Overview
A transportive work of historical fiction chronicling the life, loves, and iconic successes of Rafael Guastavino, the influential yet largely forgotten Spanish architect of New York’s Gilded Era
Iconoclast. Genius. Womanizer. Architect Rafael Guastavino’s signature vaulted tile ceilings revolutionized Gilded Age New York City. The Oyster Bar in Grand Central, the Prospect Park Boathouse, and the iconic Old City Hall subway station number among his masterpieces. But while his works continue to imbue the city with the glamour of a bygone era, the man himself has been largely forgotten.
Told through the eyes of Guastavino’s son and business partner, Rafael Jr., Javier Moro’s magnetic prose brings to life the remarkable rags-to-riches journey of this influential immigrant family. Guastavino was a stubborn man, enamored of his own sense of destiny, but he was also a deeply compassionate father, as committed to his family as he was to his work, and equally defined by his successes in the latter realm as by his failures in the former.
Set against historical events including the Chicago World’s Fair and the sinking of the Titanic, The Architect of New Yorkis a moving and entertaining father-son story filled with finely developed and deeply researched real-life characters (including such figures as Stanford White and Daniel Burnham) that captures the romance and drama while offering a timeless glimpse into the human heart.
Review
Iconoclast. Genius. Womanizer. Architect Rafael Guastavino’s signature vaulted tile ceilings revolutionized Gilded Age New York City. The Oyster Bar in Grand Central, the Prospect Park Boathouse, and the iconic Old City Hall subway station number among his masterpieces. But while his works continue to imbue the city with the glamour of a bygone era, the man himself has been largely forgotten.
This is a bit slow and drawn out. I did enjoy learning about the history surrounding the architecture and the creations by Rafael Guastavino. He was truly a genius. Plus, he was a bit of a scoundrel as well, especially where women were concerned. I had a hard time keeping up with all his women and children. He was also terrible with his money. I bet he lost multiple fortunes due to mismanagement.
This is told through the voice of one his sons. This made this a unique narration. It shows their relationship and how it changed through the years.
This is narrated by Robert Fass. He did a good job with the Spanish accents.
Need a good history of architecture in NYC…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today.
I received this novel from the publisher for a honest review.
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