Book Blurb:
ZARA ROSSI quietly closes the door behind her and tiptoes into the Ancient Manuscripts Room in the Papal Archives in Rome. The young American Ph.D. candidate seeks information for her dissertation and surveys the scene, yearning to join the world’s elite scholars. Disheartened after a seemingly unsuccessful day hunting for little-known information about Henry VIII’s abdication from the Roman Church, she prepares to depart. But in the final moments before closing, Zara stumbles upon a letter, hidden for centuries. A desperate warning, scrawled upon crumbling parchment, informs Pope Clement VII of imminent disaster and reveals a conspiracy depicted by a stunning portrait: one that alters history. Hoping to prove herself worthy of respect and love, Zara searches for the masterpiece, and begins to amass clues which reveal the painting’s extraordinary tale…
“In this gripping and beautifully complex novel, Sandra Vasoli invites us to travel across both time and space in pursuit of the discovery of a lifetime: a long-lost piece of artwork by Hans Holbein the Younger relating to the seismic and scandalous relationship between King Henry VIII and Queen Anne Boleyn. In doing so, Vasoli has crafted a thrilling, emotional masterpiece; a thick and sublimely descriptive journey which not only leads to the recovery of a lost provenance trail, but which also leads to spiritual enrichment and self-discovery. Vasoli’s characters are rich, relatable, and messy, and at its heart, this is an artful account of the triumphs courage, of friendship, and of growth. A sensation.” —Dr. Owen Emmerson, author of The Boleyns of Hever Castle
“Pursuing a Masterpiece is a riveting, fast-paced historical adventure story, with a rich and nuanced cast of characters who remain with you long after you’ve bid them a reluctant farewell. Beautifully written and astoundingly well researched, Vasoli artfully takes the reader on a spellbinding journey through the ages. A delight for any history lover!” —Natalie Grueninger, author of The Final Year of Anne Boleyn
“A joyous and sumptuous read! Sandra Vasoli indubitably crafts a wonderful tale of discovery, intrigue, and determination; blended with a marvelous passion and methodical capacity for archival research. Pursuing a Masterpiece transports the reader through the centuries, breathing life once more into some of history’s most tumultuous and enigmatic periods. Zara Rossi’s pursuit of a painting of the sixteenth century’s most infamous and legendary royal couple reflects the dreams and aspirations of every Tudor historian, author, reader, and enthusiast. History doesn’t get more alluring than this!” —David Lee, historian and author of The Queen’s Frog Prince
“Sandra Vasoli expertly guides us on a gripping, twisty journey through the ages on the hunt for one of history’s most remarkable portraits. Readers will cheer for Zara as she uncovers each clue with her stunning knack for solving the most enigmatic of puzzles. True to form, Vasoli has recreated each era with incredibly rich detail. One can’t help but feel the tingle of salt spray on their face as they sail across the Atlantic, inhale the sweet island and spicy rum scents of the Caribbean, hear the charged whispers of the demi-monde, and feel a tremor of fear in the presence of sly aristocratic Nazis at the height of their power. Pursuing a Masterpiece is a triumph!” —Adrienne Dillard, author of Keeper of the Queen’s Jewels
“From the opening scene you are hooked on this gripping historical thriller. Beautifully written, so the reader is drawn in, feeling as though they are with the characters. Sandra Vasoli has fit the story into eras so extraordinary, that one has no choice but to follow the quest for the painting as desperately as does Zara, the heroine.” —James Peacock, founder of The Anne Boleyn Society on social media
Book Buy Link: https://geni.us/lollD
Editorial Review:
Pursuing a Masterpiece Editorial Review
A thick envelope peeked through the mail slot and dropped to the floor with a soft thud. I glanced over, then placed my cup with its remnants of the morning’s third espresso on the counter. One look at the familiar handwriting and my stomach began to churn with an unsettling blend of anxiety and annoyance, peppered with guilt. I picked it up and shoved it deep into the recesses of a textbook sprawled across the kitchen table along with unopened posts, newspapers, and other assorted clutter. Today— especially today— I had no inclination to see what it held.
I was rushing to a critical appointment. An opportunity I’d been longing for since I had moved to Rome.
As soon as Zara Rossi enters the Ancient Manuscripts Room of the Papal Archives in Rome, readers are engrossed in a compelling historical mystery that intriguingly connects the past and present. Pursuing a Masterpiece by Sandra Vasoli is a painstakingly written book that blends suspense, art history, and self-discovery into a compelling story. Because of Vasoli's proficiency in historical research, this book is a veritable gold mine for Tudor history buffs and will captivate anybody who enjoys a well-written mystery and adventure thriller.
