The Chrysalis

by Heather Terrell

Book Overview

Haarlem, Holland, seventeenth-century The city's chief magistrate commissions a family portrait from Dutch master painter Johannes Miereveld. But when the artist sees the magistrate's daughter, Amalia, an illicit love affair begins. Miereveld creates a captivating masterpiece, The Chrysalis-a stunning portrait of the Virgin Mary, full of Catholic symbols, that outrages his Protestant patron and signals the death of his career.

New York,...

• Format: Mass Market Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0345494679
• ISBN13: 9780345494672
• Release Date: April 2008
• Publisher: Ballantine Books
• Length: 320 Pages
• Weight: 0.40 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 4.3" x 7.0"

Customer Reviews

PW review is unbelievably and stupidly wrong!

I read this book some time ago, and just noticed that Ms. Terrell has a new book out called THE MAP THIEF, which I admit I have not read. But I did read CHRYSALIS, and enjoyed it very, very much. In fact, I read it back when it was still in galley form, and was impressed by the art history details, by Ms. Terrell's ability to keep the suspense ticking away, and by the way she captured the art world. It kept me entertained during a very long plane ride. The reason I'm putting in my two cents' worth now is that I just noticed the review from Publishers Weekly, and cannot believe how wrongheaded and cruel it is. They would have you believe this is a bad novel; may I say that the PW review is, in fact, the worthless piece of writing here? I hope Ms. Terrell keeps writing many books to come. She can certainly create intriguing plots.

Page turner

I did not want to put this book down! I loved the characters and the past and present story lines. A well written, thought provoking story and an entertaining mystery all in one.

Fanastic

I loved this. I was amazed that the author could create this believable and complicated conflict over a painting and then 1) show what actually happened to the painting (who bought and sold it -- legitimately or not; and 2) show the painting of the painting of itself -- in 15th century Holland! This last story line was my favorite. So much here throughout though: art, religion, morality. Betrayal and mystery. Aboslutely loved this.

Fabulous thriller!

Wonderful story lines and characters! I was on the edge of my seat. Loved the deep, colorful images and crisp writing style!

fascinating read, fabulous debut

I really enjoyed this book. It was well developed and researched. I can't wait until her next book comes out.