The Masterpiece

Immerse yourself in the enchanting tale of **Grand Central Terminal**, a narrative interwoven with art, history, and the resilience of two extraordinary women. In this compelling novel set against the backdrop of one of New York City's architectural masterpieces, we delve into the lives of **Clara Darden** and **Virginia Clay**. Clara, a passionate artist in the roaring 1920s, strives for recognition in a world that frequently overlooks women artists. Her journey unfolds among the vibrant corridors of the Grand Central School of Art, revealing the struggles and triumphs faced by women in the creative field. Shift to 1974, where Virginia, a recently divorced mother, faces new challenges within the backdrop of a crumbling terminal, symbolizing the complex ties between past and present. The discovery of an untitled watercolor ignites her quest to unveil its creator, ultimately leading her to Clara’s hidden legacy. Experience this blend of **historical fiction** and **artistic exploration** as it carries you through times of **great despair** and **inspiration**, offering a thought-provoking look at women's roles in art and society. With free shipping available, this beautifully written novel is a must-have for those who cherish **fiction with depth** and appreciate historical narratives. Enhance your library with this masterpiece that captures the intersection of **art history** and personal discovery.

Condition: BRAND NEW
ISBN: 9781524742973
Format: Trade paperback (UK)
Year: 2019
Publisher: Penguin Group USA
Pages: 384


Description:
For most New Yorkers, Grand Central Terminal is a crown jewel, a masterpiece of design. But for Clara Darden and Virginia Clay, it represents something quite different.

For Clara, the terminal is the stepping stone to her future. It is 1928, and twenty-five-year-old Clara is teaching at the lauded Grand Central School of Art. Though not even the prestige of the school can override the public's disdain for a "woman artist," fiery Clara is single-minded in her quest to achieve every creative success-even while juggling the affections of two very different men. But she and her bohemian friends have no idea that they'll soon be blindsided by the looming Great Depression...and that even poverty and hunger will do little to prepare Clara for the greater tragedy yet to come.

By 1974, the terminal has declined almost as sharply as Virginia Clay's life. Dilapidated and dangerous, Grand Central is at the center of a fierce lawsuit- Is the once-grand building a landmark to be preserved, or a cancer to be demolished? For Virginia, it is simply her last resort. Recently divorced, she has just accepted a job in the information booth in order to support herself and her college-age daughter, Ruby. But when Virginia stumbles upon an abandoned art school within the terminal and discovers a striking watercolor, her eyes are opened to the elegance beneath the decay. She embarks on a quest to find the artist of the unsigned masterpiece-an impassioned chase that draws Virginia not only into the battle to save Grand Central but deep into the mystery of Clara Darden, the famed 1920s illustrator who disappeared from history in 1931.

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