The First in the Trilogy of Remembrance
Mary Martin hit my radar last year with the Osgoode trilogy, This series was very well crafted, and unlike many trilogy projects each book stood on its own merit. All too often you find that book two is filler. Book one is designed to hook the reader, book two two just strings the reader along, and book three gets to the meat and potatoes of the story. I did not find that with Marty Martin, there was a stand alone story in each volume.
I received word about The Drawing Lesson a few weeks ago. I have to admit that I was interested to see what new direction Mary Martin had headed in. Once again she has opted for a three book series, which is an ambitious challenge for any author. In someways I was expecting a reinvention of the Osgoode Trilogy, I liked the style of writing, and I thought the plot line was an interesting one. I could not have been more surprised with The Drawing Lesson. The author has headed off in a new and very interesting direction.
Not only has Mary Martin opted for a very different plot line, but even the writing style is different in a subtle and reader pleasing way. I class myself as being someone that can recognize a writers style. Show me a 500 word sample of a writer I am familiar with, and I can tell you who wrote it.
The Drawing Lesson is a work that I would not have been able to guess the author. The style is so completely different!
The story is set in the modern day, yet much of the dialogue has that feeling of Masterpiece Theater floating in the air. It is this aspect that had me hooked from the first few pages.
OK I have pontificated long enough, I know that people want to find out about the nits and grits of the book. It is told through the eyes and memory of art promoter James Helmsworth. Jamie is not only an art critic, but also the agent acting for artist Alexander Wainwright . Those of you involved in the art world have no doubt heard of the Tate Gallery in London, and may even be familiar with the annual Turner prize. To win the Turner is the dream of every living artist.
Alex Wainwright does win, his painting The Hay Wagon, is a work beyond measure. Although a night scene, even the shadows and darkness have light. Unfortunately one artist is less than happy. To Rinaldo, art is more than paint on a canvas, art is a dynamic life form, often gone in mere seconds. Art should shock, rather than soothe. Art provokes rather than inspires.
It is with this background that Mary Martin brings The Drawing Lesson to life. I think the term Psychological Thriller comes to mind. We watch as outsiders as both Alex and Rinaldo battle their own demons, both broaching the very edge of insanity.
It will be interesting to see where Mary Martin takes this trilogy. Her writing style is elegant, and one you do not often find in todays writing. The art world may seem a strange choice as a setting, but The Drawing Lesson works in a wonderful way.
You can order your copy of The Drawing Lesson from Amazon by clicking the cover art above.
Simon Barrett
12 users commented in " Book Review: The Drawing Lesson by Mary E. Martin "
Follow-up comment rss or Leave a TrackbackWhat a great review! I loved The Osgoode Trilogy, but now I have to read this one. Another trilogy! Fabulous! I’m getting mine now.
I agree with robin. Big fan of Martin’s work. Looking forward to her new direction. Will she ever go back to Harry?
Insightful review. This will be a grand read if Helmsworth-Wainwright have the charisma, insight and intrigue of Osgoodes Harry Jenkins. Cant get my copy soon enough.
Can’t wait to get my copy of The Drawing Lesson. Someting new from Martin is bound to be exciting.
You caught my attention with your descriptive review. If The Drawing Lesson is, as you describe-
Masterpiece Theater, psychological thriller- I will work back through Osgoode Trilogy. Martin sounds like a gifted writer.
So glad you liked “The Drawing Lesson”,Simon especially since I’m working on the second one in the Trilogy of Remembrance, provisionally entitled “The Fate of Pryde.” Alexander Wainwright now has to figure out his new, extremely wealthy patron, Jonathan Pryde. Have you ever met someone who seems to combine the very best and the very worst of humanity? That’s Jonathan Pryde.
This is a great review of a great sounding novel! I can’t wait to sink my teeth into The Drawing Lesson-there is nothing better than a psychological thriller. I’m really attracted to the idea of this being set in the art world too! And yes I agree with Sammydoodle-Mary Martin sounds talented and dynamic in her writing style.
Interesting responses to an intriguing review. Martins note that the second of three is in the works means that I get my copy today ASAP and start reading. I loved The Osgoode collection and am a mega fan of Martin and her characters.
Thanks for the heads-up review. I devoured The Osgoode Trilogy and need more Martin characters. The Drawing Lesson description seems to attend to my need. Thanks again.
I enjoyed your straight-forward review. The note that Martin has an elegant writing style caught my attention. This book moves to the top of summer reading list.
Hello again.
Just wanted to let you know that my new website is up and running. Soon I will be posting there regularly.
The actor and producer Marcus Chait and his team did a fantastic job on the book trailer for “The Drawing Lesson.” You can find it at
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZiOxF7FHBt0&feature=youtube_gdata
The website is http://www.thedrawinglesson.com
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