January 1, 2025
In 1999, art historian Elizabeth Clarke travels to Greece to procure a recently discovered statue for the Los Angeles museum where she works. While there, the pressures of her toxic work environment and her profound grief at losing her sister at a young age begin to take their toll on her fragile state. As she copes with debilitating migraines and an overwhelming amount of self-doubt, Elizabeth must navigate her declining mental health while still functioning at a peak level. Although her interpersonal skills have been grossly affected by her sister's death, Elizabeth longs to find a lasting connection with another person. She becomes intrigued with Theo, the seemingly free-spirited wife of her translator Nico, but Elizabeth soon discovers that no one is who they seem. Narrator Aida Reluzco offers a calming and grounded performance, employing accents and unique voices to distinguish each character. Although Elizabeth is sometimes difficult to like, Reluzco sensitively conveys the ups and downs of her inner struggles, making her more sympathetic than she might have otherwise been. VERDICT Lindley's debut novel is a thorny story about human connections, art, desire, and greed. Share with those who enjoyed Thomas Van Essen's The Center of the World: A Novel of J. M. W. Turner and His Lost Painting.--Misty Schattle
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