The Masterpiece

I didn't like this book as much as some of Francine's others. It was a little harder to get into and set in a more modern setting. Still it is an interesting tale about someone who is actually a famed artist, but doesn't feel the same kind of validation that he is searching for and so, makes his mark by graffitiing in secret. It tells the story of how he was somewhat of a lost boy when he was young and he is still lost and searching, despite his mansion and seeming to have everything he could have ever wanted. What is the missing piece that will make him feel full?

This book is an inspired piece of art, much like the title. From the beginning I was once again hooked in the story and couldn't put the book down. I don't know how Francine does it, but she has a unique ability to create such clear, distinctive and likeable characters - you feel like you know them and what's more you are rooting for them the whole way through. I love the concept of this book, which is that God is constantly working through our lives, using our imperfections and perfecting them for his glory. The way Francine is able to bring across childhood issues such as abandonment, rejection, love and pain and how they play out in adulthood is very well done and from my own experience, very accurate. If I had to find a couple of critiques for this book it would be the following: - 1. The jumping backwards and forwards on the timeline of the characters lives was a little confusing. 2. I'm not sure what I think about Grace and her friends' level of Christianity, particularly early on in the book. I realise that Francine may be trying to show the downfalls of such levels of compromise and how they turned out for the characters later down the track, but I don't feel that message came across convincingly enough. Things they mentioned in conversation such as abortion, dating unsaved co-workers, going to night clubs - all very questionable behaviour from those who consider themselves followers of Christ. As always from Francine, other great book.