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Pursuing a Masterpiece
ZARA ROSSI quietly closes the door behind her and tiptoes into the Ancient Manuscripts Room in the Papal Archives in Rome. The young American Ph.D. candidate seeks information for her dissertation and surveys the scene, yearning to join the world’s elite scholars. Disheartened after a seemingly unsuccessful day hunting for little-known information about Henry VIII’s abdication from the Roman Church, she prepares to depart. But in the final moments before closing, Zara stumbles upon a letter, hidden for centuries. A desperate warning, scrawled upon crumbling parchment, informs Pope Clement VII of imminent disaster and reveals a conspiracy depicted by a stunning one that alters history.Hoping to prove herself worthy of respect and love, Zara searches for the masterpiece, and begins to amass clues which reveal the painting’s extraordinary tale…“In this gripping and beautifully complex novel, Sandra Vasoli invites us to travel across both time and space in pursuit of the discovery of a a long-lost piece of artwork by Hans Holbein the Younger relating to the seismic and scandalous relationship between King Henry VIII and Queen Anne Boleyn. In doing so, Vasoli has crafted a thrilling, emotional masterpiece; a thick and sublimely descriptive journey which not only leads to the recovery of a lost provenance trail, but which also leads to spiritual enrichment and self-discovery. Vasoli’s characters are rich, relatable, and messy, and at its heart, this is an artful account of the triumphs courage, of friendship, and of growth. A sensation.” —Dr. Owen Emmerson, author of The Boleyns of Hever Castle
“Pursuing a Masterpiece is a riveting, fast-paced historical adventure story, with a rich and nuanced cast of characters who remain with you long after you’ve bid them a reluctant farewell. Beautifully written and astoundingly well researched, Vasoli artfully takes the reader on a spellbinding journey through the ages. A delight for any history lover!” —Natalie Grueninger, author of The Final Year of Anne Boleyn
“A joyous and sumptuous read! Sandra Vasoli indubitably crafts a wonderful tale of discovery, intrigue, and determination; blended with a marvelous passion and methodical capacity for archival research. Pursuing a Masterpiece transports the reader through the centuries, breathing life once more into some of history’s most tumultuous and enigmatic periods. Zara Rossi’s pursuit of a painting of the sixteenth century’s most infamous and legendary royal couple reflects the dreams and aspirations of every Tudor historian, author, reader, and enthusiast. History doesn’t get more alluring than this!” —David Lee, historian and author of The Queen’s Frog Prince
“Sandra Vasoli expertly guides us on a gripping, twisty journey through the ages on the hunt for one of history’s most remarkable portraits. Readers will cheer for Zara as she uncovers each clue with her stunning knack for solving the most enigmatic of puzzles. True to form, Vasoli has recreated each era with incredibly rich detail. One can’t help but feel the tingle of salt spray on their face as they sail across the Atlantic, inhale the sweet island and spicy rum scents of the Caribbean, hear the charged whispers of the demi-monde, and feel a tremor of fear in the presence of sly aristocratic Nazis at the height of their power. Pursuing a Masterpiece is a triumph!” —Adrienne Dillard, author of Keeper of the Queen’s Jewels
“From the opening scene you are hooked on this gripping historical thriller.
“Pursuing a Masterpiece is a riveting, fast-paced historical adventure story, with a rich and nuanced cast of characters who remain with you long after you’ve bid them a reluctant farewell. Beautifully written and astoundingly well researched, Vasoli artfully takes the reader on a spellbinding journey through the ages. A delight for any history lover!” —Natalie Grueninger, author of The Final Year of Anne Boleyn
“A joyous and sumptuous read! Sandra Vasoli indubitably crafts a wonderful tale of discovery, intrigue, and determination; blended with a marvelous passion and methodical capacity for archival research. Pursuing a Masterpiece transports the reader through the centuries, breathing life once more into some of history’s most tumultuous and enigmatic periods. Zara Rossi’s pursuit of a painting of the sixteenth century’s most infamous and legendary royal couple reflects the dreams and aspirations of every Tudor historian, author, reader, and enthusiast. History doesn’t get more alluring than this!” —David Lee, historian and author of The Queen’s Frog Prince
“Sandra Vasoli expertly guides us on a gripping, twisty journey through the ages on the hunt for one of history’s most remarkable portraits. Readers will cheer for Zara as she uncovers each clue with her stunning knack for solving the most enigmatic of puzzles. True to form, Vasoli has recreated each era with incredibly rich detail. One can’t help but feel the tingle of salt spray on their face as they sail across the Atlantic, inhale the sweet island and spicy rum scents of the Caribbean, hear the charged whispers of the demi-monde, and feel a tremor of fear in the presence of sly aristocratic Nazis at the height of their power. Pursuing a Masterpiece is a triumph!” —Adrienne Dillard, author of Keeper of the Queen’s Jewels
“From the opening scene you are hooked on this gripping historical thriller.
420 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 15, 2022
10 people are currently reading
67 people want to read
About the author
Sandra Vasoli
6 books41 followersI grew up in a historic area just outside Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in the US. Being surrounded by some of the oldest houses and buildings in the United States, along with historical reminders of the Revolutionary War, I developed a deep and abiding fascination for all things archival: events, fashion, mannerisms, houses—also words and language. I earned a bachelor’s degree from Villanova University majoring in both Biology and English. Along with graduate studies, I did scientific research for global companies, followed by a long career in human resources for the R&D division of one of the world’s largest pharmaceutical companies. My intense focus on people and their behaviors has informed how I develop the characters in my writing.
One of my favorite historical periods is the sixteenth century– primarily the English Tudor dynasty. What could be more engaging and impassioned than the dynamics which ruled the Court of Henry VIII?
With keen fascination for the breathtaking life of Henry’s second queen, Anne Boleyn, I wrote about a love story for the ages. Truth Endures, Anne Boleyn’s Memoir: a novel, tell the tale of of Anne and Henry, a pair matched in brilliance but ultimately tortured by their liaison.
I am a devotee of research via original sources and visit the sites frequented by my stories’ heroes. Viewing letters and documents they touched and wrote, and those read with their own eyes, is a thrill which is hard to describe. Whenever possible, I examine objects which belonged to them so many centuries ago. A moment I’ll never forget was the opportunity to hold the beautiful Book of Hours in which Anne and Henry wrote messages of love to one another. Paramount among thrilling historical exploits was the privilege of visiting the Papal Archives in the Vatican Library twice, to view the original love letters Henry penned to Anne over 480 years ago.
Investigations in the British Library Archives led me to surprising new information about a mysterious letter, which many believe was authored by Anne while imprisoned in the Tower of London awaiting execution. I published my discoveries and the updated findings in a new edition of the nonfiction study, Anne Boleyn’s Letter From the Tower.
I would love to hear from you; you can reach me via Twitter (@queenannefan), Instagram (@sandravasolibooks), Facebook https://www.facebook.com/historicfict..., or email: sandi.vasoli@gmail.com.
One of my favorite historical periods is the sixteenth century– primarily the English Tudor dynasty. What could be more engaging and impassioned than the dynamics which ruled the Court of Henry VIII?
With keen fascination for the breathtaking life of Henry’s second queen, Anne Boleyn, I wrote about a love story for the ages. Truth Endures, Anne Boleyn’s Memoir: a novel, tell the tale of of Anne and Henry, a pair matched in brilliance but ultimately tortured by their liaison.
I am a devotee of research via original sources and visit the sites frequented by my stories’ heroes. Viewing letters and documents they touched and wrote, and those read with their own eyes, is a thrill which is hard to describe. Whenever possible, I examine objects which belonged to them so many centuries ago. A moment I’ll never forget was the opportunity to hold the beautiful Book of Hours in which Anne and Henry wrote messages of love to one another. Paramount among thrilling historical exploits was the privilege of visiting the Papal Archives in the Vatican Library twice, to view the original love letters Henry penned to Anne over 480 years ago.
Investigations in the British Library Archives led me to surprising new information about a mysterious letter, which many believe was authored by Anne while imprisoned in the Tower of London awaiting execution. I published my discoveries and the updated findings in a new edition of the nonfiction study, Anne Boleyn’s Letter From the Tower.
I would love to hear from you; you can reach me via Twitter (@queenannefan), Instagram (@sandravasolibooks), Facebook https://www.facebook.com/historicfict..., or email: sandi.vasoli@gmail.com.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
January 26, 2023
A dual timeline. A lost 16th century painting. An academic student's search for traces of the artwork throughout time. When I first heard about author, Sandra Vasoli's latest book, I was immediately intrigued, and I was not let down. Pursuing a Masterpiece has it all - history, art, dual timelines, likeable characters and a thrilling mystery.
The novel's protagonist, Zara Rossi, is a PhD student at La Sapienza Universita di Roma who has a special talent for deciphering historical texts. Zara's area of research focuses on King Henry VIII's split from the Roman Catholic Church. During a research trip to the Papal Archives, Zara comes across a letter from the Grandmaster of the Order of St John, Villiers de L'Isle-Adam. The letter provides a warning to Pope Clement VII of a new portrait. The portrait, depicting King Henry VIII and Queen Anne Boleyn, is filled with religious symbolism and alludes to a cataclysmic conspiracy.
Throughout this book, readers are taken on an exquisite journey through time as Zara traces the movements of the portrait. Once the scene is set, we are transported into the sixteenth century, to the portraits inception. We meet prominent figures including King Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn, but also Hans Holbein, Thomas Cranmer and Thomas Cromwell (to name a few). From here, readers become witnesses to the portraits travels through time. We meet a wide range of characters - from pirates, to a French bawd, a fashion designer, and even Nazi's.
While reading this book I became heavily invested in Zara's research, and wanted so much for her to succeed. But, that's not all I became invested in. Zara's character develops throughout the book. We learn about her past, and reasons for her personality traits. The character of Zara Rossi is likeable and relatable. Her closest friends and family help her on her path, as she searches for the portrait and discovers herself.
Pursuing a Masterpiece is a genuinely beautiful historical fiction novel. It encapsulates the love of history so perfectly. It is the sort of the book that will draw readers into a life-long passion for history. If you love fiction novels, thrilling mysteries, the Tudors, or history then I highly recommend Pursuing a Masterpiece by Sandra Vasoli.
The novel's protagonist, Zara Rossi, is a PhD student at La Sapienza Universita di Roma who has a special talent for deciphering historical texts. Zara's area of research focuses on King Henry VIII's split from the Roman Catholic Church. During a research trip to the Papal Archives, Zara comes across a letter from the Grandmaster of the Order of St John, Villiers de L'Isle-Adam. The letter provides a warning to Pope Clement VII of a new portrait. The portrait, depicting King Henry VIII and Queen Anne Boleyn, is filled with religious symbolism and alludes to a cataclysmic conspiracy.
Throughout this book, readers are taken on an exquisite journey through time as Zara traces the movements of the portrait. Once the scene is set, we are transported into the sixteenth century, to the portraits inception. We meet prominent figures including King Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn, but also Hans Holbein, Thomas Cranmer and Thomas Cromwell (to name a few). From here, readers become witnesses to the portraits travels through time. We meet a wide range of characters - from pirates, to a French bawd, a fashion designer, and even Nazi's.
While reading this book I became heavily invested in Zara's research, and wanted so much for her to succeed. But, that's not all I became invested in. Zara's character develops throughout the book. We learn about her past, and reasons for her personality traits. The character of Zara Rossi is likeable and relatable. Her closest friends and family help her on her path, as she searches for the portrait and discovers herself.
Pursuing a Masterpiece is a genuinely beautiful historical fiction novel. It encapsulates the love of history so perfectly. It is the sort of the book that will draw readers into a life-long passion for history. If you love fiction novels, thrilling mysteries, the Tudors, or history then I highly recommend Pursuing a Masterpiece by Sandra Vasoli.
December 1, 2022
What if you found information about a mysterious portrait that would radically change how we view history forever? Who would you tell? When Zara Rossi entered the Ancient Manuscripts Room at the Papal Archives in Rome, she never imagined how a single letter would change her life and the Tudor community. Each piece of the puzzle unlocks a new story from the past and allows Zara to explore the remarkable tale of this masterpiece. Follow the clues with Zara Rossi to solve this mystery from the past in Sandra Vasoli’s latest book, “Pursuing a Masterpiece: A Novel.”
Thank you, Sandra Vasoli and GreyLondon Press, for sending me a copy of this novel. I am always looking for a new way to incorporate Tudor history into a story, so when I heard the description of this particular book, I was captivated.
Zara Rossi begins her adventure into the past by going to the Ancient Manuscripts Room and the Papal Archives, which is an immense honor as you have to be invited even to have a chance to go into the Archives. She is looking for personal letters of Pope Clement VII to find his reaction to Henry VIII’s split from Rome. Instead, she found a letter from the Grand Master of the Order of St. John, Villiers de L’lsle-Adam, about a double portrait of King Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn.
As Zara uncovers the tale with each clue in the modern age, Vasoli introduces her audience to a colorful cast of characters that span centuries. Starting in the 16th century, we are introduced to Henry VIII, Anne Boleyn, his advisors, Hans Holbein the Younger, and the Court Astronomer Nikolaus Kratzer. We also become acquainted with the Order of St. John and rebellious Catholics horrified by this painting. But, we do not stay in the 16th century for long as Vasoli transports her readers to the middle of an 18th-century swashbuckling pirate adventure in the Caribbean that ends up in France with a murder, a trip on the Titanic with a fashion designer for the rich and famous, and an encounter with scoundrels from World War II at Hever Castle.
Vasoli created a complex yet spectacular story of pursuing the truth that will rock the academic world with vibrant characters and compelling cases. Zara is a main character that I could personally relate to, and while I was reading, I was hoping she would find her way to not only the truth about the painting but for her to be happy with her family and friends. Her desire to uncover the truth, no matter the cost, is genuinely admirable. I wanted to know if Zara would ever find the truth, but at the same time, I did not want the story to end.
Vasoli created a masterpiece by not only creating a thought-provoking fictitious double portrait of Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn but a novel that is unlike anything I have read. It’s a love letter to the past and those who pursue the truth behind even the smallest fragment left by our ancestors. If you want a thrilling Tudor-based historical fiction novel, “Pursuing a Masterpiece: A Novel” by Sandra Vasoli is a must-read.
Thank you, Sandra Vasoli and GreyLondon Press, for sending me a copy of this novel. I am always looking for a new way to incorporate Tudor history into a story, so when I heard the description of this particular book, I was captivated.
Zara Rossi begins her adventure into the past by going to the Ancient Manuscripts Room and the Papal Archives, which is an immense honor as you have to be invited even to have a chance to go into the Archives. She is looking for personal letters of Pope Clement VII to find his reaction to Henry VIII’s split from Rome. Instead, she found a letter from the Grand Master of the Order of St. John, Villiers de L’lsle-Adam, about a double portrait of King Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn.
As Zara uncovers the tale with each clue in the modern age, Vasoli introduces her audience to a colorful cast of characters that span centuries. Starting in the 16th century, we are introduced to Henry VIII, Anne Boleyn, his advisors, Hans Holbein the Younger, and the Court Astronomer Nikolaus Kratzer. We also become acquainted with the Order of St. John and rebellious Catholics horrified by this painting. But, we do not stay in the 16th century for long as Vasoli transports her readers to the middle of an 18th-century swashbuckling pirate adventure in the Caribbean that ends up in France with a murder, a trip on the Titanic with a fashion designer for the rich and famous, and an encounter with scoundrels from World War II at Hever Castle.
Vasoli created a complex yet spectacular story of pursuing the truth that will rock the academic world with vibrant characters and compelling cases. Zara is a main character that I could personally relate to, and while I was reading, I was hoping she would find her way to not only the truth about the painting but for her to be happy with her family and friends. Her desire to uncover the truth, no matter the cost, is genuinely admirable. I wanted to know if Zara would ever find the truth, but at the same time, I did not want the story to end.
Vasoli created a masterpiece by not only creating a thought-provoking fictitious double portrait of Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn but a novel that is unlike anything I have read. It’s a love letter to the past and those who pursue the truth behind even the smallest fragment left by our ancestors. If you want a thrilling Tudor-based historical fiction novel, “Pursuing a Masterpiece: A Novel” by Sandra Vasoli is a must-read.
July 9, 2023
The historical fiction aspect of this book was engrossing. I really enjoyed how the author took us through multiple years and characters and tied them all together. As the book progressed it became more stilted as it it focused on the relationship of Zara and Antonio. The dialogue between them just didn’t seem quite natural. Overall, though, I enjoyed the book.
January 20, 2023
Mal was anderes
Die Grundidee zu der Geschichte, dass eine junge Studentin sich auf die Suche nach einem verschollenen Gemälde macht hat mich sofort fasziniert und da ich auch schon andere Bücher der Autorin gelesen habe, habe ich mich sehr darauf gefreut.
Insgesamt ist es ein spannendes Buch mit einer dreidimensionalen Hauptfigur, die speziell ist, mit Schwächen und Stärken, die sie mir sehr sympathisch gemacht haben. Die Sprünge in den Zeiten von Kapitel zu Kapitel um die Geschichte der Suche und des Werdegang des Bildes mitzuerleben hat mir auch sehr gut gefallen, dadurch wird es nicht langweilig. Mich haben besonders die Kapitel aus der Entstehung des Bildes sehr interessiert, da ich einen Faible für die Tudorzeit habe. Auch die weiteren Zeiträume sind spannend, allerdings manchmal auch etwas langatmig und auch wenn es natürlich wichtig ist die Menschen die mit dem Bild zu tun haben kennen zu lernen war es mir an einigen Stellen zu viel, gerade eines dieser Kapitel hatte 40 Seiten und mir hat sich nicht erschlossen warum ich so viel über den Mann und seine Geliebte wissen musste. Dafür fand ich das Ende dann sehr abrupt und ich hätte gern gewusst was aus Zara und Antonio wird.
Insgesamt ist es ein sehr gutes Buch, gerade auch die historischen Aspekte sind sehr gut recherchiert, aber es hat nicht an allen Stellen meinen Wünschen als Leser entsprochen. Vielleicht waren meine Erwartungen aufgrund der anderen Bücher einfach etwas sehr hoch.
Die Grundidee zu der Geschichte, dass eine junge Studentin sich auf die Suche nach einem verschollenen Gemälde macht hat mich sofort fasziniert und da ich auch schon andere Bücher der Autorin gelesen habe, habe ich mich sehr darauf gefreut.
Insgesamt ist es ein spannendes Buch mit einer dreidimensionalen Hauptfigur, die speziell ist, mit Schwächen und Stärken, die sie mir sehr sympathisch gemacht haben. Die Sprünge in den Zeiten von Kapitel zu Kapitel um die Geschichte der Suche und des Werdegang des Bildes mitzuerleben hat mir auch sehr gut gefallen, dadurch wird es nicht langweilig. Mich haben besonders die Kapitel aus der Entstehung des Bildes sehr interessiert, da ich einen Faible für die Tudorzeit habe. Auch die weiteren Zeiträume sind spannend, allerdings manchmal auch etwas langatmig und auch wenn es natürlich wichtig ist die Menschen die mit dem Bild zu tun haben kennen zu lernen war es mir an einigen Stellen zu viel, gerade eines dieser Kapitel hatte 40 Seiten und mir hat sich nicht erschlossen warum ich so viel über den Mann und seine Geliebte wissen musste. Dafür fand ich das Ende dann sehr abrupt und ich hätte gern gewusst was aus Zara und Antonio wird.
Insgesamt ist es ein sehr gutes Buch, gerade auch die historischen Aspekte sind sehr gut recherchiert, aber es hat nicht an allen Stellen meinen Wünschen als Leser entsprochen. Vielleicht waren meine Erwartungen aufgrund der anderen Bücher einfach etwas sehr hoch.
February 17, 2023
In this gripping and beautifully complex novel, Sandra Vasoli invites us to travel across both time and space in pursuit of the discovery of a lifetime: a long-lost piece of artwork by Hans Holbein the Younger relating to the seismic and scandalous relationship between King Henry VIII and Queen Anne Boleyn. In doing so, Vasoli has crafted a thrilling, emotional masterpiece; a thick and sublimely descriptive journey which not only leads to the recovery of a lost provenance trail, but which also leads to spiritual enrichment and self-discovery. Vasoli’s characters are rich, relatable, and messy, and at its heart, this is an artful account of the triumphs courage, of friendship, and of growth. A sensation.
April 25, 2023
This book was absolutely fantastic. I wish I could rate it a 10. Sandra Vasoli obviously did so much research on her book and it shows. Her characters are beautifully developed and are wonderfully human with character flaws and are definitely not perfect but are perfectly relatable. We find ourselves traveling from Rome, Italy to Paris, France, back to Italy and then to Hever Castle in Hever, Edenbridge, England. It's a wonderful story history, a treasure hunts, research, a little bit of a love interest, family and friends. I really can't recommend this book enough. It's so enjoyable I'm going to recommend it as a read for my book club in 2 months, sis next month is Gareth Russell's Young, Damned and Fair - his fabulous autobiography about Henry the VIII's 5th Queen, young Kathryn Howard
November 15, 2022
Sandra Vasoli expertly guides us on a gripping, twisty journey through the ages on the hunt for one of history’s most remarkable portraits. Readers will cheer for Zara as she uncovers each clue with her stunning knack for solving the most enigmatic of puzzles. True to form, Vasoli has recreated each era with incredibly rich detail. One can’t help but feel the tingle of salt spray on their face as they sail across the Atlantic, inhale the sweet island and spicy rum scents of the Caribbean, hear the charged whispers of the demi-monde, and feel a tremor of fear in the presence of sly aristocratic Nazis at the height of their power. Pursuing a Masterpiece is a triumph!
March 2, 2023
An epic tale spanning hundreds of years, ocean voyages, Paris, Rome, England and the Caribbean. It’s succinctly written in 400 pages so is not daunting. One will read quickly not wanting to stop, but not wanting the story to end. By including actual people in this fictional story, the time period shifts are anchored in my mind with no difficulty following the timeline. I have thoroughly enjoyed reading this and am looking forward to re-reading it.
April 16, 2023
Zara is undertaking research for her thesis in the Vatican Archives. Looking at a book she discovers reference to a lost painting that could change history as we know it. This is a decent dual timeline mystery as the protagonist sets out to find the truth whilst in the past we see what happens during the time of Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn.
June 23, 2023
A beautiful tale for the history lover.
This page turning read was absolutely amazing. It has mystery, romance, self discovery, and flawlessly recounts historic events! I love this book! Sandra Vasoli is incredibly talented!
This page turning read was absolutely amazing. It has mystery, romance, self discovery, and flawlessly recounts historic events! I love this book! Sandra Vasoli is incredibly talented!
December 17, 2024
An incredible historical fiction masterpiece.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews