Into this tale of fantasy and historical fiction a jaded artist is to be put to the test. Named Piambo, our master artist finds himself tormented at the ease at which his love for life, painting, has become a financially rewarding and soulless journey into midlife. After his latest portrait is revealed to the usual brilliant overtures his craftsmanship has once again captured he finds himself propositioned by a blind man to come visit his female employer. She would like the great Piambo to do justice to her countenance as only he could. The catch is that he is not allowed to see her face.

This novel with its backdrop of the burgeoning New York city of 1893 is very well rendered. The language used sounds most appropriate to the period as all the blue blood money with their idiosyncrasies and opulence are magnificently juxtaposed the the gumbo stew that is the poor of the metropolis. Piambo flutters from these two totally polarized worlds as his slow descent into perdition is fanned by the woman's lively past behind the screen.

Through a pleasant back and forth dialogue Mrs. Charbuque tell Piambo anything and everything of herself. Her voice and her past are the only clues she gives Piambo. Both of these characters are so vivid in their respect, curiosity, and liking of one another that the unbelievably amount of money Piambo is promised, should he render her likeness accurately, fades from his mind very rapidly. The shadow and voice behind the screen is more real to him than his relationship with his current lover, Samantha. Though it is very transparent that Piambo is besotted by Mrs. Charbuque his descent into madness is crafted as equally brilliant as the brush strokes his hands and fingers possess. Trouble is, Piambo cannot form a picture of Mrs. Charbuque in his mind. He seeks help.

The backdrop of characters in this novel are used both sparingly and frequently. In one of his artist buddies, an opium addict named Shenz, he finds an all too willing companion and confidante who can help him unravel the mystery that is Charbuque. His adventures with Shenz introduce to the seedier elements of New York but it is kept very safe. Not once are you left to fear for Piambo's safety, it is his relationship with Samantha and his own mental health which are hovering close to the abyss.

A sidestep in this story is the mystery regarding people dying because of ocular exsanguination; all of them women, bleed to death from their eyes. Piambo witnesses this event and an officer friend (also an artist) informs him of its current impact. Piambo slowly realises this has to do with his current state of affairs. It is slightly anachronistic to the subtle passionate note this novel evokes but it is eventually resolved.

I have to admit I devoured this relatively short novel in a few days with increasing relish and gusto. A very intriguing adventure with hallmarks redolent of a master storyteller. A short and somewhat bitter-sweet novel is what you will find here.

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