Alexandra Connor

A great read. A story based on the facts of a relationship between Rembrandt and a housemaid whom he had a relationship with then rejected and had her imprisioned. The threads of the novel weave around this centuries old truth with a rumour that there are letters written by her that detail her treatment but also that she had a child to Rembrandt who subsequently became one of his apprentices and painted, without recognition many of the masters paintings. Murder and suspense follow the tale across the world in modern times.… (mere)

I was quite disappointed with this book. In concept, it's very much my kind of story. In execution, it falls somewhat flat. Perhaps I'm just used to a faster-paced book, but it felt much too slow. We spend much to much time reading about people speculating about things, how they feel about them, and wondering what others know, and much too little time reading about things actually happening. This is a 400-page book, delivered in 560 pages. When important plot points do happen - finally - they are delivered with a distinct lack of impact - they just don't seem to "land."

In short, I enjoyed it, but only just.… (mere)