A review by karaklos
The Magnolia Palace by Fiona Davis
3.0
3.5 stars.
The Magnolia Palace is a historical fiction novel loosely based on Audrey Munson, America’s first “supermodel” who was the model for many sculptures in New York city. I really enjoyed the historical elements in the book. I found myself googling the sculptures and the Frick family to learn more.
There is a dual timeline and like most dual timeline novels, the older portions are more interesting than the more modern ones. I didn’t feel the 1966 portion added much to the story other than uncovering the mystery at the end. The Veronica character and her backstory felt contrived and her path too similar to Lilian’s. The 1919 portion also felt a bit too molded but I was more willing to suspend belief as the characters were based on real people.
I thought Helen Frick and her father were portrayed well but the other characters needed more character development. There was a constant tone throughout the book that suggested we should feel sorry for Lilian, the supermodel main character. Lilian came across as feeling entitled and I found myself annoyed with her more than once. I felt more empathy for Helen Frick who was also entitled but a product of her dysfunctional family.
I was surprised after reading the author’s note that portions I assumed were made up were actually true.
The Magnolia Palace is a historical fiction novel loosely based on Audrey Munson, America’s first “supermodel” who was the model for many sculptures in New York city. I really enjoyed the historical elements in the book. I found myself googling the sculptures and the Frick family to learn more.
There is a dual timeline and like most dual timeline novels, the older portions are more interesting than the more modern ones. I didn’t feel the 1966 portion added much to the story other than uncovering the mystery at the end. The Veronica character and her backstory felt contrived and her path too similar to Lilian’s. The 1919 portion also felt a bit too molded but I was more willing to suspend belief as the characters were based on real people.
I thought Helen Frick and her father were portrayed well but the other characters needed more character development. There was a constant tone throughout the book that suggested we should feel sorry for Lilian, the supermodel main character. Lilian came across as feeling entitled and I found myself annoyed with her more than once. I felt more empathy for Helen Frick who was also entitled but a product of her dysfunctional family.
I was surprised after reading the author’s note that portions I assumed were made up were actually true.