A Likeness [Paperback]

Sonia Overall (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 23, 2005

A wonderfully rich and absorbing historical novel following the fortunes of a struggling artist around the courtly world of Elizabethan London. Norfolk, the 22nd year of Elizabeth I's reign. An ambitious young painter strikes out from his humble beginnings for the teeming City of London. Haunted by the image of his bride's gruesome death, and fuelled by his desire to portray the splendour of life, he sets his sights on a place at the Queen's glittering court. Yet talent alone does not open the doors to royal favour, and the artist is thrown into the petty intrigues and rivalries of the English portrait schools. Here he meets Kat, a legendary courtesan with an unusual proclivity for paint. Their complex alliance leads them into a world of bribery, politics and power, and a court peopled by the celebrated figures of the age. A Likeness is a masterly portrayal of Elizabethan England, the lives of noblemen and servants, artists and courtesans. It is also a deliciously erotic tale of two young people's desires and a thriller of intrigue and double-dealing.

Editorial Reviews

Review

'Portraiture, courtiers and a courtesan called Kate Joyce all play their part in Overall's debut historical novel. A treasure chest of detail, A Likeness is all about love and art.' Elle 'In terms of its visceral resonance, Sonia Overall's dazzlingly accomplished historical debut is likely to get under the skin. It's a vivid tale, part-political thriller, part-potent account of the perils of ambition and desire, but while its plot is pacy enough, it is Overall's rich language that intoxicates.' Observer 'Ripely written and unconventionally erotic ! stuffed with period atmosphere and court intrigue. This is a book that wants to ravish the daylights out of you' Daily Telegraph 'Overall's writing is a potent and rich brew ! A Likeness is an excellent, beautifully written and very entertaining novel' Booktrust

About the Author

Sonia Overall grew up in Ely and later moved to Canterbury, where she studied Literature and Philosophy. She lives in Kent, with her husband, a fine artist. This is her first novel.

Product Details

• Paperback: 336 pages
• Publisher: Harper Perennial (May 23, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0007164742
• ISBN-13: 978-0007164745
• Product Dimensions: 7.6 x 5 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 1.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,205,485 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Worst Book That I Have Attempted to Read in a Long Time, March 4, 2007

By 

Alexandra (New York, NY) - See all my reviews

This review is from: A Likeness (Paperback)

I read the prologue, and hated it. The prose was unintelligible and clumsily written. However, I decided that I should give the book more of a chance, and attempted to read the next several chapters. The novel only became more painful, both stylistically and with its utter lack of coherent plot.

The "protaganist" is pleased that his betrothed is killed in a horrible accident, so he is free to pursue his "higher purpose" of being an artist. He also appears to view everything by color, which is described in horrendously bland articulation by Overall.

This was absolutley the worst book that I have attempted to read since 'Lucrezia Borgia: A Novel' by John Faunce. In fact, it is possibly worse, as I could not even manage to get past the third chapter.