The book is written so well I never put it down till I was finished. The details are exquisite as the author describes Russia. It was easy to picture the place where Grand Duchess Katarina was born. She never wanted for anything and as a child she was pretty spoiled. Her parents did spend quality time with her and she was disciplined when needed. All this is important as we delve deeper into her life.
After leaving her homeland she finds herself in Paris with identical twin girls to raise on her own. Her husband’s death is a tragedy that she may never get over. Her daughters were very spoiled, rude and prideful. Katarina doted on them but never disciplined them at all. How odd that she would not correct her children’s behavior when she wasn’t raised that why. Her heart is so broken that all she thinks about is a painting on display at the Louvre. Why does she go there everyday? It is said, “a picture is worth a thousand words,” so what was this painting trying to tell her? The painting starts to become like an idol to her and her children are left at home with a nanny most of the time.
Georges is the highlight for me in the story. This man is humbled and never complains about the injury he got while in service to his country. His disability never slows him down and I admired how much he wanted to help Katarina. Seeing her everyday staring at a painting makes him curious. I loved how the author brings these two characters together.
The story is emotional and has lessons on loss, letting go of the past and finding peace. Sometimes we don’t appreciate what we have till we lose it. Katarina discovers that it is time to lay the memory of her husband to rest. My heart ached for her as she has this moment with God that is honest and inspiring. Saying goodbye to a loved one you have lost has to be one of the hardest things anyone has to endure.
The mystery of who kidnapped Katarina’s children is masterfully written as clues pop up throughout the story. I did think that perhaps it was somehow connected to teaching Katarina a lesson, but I couldn’t figure out who was behind the kidnapping. The story is filled with suspense, murder and an unlikely person who wants to teach Katarina a lesson.
I did have to refresh my memory of the fairy tale this book was based on. I love how the author took her own creative outlook and produced a story that far outshines the original fairy tale. Thank you for reminding me to never forget the people I have lost but to also be thankful for the lessons I have learned to become stronger and that you are always there in my weakest moments.
I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.
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Slashed Canvas was the perfect thing for a rainy, almost spring day while I wrapped myself in a blanket and nursed the sniffles. Liz Tolsma weave an excellent and intriguing story of a refugee heiress and a wounded soldier.Their lives hadn’t turned out the way they hoped it would, circumstances leaving them both bitter and barely hanging on something that resembled security. The way they worked together, with out question, to solve a mystery was ingenious. Of course, I have now read several books by Liz Tolsma and have found her to be an amazing storyteller.with the current state of our world in concerns to Russia, I found myself reflecting on how life in 1923 would be for someone who expected it to always remain the same. How much of our world today is the result of hopeful visionaries of the past? How far off the path have we gone? If only walls could talk…right?***I was given a copy of this book from the publisher to read. The views expressed are my own. A glowing review was not required but freely given.
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