The Portrait of Mrs. Charbuque

More about the book

In 1893 New York, portraitist Piero Piambo enjoys the heights of society, yet grapples with the feeling that he has compromised his integrity to achieve success. His life takes a turn with a peculiar commission from Mrs. Charbuque, who offers him a lucrative deal: he must paint her portrait without ever looking at her. He can question her freely, but this unusual condition challenges his artistic abilities and mental stability. As Piambo sketches behind a screen, he is drawn into her haunting narrative, which includes a chilling childhood spent with a possibly murderous father studying snowflakes, intertwined with themes of fame, despair, and myth. Each session deepens his obsession with unraveling her mystery. Meanwhile, a series of gruesome deaths of women in the city unfolds, and Piambo begins to sense a disturbing connection between these events, his artistic endeavor, and Mrs. Charbuque herself. This novel masterfully blends elements of psychological intrigue and historical context, offering a compelling and atmospheric experience that resonates with the works of literary giants. It promises to leave a lasting impression on its readers.