The Masterpiece by Fiona DavisMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was a fascinating read and I really enjoyed it. This book follows two women separated by fifty years as they try and make it in the world. The story revolved around the history and majesty of Grand Central Terminal in New York City.
I can't describe how awesome it was to read about the beauty and grandeur of Grand Central in the 1920's and the decay of it in the 1970's. There is a lot of fact in this fiction also which was so wonderful. This book also revolves very much around art.
We first follow Clara in 1928. Clara is an artist and also teaches in the Art School School that is located in the upper floors of Grand Central. This was a time period when Grand Central was the highlight of the city. She is very much fighting tooth and nail to be taken seriously as an artist during a time when women were not really taken seriously.
Secondly, we follow Virginia in 1974. She works for Grand Central during a time when it was very dirty, dark, and scheduled for demolition. Virginia recognizes the beauty under the grime and joins a fight to stop the demolition. She also discovers the remains of the old art studios in the now dark corners of the terminal.
These two stories converge in a surprising way. I loved every minute of reading this. Grand Central Terminal is fully restored now and is once again an artistic jewel and deserves its status as an official landmark.
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