One of the most innovative designers of his time, René Lalique was a leader in the decorative arts. Magician of Light begins in his adolescent years in Paris as a striving apprentice.
Meanwhile, across the channel, Lucinda Haliburton is facing her own struggles, including a dysfunctional family and a history of mental illness. Her grandfather, Lord Haliburton, suggests a visit to his archaeologic dig in Egypt in an effort to help her escape her difficulties at home—but the trip ends in disaster, and Lucinda returns to England with the belief that she is being preyed upon by ancient Egyptian spirits.
Rene and Lucinda’s paths cross when he leaves Paris to continue his studies at a nearby art college. His fascination with Egypt sparks a connection with Lucinda, and romance blooms—but is complicated by her mental condition. Overactive imagination, insanity, or a real haunting? Will their love see them through?
Magician of Light touches on the truth of Lalique’s illustrious life, the people most important to him, and the anguish of some of those personal relationships, creating a unique view of his real life and a compelling storybook love story.
J.Fremont is an author and veterinarian. For more than twenty-five years she practiced small animal veterinary medicine while also serving as an adjunct professor at a local university and community college. The mother of two adult sons, she lives in Southern California with her husband of thirty years.
In addition to writing, J is a passionate practitioner of the decorative arts, including gardening, jewelry making, glass fusing, photography, sewing, and other arts and crafts, and the author of multiple short stories (via her website, drjfremont.com). Magician of Light is her debut novel with She Writes Press.
My Thoughts
"René Jules Lalique was a French jeweler, medallist, and creator of glass art, perfume bottles, vases, jewelry, chandeliers, clocks, and automobile hood ornaments."
He was educated at the Crystal Palace School. This story starts as he is an apprentice to goldsmith Louis Aucoc in Paris.
Lucinda Haliburton is the other character in the story, with a dysfunctional family and a history of mental illness. Her grandfather suggested that she go to Egypt, where she finds her father and falls in love with a man at the dig where she is visiting. Disaster ensues and she returns home, only to be pursued in her mind by ancient Egyptian spirits. Are they real or imagined?
She meets and falls in love with Rene as he is living on the property of her grandfather, Lord Haliburton. As their romance blooms, there are forces trying to get between her and Rene. One of them is her grandfather's doctor who feels that the romance can't go anywhere as Rene is a poor student.
The story is based on a lot of facts, researched impeccably by the author, He had a fascinating life and his legacy continues in his creations. Lucinda is fiction but a nice addition to his story. Who knows? Maybe they were real. The story continues into their old age and deaths.
I really like the story and was interested in him so went and did my own research. Fascinating man for sure.
I received a copy of the book for review purposes only.
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