Wow! What a fun read! The author did a terrific job at keeping the historical facts real, crafting a suspenseful fictional story, while keeping the mystery evolving at a steady clip. This would make a great movie!
Five Stars & Counting
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 16 years ago
In Cynthia Gagliano's THE BECKFORD PAINTING, readers can actually feel the emotion, drama, mystery and romance. The way the time travel is intertwined with emotion makes you glad Elizabeth journeys back to the 1840's to find out the hidden mystery behind the Beckford painting. Elizabeth's determination to discover the truth of the sad painting is so intruiguing, the book keeps you captivated in wondering just why the three sisters in the painting appear so depressed. I love the way you get another clue behind the mystery of the painting every time another journal entry from the sisters' mother appears. You also are let in on Elizabeth's past from her own journal entries and the tattered relationship she had shared with her own mother. Elizabeth is also troubled with trying to figure out who of the historical society is the most devious, and who would go the farthest to meet their greedy deeds. Then, there's Charles, who Elizabeth is almost afraid to fall in love with after her first love didn't turn out so grand. The writing moves smoothly along, and isn't overwrought with unnecessary description. I always like a book that can keep you turning pages, and this one definitely does that. Characters here have depth and some very interesting twists in their paths of growth. Overall, this book makes for an excellent read, which any fan of art and suspense would enjoy. --R. Stevenson
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