Book Review: The Girl in the Painting

By Tea Cooper
Thomas Nelson, 2021
383 pages

Amazon Description:
Australia, 1906 – Orphan Jane Piper is nine years old when philanthropist siblings Michael and Elizabeth Quinn take her into their home to further her schooling. The Quinns are no strangers to hardship. Having arrived in Australia as penniless immigrants, they now care for others as lost as they once were.

Despite Jane’s mysterious past, her remarkable aptitude for mathematics takes her far over the next seven years, and her relationship with Elizabeth and Michael flourishes as she plays an increasingly prominent part in their business.

But when Elizabeth reacts in terror to an exhibition at the local gallery, Jane realizes no one knows Elizabeth after all—not even Elizabeth herself. As the past and present converge and Elizabeth’s grasp on reality loosens, Jane sets out to unravel her story before it’s too late.

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Historical fiction, especially with a dual-timeline, is definitely my sweet spot, and The Girl in the Painting fell right into that space. The story is set in Australia and jumps back and forth between 1913, when Jane witnesses her benefactor Elizabeth have a breakdown after viewing a painting in a museum, and the 1860-70’s as Elizabeth and her brother Michael immigrate to Australia and begin a new life there.

Both storylines are very compelling and filled with emotion. There are scenes that are heart-melting and many that are heart-breaking, but the overall feel of the book is hopeful and redemptive despite the many hardships portrayed. I felt invested in the characters and didn’t want to stop reading because I couldn’t wait to see what would happen next. Jane, Elizabeth, and Michael are all easy to root for despite their flaws, and I love how they represent that family isn’t always the people who share your DNA.

The mystery that pops up when Elizabeth has a visceral reaction to the museum exhibit was well-executed and the twist was a good one. Overall I really enjoyed The Girl in the Painting and would recommend it. I read another book by this author (The Woman in the Green Dress) last year and enjoyed it, but I think The Girl in the Painting is even better. Two thumbs up!