The Frick Collection is housed in beautiful building on the east side of Central Park on 5th Avenue. This amazing collection holds works by some of the most famous artists such as Rembrandt and Titian, along with lesser-known works contained in the Frick Art Reference Library. When Helen Clay Frick first imagined this museum and library, open to the public, as a way to honor her father’s legacy, many people laughed at her, including her family. However, The Frick Collection has become one of the leading art research facilities and far exceeded her expectations. It is Helen’s love for her father, and desperation to please him, that shines through The Magnolia Palace.
Fiona Davis delivers a masterful, imaginative story about The Frick Collection and the family behind it in her newest release. This book is about mistaken reputations and the power of female friendship, but also how fickle fortunes and prosperity can be. This book is not fully built on facts, but more of a daydream by the author after visiting the museum and library herself. Following dual times set in both the Gilded Age just before Mr. Frick passes away, and the late 1960’s where Helen is late in life and the museum’s notoriety has come into its full glory.
I give The Magnolia Palace 4 out of 5 stars. I appreciate the historical aspects and details about the museum buildings included in this work – especially the inclusion of the house organ and bowling alley. However, there are aspects of this story, especially later in the book, that are quite unbelievable and made it difficult to read. With that said, Davis’s ability to spin a mental image with her vivid descriptions and narrative make her books a joy. I felt transported to the building in both timelines by her descriptions!
This book would be a great addition for any reader who enjoys stories about the Gilded Age, New York high society, or fine art. If you enjoyed Lisa Barr’s Woman on Fire, you will love this one, too! With a bit of mystery mixed in amongst the society and art talk, this would make a great read for those who like more relaxed thrillers.
I chose The Magnolia Palace for the Friends & Fiction Book Club prompt “chosen because of its cover”. This stunning grayscale cover image with pops of blushed magnolia flowers drew my eye right away. Sometimes a cover pushes its way into my heart faster than the book description and that’s exactly what happened here. What book covers have drawn your attention before the description or title?
This post contains affiliate links.
What I’m Reading
- Current print book: The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek, Kim Michele Richardson
- Current audio book: Hello Beautiful, Ann Napolitano
- Book I’m most looking forward to: The First Ladies, Marie Benedict & Victoria Christopher Murray
Read With Lindsey 
2 thoughts on “The Magnolia Palace”