This book weaves together three timelines: a 17th-century Dutch painter named Sara de Vos, a modern-day art forgery in New York, and the tangled lives of those connected to her only surviving painting. It’s a story about art, identity, and the threads that connect us across time.  

What I found fascinating about Sara de Vos is that she was one of the very few women admitted to the prestigious Guild of St. Luke in Holland during her time. In an era dominated by men who often overshadowed or outright erased women’s contributions, she still managed to leave her mark—a mark that men, of course, tried to bury under their egos.  

Although I didn’t fall in love with this book, it’s historical fiction, so I gained something by reading it. I hadn’t heard of Sara de Vos before, and I’m grateful to have learned about her life and struggles. It’s another reminder of how often women’s achievements are hidden in history.  

The book itself is a very slow burn. The characters are flawed (which I always appreciate), but it dragged a bit for me, and I never felt like there were any real “high points” to grab onto. That said, the layers of the story and the connections between the timelines were intriguing, and the art and history details were beautifully done.  

If you’re a lover of historical fiction—especially stories centered around art or Danish history—this book is definitely worth picking up. While it wasn’t a personal favorite for me, I can see why others would love it for its interesting story and its look at the often-forgotten women of history.