Perfect Copy

by Derville Murphy

An historical mystery set in 19th century Russia, Vienna, and London where secrets of a family portrait uncover a family’s hidden past. Daisy Staunton and Ben Tarrant meet at an auction and discover they own identical copies of a Victorian portrait of an elegant, enigmatic ancestor of theirs. But is one a fake? On a sweeping trail of mystery and intrigue that leads them across Europe – from the impoverished shtetls of Russia to the elegance of Hapsburg Vienna and Victorian London – they uncover the story of two young Jewish sisters, Rosa and Lena Rabinovitch, forced to take heart-breaking decisions in their attempts to survive. Ben, a primary-school teacher, and Daisy, a successful marketing executive, initially do not hit it off. But, compelled to prove the paintings’ provenance, they reluctantly form an alliance. Each is dealing with a personal issue – Ben increasingly despondent about advanced plans for a flashy expensive wedding, and Daisy fed up of playing second fiddle to her boyfriend’s all-consuming career. But discovering disturbing secrets about their past makes them question their own lives – who they really are, and, more importantly, who they want to be. Praise for Derville Murphy “Gripping. The mystery of captivating portraits set amid sweeping historical themes makes an elegant and enthralling read” Patricia O’Reilly, author of The First Rose of Tralee “Pacey, poignant and unputdownable” Tricia Holbrook, author of Irish Coco

Genres: Historical Fiction

Paperback

About the author

Art, history, and books are my passion and now I am lucky enough to be able to combine all three. For many years I worked as an art consultant. During this time, I also painted and exhibited my own work. But about fifteen years ago, I decided to go back to college to get a deeper knowledge of art and history. While I was there, I got hooked on the detective work that is involved in historical research. However, I found that days spent pouring over ancient volumes in dusty libraries don’t always yield the results to tell a compelling story. And I started thinking about, painting, and telling stories, as a way for me to get a clearer understanding of the past.
As well as painting and writing, I am an avid reader, a member of a rowdy book club, and a writing group, and these friends have given me great support on my journey to become a writer. I also love cooking and drinking good white wine and having the craic. To burn all of the calories I consume in this way, I cycle madly, walk and swim in the Irish Sea – whenever it’s not Baltic – which is not often, to be honest! My husband, who is my best friend, and I, have two daughters both amazing young women of whom I am enormously proud: and we are grandparents of adorable one-year-old twins. I am writing this and thinking, my life like most peoples has not been without its ups and downs – but having family and friends to stand by you is the greatest blessing of all. I hope you enjoy my books and get as much enjoyment from reading them as I have had writing them
The Art Collector’s Daughter is my debut novel and I have another one in the pipeline. So, watch this space! My second novel is based on my research into the life of Margaret Allen, a Victorian Irish artist, who was written out of history because her paintings sympathised with the Irish nationalist cause.

Reviews

[Mairead Hearne (swirlandthread.com) · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Perfect Copy by Derville Murphy was published with Poolbeg Press April 26th. The book was inspired by the discovery that Derville Murphy’s husband’s grandfather Percival Wilson (originally Wingard) was Jewish, a fact that was not spoken about in the family for over eighty years. Derville Murphy’s ‘fascination with this man’s story led her on a journey back as far as 1830 to Kornyn, West of Kiev, where the Wingard family originated. At that time, it was at the heart of Russia’s Pale of Jewish settlement where Tsar Nicholas forced Jews to live.’

In A Perfect Copy we become immersed in the lives of Rosa and Lena Rabinovitch, two Jewish sisters living in Kornyn in 1853. Rosa is on the verge of marrying the young and handsome Isaac but her parents have other intentions of marriage for her younger sister Lena. Growing up, both girls knew they were much loved by their parents but were also very much aware of the daily financial struggles of life in the Pale of Jewish Settlement. As their lives unfold we are taken on a compelling journey from Kornyn to Vienna and London. Rosa and Lena loved each other dearly but an act of defiance resulted in them becoming embroiled in a complicated rivalry, one that would impact their lives forever in the most unimaginable way.