The book centers on Zara, a driven American pursuing a Ph.D., as she sets out on what at first appears to be a pointless investigation of Henry VIII's split from the Roman Church. As she prepares to depart, she discovers a secret letter that launches her on an exciting quest to find a missing Hans Holbein the Younger masterpiece. Every clue raises the stakes, taking Zara across continents and through centuries of political intrigue, artistic genius, and secret secrets. Vasoli skillfully combines the historical and the modern, guaranteeing a smooth transition between the two that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.
Vasoli creates an instant sense of awe and expectation by drawing the reader into the quiet ambiance of the archives from the very first sentence. With the promise of mysteries just waiting to be discovered, the opening scene captivates readers and sets the tone for a book full of intellectual exploration and discovery. It is admirable that Vasoli was able to establish an intriguing scene and an enticing hook from the very beginning.
Zara Rossi is a compelling character. She is an engaging lead because of her tenacity, intelligence, and emotional depth. She is more than just a scholar on a quest; she is a woman battling her own anxieties while trying to establish herself in a cutthroat academic environment. Her development throughout the book is evident as she gains self-confidence and learns to negotiate a challenging web of historical realities and contemporary issues. From other researchers to those who try to stop her work, the supporting cast is as well-developed. Every character contributes depth to the narrative, making sure that no exchange seems unnecessary.
I knew this sweater was going to itch, and I regretted having worn the hellish thing as I began sweating with tension. I was really thirsty, but what if I was summoned to pick up my volume while out getting a drink of water? Maybe they’d just replace it in the hidden stacks and I would have missed my chance. An hour passed. When I could no longer stand the uncertainty, I crept to the front and quietly asked one of the curators if my book was going to be delivered. She shook her head and mouthed, “I do not know. Not yet.” Deflated, I returned to my seat to resume the torturous wait.
The smooth transition between the historical and contemporary timeframes is one of Vasoli's strongest points. The tale is rich and captivating due to the smooth transitions between Zara's discoveries and the historical personalities associated with the picture. Every piece of the puzzle fits precisely into the larger image, so the reader never feels lost or confused.
By fusing the thrill of an intellectual thriller with the charm of an art-historical mystery, the book distinguishes itself in the historical fiction genre. The lives of Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn are the subject of numerous novels, but Pursuing a Masterpiece tells their narrative from a completely different perspective—through the eyes of an uncovered picture and its possible historical significance. Vasoli's ability to revitalize a well-known historical era is astounding, giving the book a new and unique flavor.
Vasoli strikes a balance between vivid historical detail and captivating narrative in his exquisite yet approachable style. Her depictions of artwork, historical contexts, and academic endeavors are rich without being overpowering. Character development and plot advancement are aided by the conversation's organic and intentional flow. She is also a master of pace, making sure that the plot develops with just the right amount of suspense to keep readers interested without ever feeling hurried.
As I pulled cheese and bread from the fridge and tried to assemble a little late supper, I recalled, with a shot of pride, how, upon my graduation from Harvard, I’d received an invitation to enter the Medical School there. As if it was yesterday, I could hear my parents express their joy. “Zar, do you realize how few— some years, not any!— graduating students are offered an unconditional entry into Harvard Med?” My dad was almost giddy. And then Mom added, “It really is incredible, Zara. Most kids, after graduation, have no idea what comes next. And here you are, with a fabulous opportunity just placed at your feet! We are so proud of you!”
There are no obvious mistakes or formatting problems that could make reading the book less enjoyable, and it is flawlessly edited. The well-organized chapters make it simple to navigate while preserving the tension required for a page-turner.
A great historical mystery needs to live up to its expectations, and Vasoli achieves just that. The novel's main enigma is resolved in this emotionally and intellectually rewarding ending, which also leaves space for introspection. Without giving away too much, Zara's adventure ends successfully and provocatively, ensuring that the novel will stick in the reader's mind long after they've turned the last page.
Pursuing a Masterpiece is an exhilarating blend of history, mystery, and adventure. In addition to providing readers with an entertaining and educational read, Sandra Vasoli's book gives them an insight into the demanding yet exciting field of historical research. Every fan of historical fiction should have this literary gem on their bookshelf.
5 stars from The Historical Fiction Company
To have your historical novel editorially reviewed and/or enter the HFC Book of the Year contest, please visit www.thehistoricalfictioncompany.com/book-awards/award-submission
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