I wasn't wholly convinced or excited by the characters and storyline in the final section (although I must admit I wanted to read on to find out what happened).
Pretty good but not in the top division of this year's reads - a solid middling rating feels about right.
Pretty good but not in the top division of this year's reads - a solid middling rating feels about right.
December 29, 2024
This book is divided into three parts, each part covering a different family, about a hundred years later than the one before it. The first two parts had me entranced, I couldn't believe I'd stumbled onto such a gem of a story at a secomd hand bookstore! The elegant, sophisticated and intelligent storytelling had me hooked, and the mystery surrounding the painting was magical and riveting. By the time I got to the third part, though, I was totally bamboozled, as I felt I'd somehow ended up in a completely different book, by a different author. Suddenly I was reading a trashy romance novel, with the emphasis way more on a couple of unbelievable romance triangles than on the namesake painting, which suddenly felt just tacked on to the end of the story. It seemed to me like the author wanted an excuse to write some lustful, shallow drama, and found a way to tag the painting onto the end of things to create the opportunity for himself. The first two parts were much more strongly woven with the story of the artwork, the characters more likeable, and the narratives deeper and more beguiling. I will also add that I felt that the story of the woman in white in part two was not properly concluded, and left me feeling somewhat frustrated as I felt there could have been much more to that aspect of the book. Overall, it's worth the read for anyone who loves the arts or a grand story, at 66.6/100 percent of the book being very enjoyable. But sadly, what was poised to be a favourite read of 2024 missed the mark for me.
July 24, 2022
This is essentially a book in three sections with the sections Bering linked in place and sometimes person but taking place at different times
I enjoyed the 1st and 3rd sections particularly and found that it was much clearer how these 2 sections related to each other .The second section was for me less memorable .
The first section largely is written in the form of diary writings .I park liked the way that archaic language was used subtly here,this added to the authenticity of these sections .The story is slow moving particularly in the middle section .
I enjoyed the last section the most the characters here for me were more easy to identify with .I loved the character descriptions here which were well defined and interesting .There was also more of a story line in this section and it moved along faster keeping my attention
The author has a clear easily readable prose style
Whilst this book could be described as historical fiction I felt the late 20th century sections were stronger and the story here more character than history lead .There is something for everyone in this novel and would be enjoyed by a range of readers from lovers of historical fiction to those who like women’s fiction
I read an early copy of this book on NetGalley Uk the book is published 27th October 2022
I enjoyed the 1st and 3rd sections particularly and found that it was much clearer how these 2 sections related to each other .The second section was for me less memorable .
The first section largely is written in the form of diary writings .I park liked the way that archaic language was used subtly here,this added to the authenticity of these sections .The story is slow moving particularly in the middle section .
I enjoyed the last section the most the characters here for me were more easy to identify with .I loved the character descriptions here which were well defined and interesting .There was also more of a story line in this section and it moved along faster keeping my attention
The author has a clear easily readable prose style
Whilst this book could be described as historical fiction I felt the late 20th century sections were stronger and the story here more character than history lead .There is something for everyone in this novel and would be enjoyed by a range of readers from lovers of historical fiction to those who like women’s fiction
I read an early copy of this book on NetGalley Uk the book is published 27th October 2022
January 18, 2023
A fascinating and beautifully crafted story of a fictional painting of two sisters. The book is set in 3 eras - the first is the subject of the painting, herself a gifted artist (but, hey-ho, in Georgian times male artists got all the attention) and her sister. This is narrated through Laura’s journal. Next, a charming Victorian love story, coalescing around one of Laura’s own paintings. Maggie Stransome, the teacher-sister of an artist and object of two suitors narrates this section. Finally, a modern family, full of foibles and flawed relationships and returning to the story of Laura’s painting. Nell, an artist working on her 40 year retrospective exhibition and her daughter Billie, an actress, share this section. There are many themes for discussion by reading groups - morality, art, family relationships, ownership, possession and obsession, love and even the supernatural. I know some reviewers had a mixed reaction to the work, however, I found it absorbing and look forward to going back to the earlier book, Eureka, to check out the earlier novel featuring BIllie.
