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Book Title: The Beauties
Author: Lauren Chater
Genre: Historical Fiction, Feminist Fiction, Art & Court Intrigue
Read if you like: Kate Forsyth, Elizabeth Macneal, Natasha Lester
Match an album: Florence + The Machine – Ceremonials
A Lush Tale of Beauty, Power and Resistance
Set in the opulent court of King Charles II, The Beauties follows Emilia Lennox, a noblewoman who, after losing her family's lands and title, seeks to restore her husband's fortunes. Her beauty becomes her only leverage, but she sets her own terms: she will consent to the King's proposition only after her portrait hangs among the famed Windsor Beauties. This series of portraits, commissioned by Anne Hyde, the Duchess of York, showcases the most beautiful women in the royal retinue.
Henry Greenhill, an ambitious assistant to the court painter, sees the task of painting Emilia's portrait as his chance to step out of his master's shadow. However, Emilia proves to be an elusive subject, and Henry's career hangs in the balance as he struggles to capture her likeness. The narrative weaves through multiple perspectives, including that of Anne Hyde, providing a rich tapestry of 17th-century court life, art, and the complexities of feminine power
Why You'll Love It
Lauren Chater, an acclaimed Australian author, delivers a masterful exploration of art, beauty, and the roles of women in a society where their appearance is both a weapon and a curse. Her meticulous research and vivid storytelling bring to life the struggles and resilience of women navigating a world that seeks to define them by their looks. The Beauties is a compelling read for those who appreciate historical fiction with a feminist lens.
At Peninsula Records and Books, we pride ourselves on offering curated selections that resonate with our community's values. Enjoy same-day dispatch on in-stock items and free shipping on orders over $100. Support local businesses and discover unique reads that enrich your coastal weekends.
Order The Beauties today and immerse yourself in a story where art, power, and feminine agency intertwine in the most captivating ways.
Blurb
Blurb
An incomparable beauty. A promise to a king. A portrait that can never be completed.
Longlisted for the 2024 ARA Historical Novel Prize
When Emilia Lennox loses everything after her husband’s lands and title are confiscated, her beauty is her best bargaining chip with the only man who can restore their fortunes: King Charles II himself.
But the king’s favour comes at a price. He will pardon Emilia’s husband only if she agrees to be his mistress. Torn, Emilia comes up with a condition of her own: she will consent, but not until her portrait hangs among the famed Windsor Beauties, a series commissioned by the Duchess of York to showcase the fairest women in the royal retinue.
For Henry Greenhill, ambitious assistant to the court painter, the opportunity to paint Emilia’s portrait is a chance to step out of his master’s shadow. But his sitter proves as evasive as she is beautiful, and with barely a sketch to show for his efforts, Henry’s career is on the line.
As the king’s patience wears thin, it’s clear that more than creative talent will be needed to capture this incomparable beauty on canvas ...
From the bestselling author of The Lace Weaver comes this seductive story of rivalry, artistic passion and a woman bold enough to wield her beauty as a weapon.
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