2011 Daisy Frome and Ben Tarrant, two strangers, separately wish to auction family portraits in order to raise much needed cash. On the day of the auction the art pieces are removed from sale as it becomes clear that both are of the same woman. Both paintings appear identical to the naked eye but only one is signed by the artist. Confused, Daisy and Ben make the decision to try to unravel a little of their family history to see if they can uncover the truth behind these replicas. Along the way, they also discover a little bit more about themselves. Ben is a primary school teacher who was reared by his older sister after the tragic death of his parents. He is now engaged but the complicated wedding plans are getting to be too much for Ben so this journey into his past is the perfect distraction from the daily stresses he finds himself under. Daisy is highly successful in marketing and in a long-term relationship with her boyfriend, albeit a long-distance one as he works in London. Daisy has always thought their partnership was solid but now, as she spends more time with Ben, she starts to question her relationship and her plans for her future.

As Ben and Daisy make some extraordinary discoveries, the reader is treated to a mystery full of intrigue and heartbreak as the past is slowly revealed. Derville Murphy is an art consultant and her passion and knowledge for art shines true adding a very authentic layer to this elaborate and vivid tale. There is a vibrancy to this story that spills through in the almost cinematic descriptions of Vienna and the wealth of those who lived there versus the poverty of Kornyn and the power of religion over its citizens. This juxtaposition of these two very different worlds is wonderfully depicted by Derville Murphy and is seamlessly intertwined with the contemporary world that Ben and Daisy inhabit.

A Perfect Copy is a fascinating and very affecting read. Derville Murphy writes with great compassion bringing the reader right into the lives of these two sisters as we witness the strife and hardship they had to overcome in order to survive. A Perfect Copy felt like a biographical account of a true-life event which is very much down to the meticulous level of research undertaken by Derville Murphy.

“This journey into the past uncovered a new world, a rich tapestry of Jewish life in Eastern Europe during the mid-19th century, and I used this knowledge to weave an entirely fictional story about art, love and obsession.” – Derville Murphy

With a very engaging plot, A Perfect Copy is a sweeping tale across generations that will satisfy all who enjoy a captivating mystery. Imbued with a great sense of time and place, A Perfect Copy was a joy to get lost in, a wonderful combination of the historical with the contemporary.

[TaniaRina · Rating 4 out of 5]

A book about art, family, romance, a cozy mystery, betrayal, and Jewish life. This goes back and forth between two timelines as it intertwines two sets of families/couples. It begs the question, what are your values?

Since I’m not a writer myself, I hesitate to critique authors. Especially after they have spent time researching material as well as crafting their story. Having said that, I want to point out an item or two for the readers regarding Judaism (no spoilers).
Unmarried women do not visit a mikvah (ritual bath) until the day prior to their wedding.
One of the characters is not Jewish since his male ancestor married a non-Jewish woman (matrilineal descent).
Jews do not convert to other religions; they remain Jewish and are considered apostates.
It is the husband, not the wife, who gives the get (divorce); the wife accepts the get.

Having said all that, there were a lot of Jewish practices that were employed the way that we practice.

I plan on reading The Art Collector’s Daughter (have) and If Only She Knew.

[Sylvia Jacobs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book Title: A Perfect Copy

Author: Derville Murphy

Genre: Historical Biographical Fiction

Book Reviewed By Sylvia J.

This book was inspired by a family secret. It wasn’t spoken about for many many years. So much so that it was simply forgotten. The author's husband’s grandfather was Jewish.
The author tries to imagine what his life would have been like. His story was like so many others. He had to run away from persecution and anti-Semitism.

The author’s journey into the past uncovered for her a New World into the Jewish life of the Jews, in eastern Europe during the mid 19th century. This is a fiction story about love, art and obsession.

Dublin, Ireland, the character named Daisy is at an auction trying to sell a painting she inherited from her grandmother. She’s pulled aside and told that there is an another copy of her painting. She is told it is quite unusual to have two exact copies of one portrait. Daisy tells them that the portrait is a family portrait of her great-great-grandaunt Lena Tarrant. Could one of the portraits be a fake? Will they be able to tell which one is a fake? Daisy was completely in the dark. How will she sell the painting now?
There will be many investigations ahead. The other painting looked exactly like the one she had and it was owned by some guy who was also in the auction. One would say it was a perfect copy.