February 24, 2023
Judging by the number of reviews on Goodreads, Anthony Quinn is not as well known as he deserves to be after eight novels. I’ve enjoyed all the novels of his I’ve read, and this is no exception. I wouldn’t say he’s an outstanding literary talent, but he knows how to create engaging characters and evokes a historical period so well. A pleasurable and effortless read.
My favourite part was the second one, with its evocation of a 19th century artistic milieu and a delightful love story. The third part, set in 1983, fell a little flat for me. Robbie simply wasn’t a credible character and Billie really grated on me — entirely self-centred, and remarkably immature for a 38-year-old. The plot twists didn’t work for me and as for the ending, can I just say that the contraceptive pill was widely available in 1983.
I confess I didn’t remember till I read in a review here that Billie featured in Eureka. I can remember absolutely nothing about her — I’ll have to go back and reread it. Anyway, despite my reservations I do recommend it.
My favourite part was the second one, with its evocation of a 19th century artistic milieu and a delightful love story. The third part, set in 1983, fell a little flat for me. Robbie simply wasn’t a credible character and Billie really grated on me — entirely self-centred, and remarkably immature for a 38-year-old. The plot twists didn’t work for me and as for the ending, can I just say that the contraceptive pill was widely available in 1983.
I confess I didn’t remember till I read in a review here that Billie featured in Eureka. I can remember absolutely nothing about her — I’ll have to go back and reread it. Anyway, despite my reservations I do recommend it.
August 15, 2025
This was my in person book club pick and I will say, I don't usually go for this kind of historical fiction but the blurb sounded intriguing so I gave it the benefit of the doubt. However, it just didn't grab me.
I found it difficult to get into, although I did like the format of the first part of the story being letters. It kept me going a bit as I found everything else boring.
I couldn't connect with any of the characters in the first part, or the second. I did consider dnf during part 2 but I kept going because it was for book club. By the end of this part I had decided it really wasn't my thing, but still kept going with part 3 in the modern (ish) day.
I "enjoyed" part 3 the most. The story was more relatable and the characters were easier to connect with. It still felt a bit flat. The beat thing throughout me for the whole book was the atmosphere.
I'm not sure I'll pick up anything else by thia author, but you may enjoy it if you generally like historical fiction mixed with art.
2.5⭐️ using CAWPILE
I found it difficult to get into, although I did like the format of the first part of the story being letters. It kept me going a bit as I found everything else boring.
I couldn't connect with any of the characters in the first part, or the second. I did consider dnf during part 2 but I kept going because it was for book club. By the end of this part I had decided it really wasn't my thing, but still kept going with part 3 in the modern (ish) day.
I "enjoyed" part 3 the most. The story was more relatable and the characters were easier to connect with. It still felt a bit flat. The beat thing throughout me for the whole book was the atmosphere.
I'm not sure I'll pick up anything else by thia author, but you may enjoy it if you generally like historical fiction mixed with art.
2.5⭐️ using CAWPILE
October 27, 2022
In Georgian England celebrated artist Wm Merrymount paints a picture of his two daughters, a painting which has legendary acclaim. Merrymount's private life is less assured and his talented eldest daughter has to pick up the pieces after his death. Later the sister of an artist has to chose between two men, one a penniless man she loves and the other a man who can offer worldly comforts. A century later a woman artist finds a young man upsetting her life in ways she could not predict and possibly splitting her from her daughter.
Quinnis a superb writer of historical fiction and this is an outstanding novel. The superficial link is art but the story is so much more. In each section there are family dilemmas, linked to time and place, but there are also recurring motifs eg. the drowning. Each section works on its own but the whole is greater than the sum of the parts. A real tour de force.
Quinnis a superb writer of historical fiction and this is an outstanding novel. The superficial link is art but the story is so much more. In each section there are family dilemmas, linked to time and place, but there are also recurring motifs eg. the drowning. Each section works on its own but the whole is greater than the sum of the parts. A real tour de force.
July 10, 2025
This is set over three successive timelines, tenuously connected by a painting of two sisters, daughters of the artist. The lives of the two sisters and the provenance of the painting are described in the form of diary entries by the older sister in the years from 1785. The middle section is set about a hundred years later and then the final part is set in the 1980's. The first two periods have interesting historical elements, and the second one is quite moving but the last one is far more about family relationships and has a limited connection with the painting. I didn't feel that there was sufficient cohesion between the different parts of this book and the links were too tenuous, meaning for me it felt more like three different stories. I'm also not sure why it is described as a "gripping mystery", it was more like three virtually separate historical romances. Disappointing 2.5*
January 8, 2023
Much as I like Quinnthis is not as good as usual but still a good read.
Three Novellas Linked by a painting: 1789/1809, 1890, 1992. the first is readable but “exposition”, the second is pretty good but a bit thin - i can imagine it as as novel but it would need more work to develop the plot.
The third is by far the best and nearly a REALLY GOOD READ. It follows Billy from Eureka (which in loved) fifteen years on. At times fantastic descriptions and it builds up to a real sense of dread — but it didn’t quite hit it. I wonder if he wimped out out on the powerful, painful ending that was foreshadowed? As it was, a bit of a damp squib.
Three Novellas Linked by a painting: 1789/1809, 1890, 1992. the first is readable but “exposition”, the second is pretty good but a bit thin - i can imagine it as as novel but it would need more work to develop the plot.
The third is by far the best and nearly a REALLY GOOD READ. It follows Billy from Eureka (which in loved) fifteen years on. At times fantastic descriptions and it builds up to a real sense of dread — but it didn’t quite hit it. I wonder if he wimped out out on the powerful, painful ending that was foreshadowed? As it was, a bit of a damp squib.
December 9, 2023
It was so hard to get into this book. It’s a story of a painting and it’s owners told in three parts, all 100 years apart. The first is in the epistolary style which I’m not a fan of. The second part didn’t grasp me either and would have stopped reading had it not been my book club choice. The third and final part finally got me interested in the characters and their stories and it was contemporary so I identified with it. And though the story finally came together on the whole this book didn’t work for me. However, I would have liked more from the third part and I believe it would have made a novel of its own with flashbacks to the past to fill in as necessary.
July 22, 2023
As per usual with this author I throughly enjoyed this novel. Three sections all connected and all convincing in their historical periods. A very satisfying ending too. I had missed this one on publication as I usually make sure I read Anthony Quinn's books. I have another one on my pile also missed 'Eureka' in which an earlier appearance by Billie Cantrip is made. Clever cover is somewhat of a spolier once the book has been read.
September 19, 2023
Essentially, three stories across different decades entwined by a painting.
Loved the first section and the way the author portrayed the beauty of art, the artist at work & his environment.
The middle section was mildly interesting focused on a different artist and the trials and tribulations of his sister's love life.
Got bored with the last part, straining towards the end, in which all the threads came together.
Loved the first section and the way the author portrayed the beauty of art, the artist at work & his environment.
The middle section was mildly interesting focused on a different artist and the trials and tribulations of his sister's love life.
Got bored with the last part, straining towards the end, in which all the threads came together.
November 18, 2023
Almost 5 stars for this one, I just didn't find the third tale as involving as the first two. The three stories, set in different time periods, are linked by a painting which features in them all. The stories explore sibling relationships, female friendships and love affairs, and involve creative characters - painters, music-hall performers, actors. I find Quinn an engaging writer. The style isn't flashy, but he is able to illuminate character and relationships. Very enjoyable.
January 30, 2023
Beautifully written and I loved the characters. The way is easily moved between 3 times periods was so well done. The only thing that let it down slightly for me was that the link between the times periods, the painting, was a bit weak. Lovely read though
February 2, 2024
The story of three different families in three different centuries linked by one painting. Quinn is such a good writer developing 3D characters and interesting plots. I didn't see the final twist coming.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews