I absolutely adored THE ORIGINAL. Set at the turn is the 20th century, it’s twisty, with layers of doubles and doppelgängers, from Grace’s ability to recreate master works of art to her cousin Charles’ reappearance.

Grace Inderwick, rescued from a worse fate by her aunt and uncle when her parents are separated and institutionalised, grows up not really understanding the vast wealth her father’s family have come from, but her life becomes dictated by it nonetheless. She discovers a talent for painting and sees it as a path toward her escape from the stifling confusions of the upper class, but Grace can work only as a (gifted) copyist, and cannot imagine her own artworks, incapable of visualising faces, even of recognising those she knows well. When Charles, presumed dead after more than a decade away at sea, returns to claim his family seat and the riches that come with it, he and his mother have to prove that he is who he says he is, but no one can quite remember what the young Charles looked like and whether this new Charles could be him, least of all Grace, the cousin he was closest with. Amidst all this, both Grace and Charles are hiding other secrets, afraid of being found out in more ways than one.

Nell Stevens’ latest novel is another gorgeously written world to get immersed in, with fewer ghosts than BRIEFLY, A DELICIOUS LIFE, but more skeletons in the closet.

Out in July, thanks to netgalley/scribner for the proof!

The Original by Nell Stevens is a compelling and well-written historical novel that I think will definitely be a hit with readers.

Set in 1899 this wonderful read tells the story of Grace.

Grace is a painter, an artist with the ability to spot forgeries and when her long lost councin returns home there are a few family members who question if he really is who he says he is..

I loved this book. It is atmospheric and a well told tale,

Highly recommended

I very much enjoyed this, it had me wondering all the way through, was this person actually Charles?
Grace was an interesting character, an amazing artist, all the talk of art had me googling some paintings too.
Whilst I felt I preferred the first half, firmly set in the Hall, the last part of the book brought everything together so well.
A really, really good read.