One will find it saddening reading about anti-Semitism especially the ones that went on 30 years ago in Odessa. When one has to change their name and fear of being attacked and hide their Jewishness, it is quite saddening.

One will find delight in reading about Shabbat in the book. One will also love to read about the matchmaking done in the book.

This book discusses Dublin in the 19 century. It discusses the life of two sisters. One is named Rosa and one is named Lena. They are quite different from each other. It discusses Jewish life under very difficult circumstances.
There is much going on in this book, many stories are told. It is a mystery and yet a romance as well. There is much Jewish history discussed in this book. There was much research done for this book as one can clearly see. The book is part mystery, part historical fiction with two timelines going. It will bring one to the 19th century of Vienna and London as well. it discusses family relationships.


One will definitely want to put this on their TBR list. It deserves the rating of five out of five stars. One will not be able to put this book down. Did someone say binge read, oh yes!

[Katherine Hutton Mezzacappa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read Derville Murphy's fiction before and so was looking forward to this book. She has surpassed herself. I found myself still reading at 1.30am because the story would not let me go. It is told in two threads: Dublin in the decade before Covid, and a 19c. Pale shtetl, some of whose members migrate and transform themselves in Habsburg Vienna, the story being centred on two sisters, the kind and loyal Rosa and the unscrupulous, amoral yet apparently frigid Lena. The beautiful Lena does her sister a terrible wrong, and the repercussions of that wrong drive a truly absorbing plot. More than a century later, two seemingly identical portraits of the same woman surface in a Dublin auction house, entwining their sellers in ways they could not have imagined. The first mystery is the identification of the sitter, but even when that question appears to be resolved, the closing pages of the novel deliver an unexpected twist. Murphy's research is impeccable and far-reaching. All the scientific detail of how a painting is made (and how it can be made to give up its secrets) is there, without weighing down the pace of the narrative. The portrait of a close-knit, gossipy Jewish community under Tsarist rule is deftly, convincingly drawn. Mute objects - a worn, embroidered tablecloth and two engraved cups - have their own stories to tell, making their own contribution to a compellingly plotted story.

[Helen Hollick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reviewer's Choice Selection
At an auction, Daisy and Ben discover that they own paintings that appear to be exact duplicates. One is signed, the other is not. Curiously, Daisy looks something like the lady in the painting. This sets them on a search to find out why two copies were made of the same painting and if both are authentic.

The earlier part of the story begins with a family of Russian Jews. Two sisters, Rosa and Lena, are concerned about their future marriages. One day, when Rosa goes to the riverbank to do laundry, she is assaulted by a Russian soldier, and saved from certain rape by her beloved fiancé, Isaac. Beautiful Lena doesn’t want to marry the man her parents have chosen for her, and convinces Isaac that he would be unwise to marry her sister, who might be carrying the child of a Russian soldier. Isaac is captivated and chooses her, leaving kind Rosa broken hearted.

Sometime into the marriage, Isaac decides to have his wife’s portrait painted. Only the artist knows the secret of the two paintings and he is long gone. Meanwhile, back in Ireland, the two amateur sleuths are getting answers which lead to other questions and at the same time coming to realise that their present partners are not very satisfactory and getting chummy with each other.

The lives of ordinary Jews in Russia at that time, the way they dealt with marriage, divorce and the taint of scandal, were aspects of the story that the author wove in with finesse. And the story itself was intriguing, in the sense of – I can’t wait to find out what happens next. As the Dublin pair globe-trot to Vienna and London, leads are revealed to them in a timely fashion, so that nothing is given away until the climax when the secret is revealed ... (no spoilers!)

Characters are wonderfully drawn with very human frailties and strengths that shine, particularly the Jews, and the pages are filled with emotion that kept me wanting to read more right to the very satisfactory ending.

There is one little blemish I must add. It was a huge coincidence that both paintings were in the same auction on the same day, and that their owners were a young male and a young female, both in unsatisfactory relationships. All very understandable in the creation of the plot. Acknowledging this in no way spoilt my enjoyment of this thoroughly engrossing story, and I highly recommend it.

(The book is a steal at the price, but maybe the cover, while nicely designed, doesn’t do it justice?)

Originally Reviewed for Discovering Diamonds

[Elaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Perfect Copy by Derville Murphy is a beautiful story spanning several centuries. Beginning in contemporary Dublin in the year 2011 and flashing back to Kiev in 1853.
The family tree must be investigated by Daisy Staunton and Ben Tarrant in order to discover if one of their identical paintings are fake. They meet at an auction where each of them has high hopes of selling their painting. Initially the two dislike each other as Daisy is a high-flying executive with an obnoxious banking boyfriend and Ben is a teacher in an inner-city school. Ben is intent on making a difference in the lives of the kids he teaches and wants to live among them in the community, but his fiancé has other ideas of how and where she wants to live and spend Ben’s money on a flashy wedding.
This is an intriguing story that leads Ben and Daisy to travel across Europe, reliving the steps of their ancestors. A Russian Kiev, an Austrian Vienna and a Victorian London depicts a trail of Jewish identity. From the impoverished Jewish village of Kornyn, to the wealthy lifestyles of Vienna, 19th century Rosa objects but conforms to Jewish family rule. Juxtaposed with her rebellious sister Lena who resists and defies the limitations of being Jewish.
Secrets, lies and broken hearts are portrayed in this Jewish family saga that Murphy conveys with a rich vibrancy, whilst her narrative weaves us through a celebrated landscape of life and literature. Sense of place is illustrated through textures, fragrances and beautiful imagery. There is no doubt Murphy’s art historian background is an accolade that compliments this powerful, tender reclamation of a beleaguered society.

[Anne McLoughlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unravelling the mystery of two identical paintings turning up at an auction. This brilliant idea for a storyline made for an intriguing read. Is one a fake copy of the original by an acclaimed artist?

An unusual dual timeline, so expertly researched that there is crystal clarity between the modern day story of Ben and Daisy the owners of the portraits and the historic provenance of the paintings.

From a town in Ukraine to Vienna to Victorian London, this family saga, focusing mainly on the story of two Jewish sisters, Rosa and Lena with very different personalities. The ambitious Lena goes single-mindedly after whatever she wants in life, a strategy that doesn’t always end in happiness and Rosa, a gentler soul, who seems to roll with the punches. The twists and turns of their lives and relationships, grip the reader from the start. The sense of location in the many geographical settings had you right there with either sister.

And then there was the modern day story of Ben and Daisy running alongside.

A lot to be learned from this book - from art techniques to life in mid 1800s Russia. Fascinating.
A book I couldn’t leave down.

[Angelia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't say enough about this amazing book. Part mystery, part romance, part multi-generational saga there's just so much in this story to love. The relationship between the modern day protagonists, Daisy and Ben, is enjoyable. They're very human and relatable. They're each trying to sell a family heirloom painting and find out they each have the exact same painting. The story of how the paintings came to be is superbly told, with enough surprises and twists to keep the mystery going. The sisters the "past" story revolves around, Lena and Rosa are beautifully developed. Even when they're doing things that are wrong their humanity keeps them from being one dimensional. The book is based on a story from the author's family history, and she writes it with such understanding and beauty that the characters seem like real people. It's a book that stays with you.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book hard to put down - it really earned the adjective engrossing! I enjoyed the way this new-to-me author intertwined four couples’ stories, two historical and two contemporary, to make one complete tale. At the center of the book are a pair of striking paintings of a beautiful women. When they are offered at auction, the fact that there are suddenly two casts doubt on their authenticity: which one is “the perfect copy”? An investigation into their provenance sheds surprising light on two 19th century Jewish sisters, and brings their descendants into an unexpected friendship. The juxtaposition of Orthodox culture, Victorian society, and modern life in the UK were interesting. I would’ve given this book five stars except for some vulgar language and indelicate sexual descriptions. Otherwise the writing is strong and the pacing natural. I received a complimentary copy from the publisher via Book Sirens, but was not required to post a review.

