Rating: 4.5 🌈
Gleaming, incredibly lifelike and often haunting sculptures seen in museums worldwide, from The Dying Gaul (my favorite) to Apollo to Rodin’ The Kiss, have the ability to mesmerize upon sight. Their creator’s ability to turn stone into something that goes past magnificent art into something haunting, beautiful, and timeless. And unforgettable
These sculptures also inspire other forms of art, from paintings to songs to movies to books. Especially the idea of one of those statues coming to life .
A local favorite is Edgar Degas’ Little Dancer of Fourteen Years . It’s one of those that resonates with so many.
But when I think of statues and stories, the one that immediately jumps to mind is that of Pygmalion and Galatea, his stature brought to life. It’s a story that’s been told over and over.
Anyway, Lily Morton returns to this magical idea of wish fulfillment and a creator’s sculpture that has so resonated with one young man throughout his life that it’s the one he’s confided in, run to, and hidden behind all his years.
Barnaby Greenwood is a man in desperate need. At Christmas. He’s about to lose everything that’s ever mattered, to himself, his family, his ancestors, and the village.
He needs a miracle.
In true Morton form, we are given a heart wrenching situation, great characters we can connect with, especially Barnaby. A estate full of sculptures and a dark forest green.
Cosmo is a total delight, complete with canine companion. I love the villagers. The fleeting aspect of the very nature of week and the passing of days… makes for a harrowing tale. We are filled with anxiety as the time passes even as we relish the relationship that builds.
It’s a magical romance, with all sorts of grand and small elements. Plenty to delight over, laugh and sniffle as well.
Pygmalion and Galatea would be pleased.
Merry Christmas! Happy Yule!
Highly recommended! So is this author.
For those interested, I’ve a few pictures of both Degas’ dancer and the iconic Dying Gaul below.
https://www.goodreads.com › showOn a Midnight Clear by Lily Morton – Goodreads
Synopsis:
It can safely be said that Lord Barnaby Greenwood is not having the best of Christmases.
He’s penniless, up to his eyeballs in debt, and about to lose his estate. Therefore, it’s hardly surprising that when a local property developer offers a lot of money to buy King’s Wood from him, Barnaby is very tempted. But his father had always impressed on him that the green wood was sacred and must be protected at all costs, so he finds himself saying no.
He knows this will result in the loss of his home, but duty comes before everything. However, that fateful decision leads instead to a magical Christmas for Barnaby, complete with an old god who grants him a favour, and a beautiful statue that comes to life.
Cosmo is perfect for him. He’s funny and kind and completely enraptured with Barnaby, and for the first time in his life, Barnaby falls in love. But how can this lead to anything but heartache, when on the last stroke of midnight on Christmas Eve, Cosmo will go back to being a statue and take Barnaby’s heart with him?
From bestselling author Lily Morton comes a truly magical romantic comedy.
Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words 