The Portrait of Mrs. Charbuque

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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.