[Rute · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to the Library thing for sending me this book as part of Early review program.

I found this book quite interesting in regards to the time placement. It's unusual (at least for me) to read about things that Jews had to endure in their lives that weren't part of the Holocaust. It saddens me to learn that they suffered for a long time before that.

As for the story, I found it interesting, however for me, it didn't have as much suspense and mystery as I would have liked. I'm no researcher, and I understand that finding information depends on what's written, but it seemed to me that finding the information needed was simple and easy.

However, the way the author tells Lena and Rosa's story is very compelling, like we are living it with them and seeing firsthand all the feelings.

I would recommend this book to others because we all love a bit of a scavenger hunt in our lives, even if it's to find the origins of art.

[R J Mckay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Two identical paintings, two different family stories, and two mysteries to solve, this dual timeline saga begins with a Jewish family in Russia and moves forward in time to Vienna and finally to England. How can two families have what appears to be an identical ancestor that bears two different names? Who is this mysterious woman and where did she come from? And why are there two seemingly identical paintings of her?

This story was a puzzle. It was a head-scratcher. It was a big question that demanded an answer. But to find that answer, Derville Murphy took the reader on a quest to a long-buried past. The story captured my imagination. It did a wonderful job of blending loves, past, and present, as well as explaining the culture of the Jewish people and all they endured throughout the time frame of the story.

[Gara]

A Perfect Copy" was a compelling read. Part historical fiction, part modern mystery, the two timelines drew me in as I wanted to discover how each resolved. I found the historical fiction setting in eastern Europe, and the diverse characters, unique and of interest to me. This part of the world is currently in the news because of Russia's invasion of the Ukraine, and I felt that this novel increased my understanding of the history and challenges of this region. I enjoyed solving the mystery of the two identical paintings. I felt the romantic resolution of this story was a bit predictable, I probably would have been dissatisfied to see it end differently! I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Maybelle Wallis · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this dual timeline historical novel two people bring identical 19th century portraits to an auction. But is one of them original and the other a copy? If so, which one is which? Who is the beautiful woman in the painting, and what is her story?

In A Perfect Copy Derville Murphy displays her expertise in art history as well as a flair for bringing to life the social history of another age. She explores the Jewish community of the 19th century, starting in what is now Ukraine, and bringing the reader to 19th century Vienna and London, while the contemporary thread of her story is set in Dublin. Both threads of her intriguing novel explore the fractured intricacies of family relationships, ending on a romantic note.

[Carol Hayden · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just finished reading Derville's Murphy's latest page turner 'A Perfect Copy' and what a great read. The mystery of two identical paintings and the unearthing of the mystery behind it that takes the reader from Dublin in 2011 back to Kiev in 1853. This is a story of two Jewish sisters Rosa and Lena one innocent the other ruthless and the harsh choices they must make to survive. A gripping story of love and betrayal, selfishness and cunning and above all a mystery that keeps the reader turning the pages until the final moments when all is revealed. This writer is going from strength to strength and I can't wait to read her next offering.

[Tracy · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Perfect Copy held my attention and I was drawn in immediately as Daisy and Ben began the search for answers about the painting and the copy . The author took me back to a time long gone as the characters surfaced in their own Era and while I wasn't expecting a historical story when I began reading it. I found it depicting years of Jewish history and the struggles they faced while it was a work of fiction- I found the scandalous plot intriguing and couldn't put the book down. I would recommend this book. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this honest review voluntarily.

[Karin Parker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love, lies and deceit feature in this historical mystery set in 19th Century Russia, Vienna and London.

Daisy Staunton and Ben Tarrant meet at an auction and discover they own identical copies of a Victorian portrait of an elegant, enigmatic ancestor of theirs. But is one a fake?

On a sweeping trail of mystery and intrigue that leads them across Europe – from the impoverished shtetls of Russia to the elegance of Hapsburg Vienna and Victorian London – they uncover the story of two young Jewish sisters, Rosa and Lena Rabinovitch, forced to take heart-breaking decisions in their attempts to survive.

A pacey, poignant, captivating read. I thoroughly enjoyed this unputdownable novel.

[Yvonne Brewer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having read her two previous historical novels Derville Murphy’s latest novel A PERFECT COPY was one I just had to read. And like her other books this one did not disappoint.
The story is rich in history and the characters are strong and relatable. Though set in two time lines the reader cannot resist admiring or connecting with the main characters. The settings are visual and the story is full of twists and turns with a great sense of artistic and historical context. I was even inspired to write a poem after being moved by one part of the story that referred to a family table cloth that had significance. Highly recommended.

[Sandy McKenna · Rating 5 out of 5]

An intriguing story.

A gripping and intriguing dual timeline set in 19th century Russia, Vienna and London.
In 2011, two people meet at an auction, only to learn that they both own identical copies of an ancestral painting. They then embark on an incredible journey to discover hidden secrets and lies which are to determine the origins of these enigmatic works of art.
This is a thoroughly enjoyable read, with plenty of twists and turns. I found it hard to put down, and have no hesitation in recommending it to lovers of this genre.

[Vivian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Two identical paintings, two family mysteries, two beautiful women, two timelines, and all these collides at the end become one story, one family and one resolved mystery.
This was a very compelling read, with relatable characters, a good measure of research making this book one very hard to put down.
I was very interested in the Jewish aspect of the book, the way the family was living in the little village, or shtetl, but also how they changed when moving to Vienna.
This is a must book to read for everyone who likes historical fiction and especially Jewish history.

[Christine · Rating 3 out of 5]

A 2,5* rounded up to 3*. I couldn't really get into this two timelines story. I found both timelines stories and their characters rather predictable. On top of this, I have noticed a few inadequacies as to the Jewish religion rituals which should not happen in my opinion.
I received a complimentary ARC and I am leaving voluntarily a review.

[Andrea ☘ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Perfect for fans of Tracy Chevalier. It is an intriguing tale of 2 portraits and the nortorious sisters behind them. With so many twists and turns, it is a fast-paced story of family, love, betrayal, resilience, and survival. Lena kind of reminds me of Evelyn Hugo, but it is Rosa who shocks audiences the most in the end.

[Patricia O'Reilly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Derville Murphy’s latest novel A PERFECT COPY is a sweeping historical story about two portraits of beautiful women.
It’s full of twists and turns set in two time-lines – the 1860s in the town of Kornyn, Vienna and London, the second in the mid 2000s moving from Dublin to Vienna and London.
The main characters in the 19th century story are Rosa and her sister Lena, from a traditional Jewish family with little of the world’s goods. It is arranged that Rosa will marry Isaac and Lena’s betrothed is Moishe. With a clever twist Lena gets her wish and ends up marrying Isaac but the marriage is not a happy one. They move to Vienna, Lena determined to become part of Viennese society. Painted by Rafferty, he falls in love with her and she plays on that love to leave Isaac. Rose marries Moishe and her stepson needing medical care she brings him to Vienna. Rosa and Isaac realise they still have feelings for each other.
The portraits come to light during an auction – Ben’s is the nude and Daisy’s the elegant society lady but provenance cannot be proved. Ben and Daisy set out on a voyage of discovery. As they sort out the story behind the paintings their relationships fail and they fall in love.
This is a book about two portraits where Murphy’s artistic background comes to the fore. it’s full of twists and turns with a great sense of location, impeccable research and a thoroughly satisfying ending.

[Michael Furlong]

Exciting and compelling with truly artistic story telling make it a real page turner - Derville Murphy is the standard bearer for writing historic novels with the pace and anticipation of current day best sellers

[Andrea · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story line was great! I enjoyed the historical mystery. I was hooked until the end. I did end up skimming some of the more "sexual" descriptions. To some this might not be too much but for me personally it was too much.