Painted Lives

Painted Lives by Canadian-born novelist Charlotte Vale Allen, presented here in the 1990 first Canadian edition and first printing from Random House of Canada Limited. The complete number line ends in 1, and the book retains its illustrated dust jacket.

The novel follows Sarah Kidd, the new secretary to Mattie Sylvester, the formidable elderly widow of a celebrated American painter. As Mattie recalls her youth among artists in the 1920s and her troubled marriage to Gideon Sylvester, her memories gradually reveal long-held secrets involving artistic identity, passion, deception, determination and honour.

This copy contains a personalized title-page inscription to Elizabeth, signed by Charlotte Vale Allen and offering her good wishes. The signature and inscription are shown in the photographs.

The book has minor page toning. The dust jacket displays age toning and light edge wear, including small chips or short tears around the spine ends and corners. It is now housed in a removable clear plastic protective cover. Please review the photographs for the copy-specific appearance and inscription. The book will be carefully packaged to help protect it in transit.