*STORY: Fixing things, whether broken or not, is Emily Price’s van Gogh. As an art restorer she’s passionate about righting anything that is “wrong” and anyone that hurts. From swooping in save her sister from her flighty behavior patterns therefore saving her from herself, to perfecting her work as a restorer, she likes projects. Her latest job takes her to Atlanta where two things happen. First, her life changes for the better… and coinciding with this euphoria is when everything falls apart. It’s Atlanta where she meets, Ben, an Italian chef who sweeps Emily off her feet. Their whirlwind romance leads them to Italy where Emily discovers long buried secrets in Ben’s family that changes everything.
*REVIEW: Believe me when I sincerely say the following: the skill with which Katherine tells each of her stories impresses me like none other. The writing, the storytelling, and the characters surpass every checklist you want a fictional story to checkmate. Her skills embody precisely what stellar fiction should. This story, Katherine’s latest is one I read as a read along with blogging friends, and the experience is richer for it.
Aside from the writing and skill that goes into every one of Katherine’s novels, the unique markers of them are the literary nods each one carries. This one is no different. Jane Austen’s Emma is easily recognizable in A Portrait of Emily Price. What I adore so much about these books is their balance of the two entities. Reay knows how to uphold the integrity of the classics without sullying them, blending, without altering, into them her own story. All of which she does with the greatest ease. For the reader, this comes off as if its an effortless marriage of these two presenting subjects. What’s so special about this novel in particular is its titular character, Emily Price.
Her flaws aren’t suppressed or hidden, and the first-person voice exposes these in such a beautiful way. The turmoil, heartbreak, romanticism and joy of this story are indescribable entities to put to paper. Emily’s “need” to “fix” something that’s broken is a compulsion that she underestimates and ironically, is taught to correct by people who don’t really know her. Emily’s journey is one that inspires, and compels the reader to take a look at our idiosyncrasies and wonder if this is how we view life. All this said and I’ve not even touched on the amazing character of Ben. There’s so much to say about him, and yet putting it down on paper seems so impossible. In a single paragraph (in the first five pages), he walks into Emily’s (and our) life, and if you’re anything like me, you’ll be a goner. With that, I feel enough has been said.
Reay’s novels are impossible to talk about in the manner they deserve. They’re the kind of stories that beg to be re-read seconds after the final page because there’s simply no way one reading allows its reader to truly absorb all of its nuances. Classy. Smart. Endearing. Beautiful. All of these adjectives and more are inadequate to describe the worth this story has, but they come closest. Solid storytelling, brilliant relationship and character building (complete with starry eyed romance), and memorable joy in the smallness of life come together like the greatest masterpiece on a gallery’s wall to form A Portrait of Emily Price.
Sincere thanks to the publisher for providing a complimentary copy of this book.
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From the brand
Immersive & Compelling
Katherine Reay is a national bestselling and award-winning author of historical and women's fiction, with a lifelong affair with books.
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Escape East Berlin
An unforgettable tale of the Cold War and a CIA code breaker who risks everything to free her father from an East German prison.
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About the author
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Reviews with images
and themes which explore the depth of love and grace
This is a delightful story with rich characters, several different settings painted with vivid details, and themes which explore the depth of love and grace. Humor is sprinkled lightly throughout as is the subtle theme of uncovering a mystery. Thankfully the ending isn’t tied up with a neat bow, although much of the themes are resolved. It left me as the reader wondering what new stories might develop from this family that I fell in love with as well.The main character, Emily, is seeking to learn to bring her paintings to life; a vivid life, especially in the eyes, the windows to the soul. In the same way, the author of this novel places layers and layers of character insights, storylines, and themes which bring life to the characters and shows us vivid insights into their souls.I thoroughly enjoyed this novel and its development of the main character. Watching her transform from a gal who is uncertain of her value in life, both in work and in love, into a blossoming wife who is able to accept the love and grace that has been given her and then is able to use it to transform her perspective and gifts to others is absolutely beautiful.The themes of love, grace, and redemption are all too tempting by many authors to be preached to the reader but Katherine Reay Gently weaves them into the story and allows the reader to pick the fruit in their own way. I’m thankful she didn’t just explain it as if I was an ignorant observer.Besides the themes of love and grace and all the good stuff, this novel was enjoyable simply on the merit of being a great story. I enjoyed the romance, great cooking, the rich tones of Tuscany, and the uncomfortable extended family. I will never forget the scenes of truffle hunting or of art restoration. I also enjoyed many of the characters and their varied personalities. The author did a good job of bringing many to life and allowing us to see their growth and change. All made for a very enjoyable read.
