The Portrait by Emilia Kelly Published by Self on September 13, 2022
Genres: Historical Fiction
Pages: 305
Format: eBook
Source: Kindle Unlimited
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For fans of Kate Morton and Daphne Du Maurier comes the tale of a woman enchanted by the past until it threatens her future. The Portrait is a captivating debut filled with new love, old secrets, and a mysterious missing woman, all set against the vibrancy of 19th-century London and the construction of the Crystal Palace.
"Atmospheric and gripping, The Portrait deftly weaves Victorian details, Brontë-esque romance, and riveting suspense." -Emily Inouye Huey, author of Beneath the Wide Silk Sky
Every work of art tells a story. And every story has its secrets.
London, 1850. Iris Sheffield has plenty of people to worry about in her life: Hope, the ailing younger sister for whom Iris feels responsible. Winston, Iris's fiancé, who is consumed with his work. And James, the handsome but arrogant artist painting Iris’s portrait, with whom she is forced to spend countless, awkward hours.
But when Iris finds the diary and photograph of a mysterious young woman, she can’t stop wondering who the woman is and what has become of her. The more questions Iris asks, the more she suspects someone does not want her to discover the answers.
Exploring themes of sisterly bonds, familial obligations, and the lengths we go to for those we love, The Portrait illustrates the surprising and frightening ways a work of art can tell a story.
The Portrait was a surprise for me! I was immediately drawn to the beautiful book cover, and then the synopsis grabbed me and I had to dive in right then. I love Gothic stories, told in the style of Daphne Du Maurier, but I will admit to being concerned that her name was mentioned in this synopsis just because those are big shoes to fill! But I really loved this, and can see readers of her work enjoying The Portrait as well.
It’s been a week or so since I finished The Portrait, and I keep thinking about it. The atmosphere was slightly ominous and mysterious without keeping me up at night with the lights on, but just enough that I craved getting back to it when I wasn’t reading. I minored in art history in undergrad, so I loved all the discussions surrounding art and portraiture. I loved brooding James, and the quiet attraction he feels for Iris. The stolen glances and the unspoken thoughts felt dangerous and utterly romantic, in a very subtle way. There’s a mystery that gripped me and held on until the exciting climax at the end. The writing is beautiful and enchanting. I found myself getting lost in the words as they floated around, enveloping me in a cozy blanket to protect me from the chill of the story. Honestly, I was intoxicatingly captivated and remember that feeling I had while reading more than the elements of the story itself. It felt like a dream, and it’s hard to really describe my thoughts because of it.
I highly recommend this to those who are looking for an atmospheric mystery with a subtle hint of romance, steeped in art and secrets. It’s for those who want to feel a little unsettled, but not scared. Emilia Kelly is an author to watch, for sure!