Review: "Tiffany Blues" by M. J. Rose

I was drawn to the author and subject because both are new to me and what an amazing find. The basis of the story is to answer the question “What started the fire that destroyed Louis Comfort Tiffany’s home, Laurelton Hall, 1957?” Ms. Rose does this by mixing historical fact with fictional characters to weave a story that you won’t be able to stop reading. In 1924, Jenny Bell is an up and coming artist with a devastating secret that she is hiding. She receives an invitation (along with seven other artists) from the Louis Comfort Tiffany Foundation to study under Louis Tiffany and hone their art. The culmination of the stay is a prize that will launch the career of the artist who wins. In amongst the beauty, Jenny finds love but she senses danger and her past is slowly revealed with shattering consequences.

I enjoyed the author’s presentation of the storyline and characters. It is told in the first person, in Jenny’s voice. The people and places are brought to life with this technique and details are supplied that bring you into the story. This also allows you to feel her emotions as the plot washes over her and she is helpless to stop it. Although you seem to know where the scenario is leading, the ending is unexpected.

The author presents a very believable story that holds you captive. She intersperses the plot with real people and events that compel you to keep reading. It also compels you to further investigate the happenings and characters which good historical fiction should do. Young teen to adults can read and enjoy this book which will leave you with a sad smile at the end.