Book description
Perfect for fans of 'Girl with a Pearl Earring', this is a remarkable
love story with a background of religious and political turmoil in Tudor England.
The year is 1527. Hans Holbein makes his first visit to England, sent
by the great Erasmus to paint Thomas More, courtier, scholar, patron,
and his family. More's splendid house on the river in Chelsea is at the
centre of Tudor society, frequented by distinguished astronomers,
artists, politicians and men of religion, as well as wards of court,
protégés and many others.
Two visitors to the great house find themselves irresistibly drawn to
Meg Giggs, one of More's foster daughters. John Clement - dark, tall,
elegant - studying to be a doctor, is a man of compelling presence and
mysterious background. The other man is Holbein himself - warm,
ebullient, radical and a painter of great renown. Meg finds herself
powerfully drawn to these two wildly contrasting men. She will love one,
and marry the other.
A wonderful, rich novel, presenting the atmosphere of this Tudor
household as rarely achieved, with an astounding ability to present to
us the world of Holbein's paintings as well as a gallery of vividly
realised characters. Praise for 'Portrait of an Unknown Woman':
'Bennett's background detail is impeccable - part love story, part
thriller, all excellently imagined and written.' The Times
'There is plenty to admire and enjoy in Bennett's portrayal of a
society convulsed by radical change…Vanora Bennett is a writer to
watch.' Times Literary Supplement
'There is much to admire in this curate's egg of a novel.' Sunday Telegraph
'Distinguished…Romance, intrigue and art history are confidently
blended, and Holbein canvases are afforded starring roles.' Daily Mail
'If you want a classier-than-average romantic read, one contender is
this fine historiccal debut, a 'Girl with a Pearl Earring'-style tale.'
Sunday Times
'An atmospheric, passionate novel set against a backdrop of religious
and political upheaval.' Woman and Home Vanora Bennett is a journalist
and writer. She lived and worked in Russia for 7 years, writing for
Reuters and the LA Times. She has been a foreign correspondent and
feature writer and contributed to publications including The Times, the
LA Times, the Guardian, the Observer and the Evening Standard. She lives
in London with her husband and two sons. She has written two previous
novels: Portrait of an Unknown Woman and Queen of Silks. Her latest
novel, Blood Royal comes out in May 2009.
