Tiffany Blues

Author M.J. Rose has created a compelling main character her latest novel, Tiffany Blues. This historical fiction blends significant figures such as Louis Comfort Tiffany and Thomas Edison with a host of fictional artists. The title Tiffany Blues is a reference to the brilliant colors Tiffany was known to use in his artistic designs. Set in New York and at Laurelton, the estate of Tiffany, the mysterious, aspiring artist Jenny Bell is the central figure in a series of tragic events. Jenny has worked to overcome her tragic past, and shares it with no one.  Yet someone knows who she is, and seems determined to reveal her secrets, or extract revenge. The summer at Laurelton culminates in even more tragedy and heartbreak.

Jenny Bell

 

Jenny Bell hears in color and paints in black and gray. Jenny Bell  is a young woman trying to escape her past and build a future. She’s wary of revealing too much of her personal life, even to her roommate Minx Deering. Jenny’s father died before she was born. Her mother and her Aunt Grace have passed on also, leaving Jenny with no family. Jenny lives in New York City and is entirely focused on honing her artistic skills and saving money to get to Paris. Her single-mindedness, artistic abilities, and mysterious air draw others to her. However, anonymity is what she seeks, which is at odds with her budding career as an artist.

Minx Deering

Jenny’s wealthy roommate Minx has the makings of a dilettante. Surprisingly, Minx is actually a talented sculptor and painter. She  is also a man chasing socialite, but is a steafast friend to Jenny. Minx submits Jenny’s painting for the opportunity to participate in Mr. Tiffany’s summer artist retreat at Laurelton. The two friends travel to spend the summer at Laurelton, developing their artistic talents in the beautiful setting created by Tiffany. Minx has a fondness for drugs and the attention of men. These weaknesses are exploited to the detriment of both Minx and Jenny.

Oliver Tiffany

Grandson to Louis Comfort Tiffany, Oliver is the man who captures Jenny’s heart. Jenny is determined to devote her entire focus to her artistic growth, yet Oliver is persistent and charming. With a rapidly progressing love affair, Jenny reveals the mystery of her past to Oliver. Jenny  is receiving subtle, yet chilling reminders of a past she left behind. Oliver ultimately saves Jenny from her tormentor. Unfortunately,  this creates a chasm in the relationship which is insurmountable.

Opinion

Jenny is a sympathetic, engaging main character in a story the flows easily. The pace and tone are consistent and enjoyable, the mystery is an interesting backstory and the supporting cast is believable. The artists’ retreat of 1918, attended by Jenny and Minx, was based on the opening of the Laurelton Summer Artist Workshop in that year. The artists’ retreat becomes the stage for love and calamity. The beginning of Tiffany Blues is actually a very tidy eiplogue to the outcome of the story. I only caught on to that when I read the beginning again. My only issue with the plot and characters is that it was not a stretch to figure out the identity of the mysterious antagonist.

The author, M.J. Rose, explains her own fascination with Tiffany as the inspiration for the basis of the story.  is central to the appeal of this story, and I found myself doing more research about Tiffany and the opulent mansion he built in 1905 on Long Island New York. The 84 room mansion was located on 600 acres, and was considered a work of art in itself. Laurelton did serve as an artists’ retreat for some years, but fell into disrepair due to funding issues. Fire destroyed the stunning home in 1957. The smoldering ruin is the setting for the introduction to this novel.

Available August 7, 2018. All thanks to NetGalley for the Advance Reader Copy in exchange for my fair and unbiased review.