Unveiling by Suzanne M. Wolfe
Reviewed by Vicki Carver
The profession of art restoration is the subject of a new novel titled
Unveiling by Suzanne M. Wolfe. Wolfe is the Executive Editor of a
magazine called “Image” and teaches English at a university in Seattle. Unveiling is her first
novel to be published.
Rachel Piers has traveled from New York City to Rome to begin an art
restoration project in a church. The painting is thought to be the work
of a Flemish artist from around 1450. It involves three panels which
have several layers of grime which have to be removed. Working with an
Italian named Donati, Rachel begins the painstaking process of restoration.
As the project proceeds, details from Rachel’s past life begin to
emerge. She has buried some experiences dating back to her childhood
involving an abusive stepfather. Without realizing how damaging those
experiences have been, Rachel has been unable to live her life with any
degree of happiness. Her marriage had lasted less than two years.
Unpleasant dreams interrupt her sleep.
With Donati's help the beauty of the painting begins to emerge as well
as its origin. Rachel slowly begins to change as the painting starts to
slowly influence her life in a positive way. Not only is the painting
transformed but Rachel’s life is changed as well.
Unveiling gives the reader an idea of what it would be like living in
Rome for six months. Rachel begins to know people she encounters in her
day-to-day interactions such as buying her morning coffee and roll. She
begins to feel at home in Rome and regrets the end of her stay there. Of
course the ending potentially changes Rachel’s plans and provides her
with some new intriguing opportunities.
Unveiling is a relatively short novel, under 200 pages, and a successful
work for a first-time author. It will be interesting to see what Wolfe’s
next writing endeavor will be.