I don’t consider myself an artist by any means, but the world of fine art calls to me in books. Almost every fiction book that has some sort of art history in it mesmerizes me. I always finish them wanting to read more. A Fine Imitation is by far one of the best adult books I have read this year. It has a little bit of everything– history, mystery, love, feminism and, you guessed it–Art!
There were some romantic scenarios in this book that made me a little upset. I know that women in the earlier 1900’s weren’t quite on the feminist bandwagon yet, and that women were supposed to do as their men said, and keep quiet. That is all well and good, until a woman and a man are paired together that don’t respect each other. Vera and Arthur Bellington are the main characters in A Fine Imitation, and although Vera started out as a compliant wife, I could just feel her itching to do something a bit scandalous.
Jumping back and forth between Vera’s youth at a prestigious school, and her adulthood in New York City, this book quickly introduces the reader to a sneak peek behind the scenes in Mrs. Bellington’s life. From secret escapades as a schoolgirl with a best friend, to a love affair with an artist, Vera’s story does not disappoint. I found myself mourning the end of this book. You won’t want to miss it.
Review of an Advance Reader’s Copy
This book was sent to Compass Book Ratings for review by Crown Publishers
Content Analysis:
Profanity/Language: 3 religious exclamations; 4 mild obscenities.
Violence/Gore: The death of a spouse is mentioned; war is mentioned with some discussion of death and loss; stealing from an employer is mentioned.
Sex/Nudity: A young woman inquires about a scandalous love affair; a woman is mentioned to strip naked in front of a male in prelude to sex; teens are in love and almost kiss; a man touches a woman’s waist in a loving way; an unmarried man flirts with a married woman; a married woman kisses her love interest, has sex with him in two brief scenes with nudity and innuendo; a young girl sneaks out with a male model and he poses for her nude; an unmarried couple sleeps together.
Mature Subject Matter:
War, extramarital affairs, stealing, personal crises, forgery.
Alcohol / Drug Use:
A man smokes a cigar; adults drink wine on multiple occasions; a woman is mentioned to fix cocktails.
