Title: The Girl in the Painting by Tea Cooper
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Genre: Historical, Australian Fiction
Length: 383 pages
Book Rating: B+
Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through Netgalley
Summary:
A young prodigy in need of family.
A painting that shatters a woman’s peace.
And a decades-old mystery demanding to be solved.
Australia, 1906
Orphan Jane Piper is nine years old when philanthropist siblings Michael and Elizabeth Quinn take her into their home to further her schooling. The Quinns are no strangers to hardship. Having arrived in Australia as penniless immigrants, they now care for others as lost as they once were.
Despite Jane’s mysterious past, her remarkable aptitude for mathematics takes her far over the next seven years, and her relationship with Elizabeth and Michael flourishes as she plays an increasingly prominent part in their business.
But when Elizabeth reacts in terror to an exhibition at the local gallery, Jane realizes no one knows Elizabeth after all—not even Elizabeth herself. As the past and present converge and Elizabeth’s grasp on reality loosens, Jane sets out to unravel her story before it’s too late.
From the gritty reality of the Australian goldfields to the grand institutions of Sydney, this compelling novel presents a mystery that spans continents and decades as both women finally discover a place to call home.
Review:
Based around true life events, The Girl in the Painting by Tea Cooper is a captivating historical novel.
In 1862, fifteen year old Michael Quinn and his five year old sister Elizabeth set sail from Britain for Australia to join their parents. Upon arrival in Sydney, Michael leaves Elizabeth in the care of the Cameron family while he travels to the goldfields to locate their parents. After making a tragic discovery, Michael successfully builds a family business in Hill End. When Elizabeth joins him, she divides her time between school and working as a bookkeeper for their business. A few years later, Michael and Elizabeth relocate to Maitland where they begin a new business and become philanthropists.
In the early 1900s, Michael and Elizabeth bring ten year old Jane Piper into their home to provide her with an education and hopefully set her up in a career when she is older. Jane has lived her entire life in a local orphanage and she has an aptitude for numbers. She is very intelligent, straight forward and full of life. Although the Quinn’s do not adopt her, Jane is part of their family.
In 1913, Jane and Elizabeth visit a local exhibit which includes an archaeological find, paintings and taxidermy. Jane is shocked to discover Elizabeth cowering in fear and repeating a strange word. Because Elizabeth remains troubled and unlike herself, Michael reveals a secret he has been keeping for decades. After telling his sister, he then confides in Jane in hopes the two of them will find answers that might bring their beloved Elizabeth peace and comfort.
The Girl in the Painting is a thoroughly enchanting historical novel that is rife with historical details. From Sydney to the goldfields to Maitland, this enthralling novel springs vibrantly to life. Elizabeth and Michael are wonderfully drawn characters who are altruistic and charming. Jane is a breath of fresh air as tackles everything in her life with enthusiasm. With an unexpected plot twist, Tea Cooper brings this enthralling novel to a heartfelt conclusion. I absolutely loved and highly recommend this brilliant historical novel.
