A Fine Imitation

A Novel

By: Amber Brock

Narrated by: Julia Whelan

Set in the glamorous 1920s, A Fine Imitation is an intoxicating debut that sweeps readers into a privileged Manhattan socialite's restless life and the affair with a mysterious painter that upends her world, flashing back to her years at Vassar and the friendship that brought her to the brink of ruin.

Vera Bellington has beauty, pedigree, and a penthouse at The Angelus - the most coveted address on Park Avenue. But behind the sparkling social whirl, Vera is living a life of quiet desperation. Her days are an unbroken loop of empty, champagne-soaked socializing while her nights are silent and cold, spent waiting alone in her cavernous apartment for a husband who seldom comes home.

Then Emil Hallan arrives at The Angelus to paint a mural above its glittering subterranean pool. The handsome French artist moves in to the building, shrouds his work in secrecy, and piques Vera's curiosity, especially when the painter keeps dodging questions about his past. Is he the man he claims to be? Even as she finds herself increasingly drawn to Hallan's warmth and passion, Vera can't suppress her suspicions. After all, she has plenty of secrets, too - and some of them involve art forgers like her bold, artistically talented former friend, Bea, who, years ago at Vassar, brought Vera to the brink of catastrophe and social exile.

When the dangerous mysteries of Emil's past are revealed, Vera faces an impossible choice - whether to cling to her familiar world of privilege and propriety or to risk her future with the enigmatic man who has taken her heart. A Fine Imitation explores what happens when we realize that the life we've always led is not the life we want to have.

©2016 Amber Brock (P)2016 Random House Audio

Critic reviews

"Told from the inside of the gilded cage, A Fine Imitation explores one Manhattan socialite's growing realization that who she's been brought up to be is increasingly at odds with who she is. Although set in a rarified corner of the early 20th century, this lush, incisive debut novel explores the universal choice between doing what is right versus what is expected." (Miranda Beverly-Whittemore, New York Times best-selling author of Bittersweet)

"An absorbing tale of art, deception, romance, and forbidden desire." ( Publishers Weekly)

"Rich in color and drama, A Fine Imitation is a sharp and absorbing period piece that skillfully portrays the tensions of social class and love. Fans of Amor Towles and Laura Moriarty will adore Amber Brock - a spellbinding new voice in historical fiction." (Erika Robuck, national best-selling author of Hemingway's Girl)

Terrible characterization ruined the story

This started out quite well, and I liked the alternating time frames (1913 and 1923). Unfortunately, the main character, Vera, was not sympathetic IMHO. And the supporting characters, particularly her dreadful mother, were characticures. The only person who was interesting is Bea, the friend that emotionally cold Vera betrays. Sorry, these are unpleasant people.

Wonderful story, wrong ending

It was a great plot and story but the ending was wrong for the times and it was the wrong choice for her

Loved the book!!!

Loved the book a little disappointed with the ending. But all in all it was excellent. The mystery kept me going.

Transporting

I chose this book based on the fact the Julia Whelan was the narrator. Every book she narrates is wonderful so I knew it must be good. I did not expect to truly feel transporting back into the 1920’s and to feel such a connection with Vera. This is a lovely book and will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end!

easy listen

easy listening story about the rigid expectations of a young woman in the 1920s... How easily we forget. I think it leaves one being happy to be living today where we have so much more freedom.

Mysterious Romance

So good! The narration was wonderful and the story was amazing and captivating. Would recommend

Great Summer Listen

Would you listen to A Fine Imitation again? Why?

I loved this book. Thought the story was great and the narrator did an excellent job with all the voices. It was relaxing to listen too and not like some others where it seems the narrator practically screams to change voice sounds.

Absolutely recommended. A must-have!

Author Amber Brock creates a lovely, enthralling and exquisite novel that I’ve had the pleasure to enjoy. Narrator Julia Whelan’s perfect vocal tones are magical. Whelan has introduced me other genres that surprised me. “A Fine Imitation” is again, a winner that grabbed my attention and never let go. I have to say that I found this title by searching Audible for narrator Julia Whelan and found this hidden gem. I have 33 Whelan-narrated titles and look forward ... How does she do it? Her ability to narrate all characters precisely throughout is a rare skill; she reaches new heights and goes above and beyond in “A Fine Imitation” I was surprised that I enjoyed this early century drama, as I tend to stay away from them. This is not the first time I’ve discovered a new genre, thanks to Whelan. Going back and forth in the early 1990s, Brock brings forth an addictive tale of an upper class, traditional young woman who has had to deal with her strict upbringing, along with many emotions and treasured relationships, concluding with an ending that had me in tears. Happy? Sad? I’ll not give any spoilers. Thank you to both Brock and Whelan. An appreciative bow to Julia for introducing me to these hidden gems! This is a remarkable must-have for your library. Worth a cherished credit! I want to scream it from the rooftop, Epic, I say. EPIC! EPIC! EPIC!

👏✍🏻🌟🌟🌟🌟✍🏻👏

A Fine Imitation

I enjoyed this story very much as it was set in old days. And loved the author.

A Boring Conversation and a Weak Cocktail

I managed to follow the story until chapter 14. At that point, I realized that I could care less what happened to any of the characters in the story and was tired of being bored. A weak and ineffectual heroine and a dragging plot line.