BOOK CLUB: ​The Girl in the Painting

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[Total: 4 Average: 4.3]

Author: Tea Cooper
ISBN: 9781489270726
Copy courtesy of Harper Collins

This was not the first of Tea Cooper’s books that I have had the pleasure to read, and I am very sure it won’t be the last. The Girl in the Painting flicks between the 1860s and the early 1900s. Michael and his sister Elizabeth have managed to build a life for themselves in Maitland, NSW after making their way as children from the UK to Australia.

They were to be met on the wharf by their parents, but when they arrive to find that their parents are not waiting for them at all. It was then left to Michael to work out how to handle this situation. A very kind lady had taken a shine to young Elizabeth while on the voyage and she seemed very keen to continue her care of her.

Michael decides it would be best for Elizabeth to stay with this couple rather than to come with him while he tries to find out what has happened to his parents. He discovers his mother has passed away and his father’s health is failing. Michael takes over the business that his father had built. He works hard to expand the business and save money so that he can give money to the people that are looking after Elizabeth, making sure she goes to school and has an education.

It takes some time but Michael works hard and manages in the end to give Elizabeth the home with him that he had always felt she deserved. All is well until the now young adult Elizabeth visits an exhibition at the Technical College and takes an odd turn. Her assistant, Jane Piper is in shock as she has never seen Elizabeth behave in such a manner before. Sadly this behaviour is to repeat itself. So begins the mystery and the challenge to unearth Elizabeth’s repressed memories and the mystery of why they are slowly invading her life.

I read this book while sitting in the hospital garden for several hours while I waited as a family member underwent surgery. The story and its mystery were enough to drag me in and keep my mind from all the hospital drama. A wonderful way to spend a few hours.

A selection of our Beauty and Lace Club Members are reading​ The Girl In The Painting ​ by Tea Cooper​. ​ You can read their comments below, or add your own review.

16 thoughts on “BOOK CLUB: ​The Girl in the Painting

  1. The Girl in the Painting by Tea Cooper

    Tea Cooper has done it again! Another fantastic book by this author.

    Set around immigrant brother Michael Quinn and his sister Elizabeth in the 1860’s and Jane Piper in 1913 this novel is a compelling tale that weaves the timelines in a tight and cleverly written fashion that draws the reader in and won’t let go
    Showcasing strong female characters, whose shared determination results in them unravelling a surprising mystery, Tea presents another novel that is gripping and hard to put down and that keeps you guessing to the very end.
    Having read a previous title by this author I was expecting a similar theme in this book. However, I was pleasantly surprised, that while equally gripping writing to the first title, this book was a totally new and fresh topic.
    I would highly recommend this book and would award it 4 and ½ stars.

  2. It is hard enough to change home as an adult but Michael and young Elizabeth make the massive trek from Liverpool to Australia all on their own at a young age. The journey to join their parents making a new life in a new country in a time of the gold rush. The first hurdle is getting on the boat.
    Jane is an orphan, trying to keep her head up in an orphanage, but her mouth gets the better of her, and her thinking. But little does she realise all is about to change for her, a new life with an opportunity to educate herself and follow her mathematical passion.
    Join Michael and Elizabeth as they find their feet in a new country that did not promise what they expected, their parents not meeting them at the warf, the home life a harder start than expected. A life with Orientals (Chinese) on the mine fields not all they thought would be their start.
    Logical and practical, Jane makes the most of her life, funded by benefactors who are kind enough but not quite family.

    A great read that starts a bit slow and works up to combine the stories and intrigue you in way you may not have expected. Some controversy of Australian past, and a twist that at first you couldnt see coming. Thoroughly enjoyed this read… Thank you Beauty and Lace Bookclub and Harper Collins for a great read.

  3. This is the first of Tea Cooper’s books I’ve had the privilege of reading. The Girl in the Painting is a story set in two times-the 1860s and the early 1900s.
    The 1860s see young brother and sister, Michael and Elizabeth immigrate to NSW where they have to make a life for themselves. We also jump to the 1900s where young orphan Jane is assistant to Elizabeth, when one day Elizabeth has a weird episode in an exhibition.
    The story jumps between both times and gives and interesting look into what life was like in both eras. It has the typical secrets to be discovered that keep it interesting.
    Thanks to Harper Collins and Beauty and Lace for the opportunity to read this book.

  4. I’m a huge fan of Tea Cooper. This book did not disappoint! Straddling the fine line between romance and mystery, it was a most enjoyable read. Sad at times, uplifting at other times. The characters ranged between lovable, infuriating and horrible.
    A thoroughly enjoyable read.

  5. Thanks to Tea cooper for this amazing, historical novel based on Australian history which is hard to find.
    This novel kept me connected and I was able to finish it in 2 sittings.

    The story is based on 2 era’s 1860S and 1900s and it jumps between both the era’s which was hard to keep track of initially but once it all make sense it just keeps you wondering what’s going to happen next and what’s the suspense.
    All the characters are unique and strong in their own way and you definitely learn something from them.

    I love how this gives you a rare insight into the life of characters from different period and into loveable life which is sad at times.
    A great read for any avid reader.

  6. As per the first comment on this site….Elizabeth is NOT a young adult when she takes her “turn” at the museum. It has been many many years. She is a middle aged woman. That’s why the doctor thinks her symptoms may be menopausal.

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