The Portrait [Mass Market Paperback]

Megan Chance (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 1, 1995

Struggling with a devastating past and his own fierce nature, New York art master Jonas Whitaker resists his original impulse to dismiss Imogene Carter, an aspiring artist who seeks Jonas's instruction.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Megan Chance is the critically acclaimed, award-winning author of several novels. A former television news photographer with a BA from Western Washington University, Megan Chance lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and two daughters. --This text refers to the Kindle Edition edition.

Product Details

• Mass Market Paperback: 388 pages
• Publisher: Dell (September 1, 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0440220807
• ISBN-13: 978-0440220800
• Product Dimensions: 6.7 x 4.1 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,068,072 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A fantastic read...(4 1/2 stars), May 12, 2004

By 

M. I. "krushedvelvet" (Old Bridge, NJ United States) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: The Portrait (Mass Market Paperback)

"The Portrait" was so absolutely different than anything I have ever read. It tells the story of Imogene and Jonas. Imogene has felt invisible her entire life. To gain acceptance of her father, she decides to enroll in an art class. The instructor of this class is Jonas. Jonas has a fear of abandonment due to his manic behavior caused by a mental illness. No one in his life has stood by him. No matter what they promise, they all eventually leave...until Imogene. Watching Imogene and Jonas come together had me flipping the pages like mad to get to the ending. This book was truly unputdownable. I loved Imogenes tenacity and I adored Jonas as well, although, I must admit that Im not sure Id have the strength to be in a relationship with him. All in all, this book, even though not quite a 5 star read for me...is definitely a keeper.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Madness, Art and Passion, February 7, 2003

By 

Sires "I enjoy mysteries, historical and proc... (Chesapeake, OH, United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Portrait (Mass Market Paperback)

Jonas Whitaker is an artist with a studio in New York where he paints, carouses and sometimes teaches students. He has a powerful patron who has promoted him to the position of prominence he holds at the time the books opens. He is also alienated from his family because he suffers from a condition that today would be termed bi-polar disorder or manic-depression. In the 19th century it was simply madness.

Imogene Carter is the daughter of a wealthy dilatante artist who lives in Nashville (the Athens of the South). Her sister had been a talented young artist, but her sister had died. In an effort to please her father, Imogene has come to New York, where her godfather has secured for her a place among Jonas Whitaker's students.

The depiction of someone suffering a bi-polar disorder is very realistic. Chance does an excellent job of portraying a three dimensional couple with real problems that must be overcome. It's a particular pleasure to see Imogene realize and resolve her own issues with her family.

If you enjoy iconoclastic romances this is definitely a book to treasure.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Painfully accurate, August 2, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: The Portrait (Mass Market Paperback)

I know three manic-depressive people and I have to say that the male lead in this book is an accurate representation of the illness. Seeing things (the illness) through his eyes helped me be more understanding about manic-depression; to see how the person really feels when going through the different stages. the author really did a wonderful job with this. My only complaint is that the story could've been longer. I think she could've drawn out more how the illness developes in stages. The romance itself I think could've also used more explanation, like why she could love this man after all she had seen of him-after only a few weeks! I do think she was a strong character, just what he needed.
Try reading 'Beyond Seduction' by Emma Holly for another male hero that is deeper than he looks ;)