About the Book:
Mornington Peninsula, 1999. Wife and now grandmother Joan has checked into the grand old Duchess Hotel to find herself again after thirty-five years of being who her husband and family have wanted her to be. Peninsula local and soon-to-be octogenarian Frances is distracting herself from getting old, and avoiding her self-interested son by escaping to the warmth of the Duchess where the hotel staff treat her like the person she still is. Meanwhile Frances's daughter, Alison, is trying to manage significant disruptions at home while hoping to finally prove to her mother that she's just as worthy of love as her brother. New to the Duchess, hotel maid Kirrily is feeling the weight of a lifetime of responsibility, struggling to balance bills and work and family, and keeping thoughts of how there must be more to life at bay.
With its old-world glamour, sprawling seaside grounds and air of possibility, the Duchess Hotel might just be the place to help the women rediscover who they are and bring some spark back to their lives.
When Joan decides to pick up a brush and start painting for the first time in decades, she inspires Frances and Kirrily - and, eventually, Alison - to join her. Over canvas, conversation and creativity they will learn that you should always hold onto your dreams and that new friends can give you the courage to live life on your own terms.
Published by Hachette Australia
Released 31 July 2024
My Thoughts:
This was a lovely read to settle into, spanning four months and following the lives of a small group of people all connected through the Duchess Hotel and the creation of art as an outlet.
Set on the Victorian Mornington Peninsula in a grand old hotel, this story is very much a character driven one. Themes of motherhood, friendship, marriage, and family dynamics abound throughout, but the overall message of selfcare and retaining autonomy over your own life was ever present.
Art Hour At The Duchess Hotel was a delightfully warm and thought-provoking read with a cast of likeable and relatable characters. Recommended reading for book clubs and holidays, when you're after a good chunky immersive, yet light read.
Thanks to Hachette Australia for the review copy.
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