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Editorial Review Product Description
Hailed for her “remarkably accomplished and poignant work” (Washington Post), acclaimed author Elizabeth McGregor returns with a haunting love story about two lost souls brought together by chance—and bonded forever by a mystery that transcends madness, tragedy, and time itself....
Catherine Sergeant is adept at going through the motions. After losing her parents at an early age, she buried her grief in the study of antiquities. Now, deserted by her husband without warning or explanation, she reports to work at Pearson’s auction house, exchanging pleasantries with colleagues, never revealing her pain. Cocooned in loneliness, she couldn’t be more surprised to find herself opening up to a total stranger—a new client, no less.
In widowed architect John Brigham, Catherine finds a kindred spirit. The two share a fascination with Richard Dadd, an early Victorian painter who lived most of his life incarcerated in an insane asylum. There he produced his most stunning works—works that have deeply moved Catherine and now draw her inexorably
to John. Soon the two are falling in love.
The reawakening of passion in a woman like Catherine is more than John ever hoped for. But when she discovers his possession of an unknown Dadd, it is just the first in a series of revelations that leave her wondering if she knows this man who has shown her life’s true beauty. For John, it may be a last chance to free himself from the priceless secrets he has been harboring too long. Secrets about a soul laid bare on canvas, and a legacy that could shatter all he holds dear in the space of a heartbeat…
A compelling blend of human drama, art, and history, this intriguing tale casts a spell that lingers far beyond the final page—and celebrates the strength we all must find within our hearts. ... Read more Customer Reviews (7) 
Novel inspired by Art
This was a very interesting book. And I would certainly like to see more of Richard Dadd's paintings! I just love books inspired by art. They are so fascinating! I enjoyed the rather horrific parts about Dadd's time in Bedlam as well. It was just such a fascinating book! And a very fast read. All in all, sad, but very good. Its only real flaw was that there was something... missing... from the characters. I did like the rather mythical romance though.
Surprisingly Good
A great book by an author I knew nothing about previously.Wonderful characterization, beautiful descriptive detail, and a great story line.I loved the inclusion of some art historical elements as well.
Has promise, but misses the mark
I read this for our bookclub.I am a fan of Richard Dadd and was looking forward to this book.I was disappointed, however.The characters are not particularly sympathetic and the two parts of the book (the ongoing romance between John and Catherine; Helen's sinking pathetically into serious mental illness; Catherine and Robert's peculiar breakup--intercut with the peeping into Richard Dadd's psyche) just didn't work really well as an integrated whole.The pace was a bit slow, which isn't necessarily a bad thing, though the ultimate payoff did not make it worthwhile.Not a terrible book by any means, but not very memorable. If you are interested in Dadd, by all means take a look.
Not my kind of book
This may possibly be a good book - I found it so boring I gave up after reading only a third of it. Maybe I missed the good part. Although I am a compulsive reader (who ELSE reads the side of cereal boxes?), I couldn't force myself to finish it.
very pleased
Received in a very timely manner, book was new and I certainly enjoyed reading it. I would buy from this vendor again.
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