Thursday, July 26, 2018

The Masterpiece

A wonderful blending of two eras in the life of Grand Central Terminal. Fiona Davis skillfully weaves the story of two women into The Masterpiece. (The Masterpiece will be published n August 8.)

One begins in 1924 when the Grand Central School of Art was formed. Few women were able to teach but Clara Darden, an illustrator breaks through. She becomes a successful illustrator for Vogue until the Depression hits.

Clara finds herself attracted to two men: poet and wealthy scion of New York society Oliver Smith and  Art School genius and flamboyant artist Levon Zakarian. Oliver introduces her to the right people and her career as an illustrator begins to blossom. As her career blooms, Oliver still refuses to publish any of his poems, dedicating all his energy to her illustrations.

Fast forward to the 1970s when it won’t be long until the wrecking ball tumbles down the illustrious building. Working at the information booth in a rundown Grand Central Terminal, newly divorced Virginia Clay tries to find her way. The staff at the information booth are a motley crew of dedicated Grand Centralers and they include Terrence and Totto, who look enough alike to be brothers, Winston, the southern gentleman and Doris, crabby and nasty.

On her break while wandering the upper floors, Virginia stumbles on the former Grand Central School of Art and finds a watercolor painting with Clara Darden's signature. Intrigued by this, she tries to discover what had become of Clara.

Although a plan has been developed to demolish Grand Central and build a skyscraper, Virginia falls in love with the building and joins the fight to save the station. Along the way she discovers she is fighting along Jackie Kennedy Onassis who was a leader in the fight.

Following her investigation into the art of Clara Darden, she uncovers some startling information about the artist and her friend Levon Zakarian.

An intriguing adventure with a beautifully blended story from two different eras in the history of Grand Central.

Purchase link 

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