Book Reviews – The Cloisters

The Cloisters by Katy Hays

The prologue sets the tone … death, mystery, divination and all set at The Cloisters. The story is told by Ann, who has arrived in New York in June to start an internship at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. It’s the only offer she’s had since finishing college as her specialty of early renaissance minor painters is niche and not in vogue. However, on the first day, the internship is no longer on offer and Ann sees her future crumbling. Money is tight and she’s put everything on the line for this potential career move. Just as it all seems to be slipping away, she gets an unexpected offer that means she can stay. The curator at The Cloisters, a type of medieval monastery built from the crumbling remains of 12th century abbeys and priories that have been imported from Europe, needs another assistant. Ann is to work with Patrick, the curator, and his assistant Rachel. What follows is a story about obsessions, lust and history. Well written with dark overtones.