The novel “The Watercolor Woman,” written by Silvia Moreno, has hit the literary market as an intriguing thriller that combines mystery, suspense, and touches of humor. The story follows Luna, an art restorer working at a prestigious museum in Madrid, who finds herself trapped in a distorted reality due to her perception disorder. Her seemingly balanced life is destabilized by the disappearance of a valuable songbook from a donation by collector Jacinto Blánquez. Despite her strong belief of having seen it, her colleagues dismiss her testimony, prompting her to embark on a personal quest for the truth, challenging the skepticism around her.
The inspiration for this work came from the figure of Margarita Gil Roësset, a Spanish artist from the 1920s whose illustrations adorn a songbook from 1932. The echoes of the possible influence her drawings had on Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, author of “The Little Prince,” add a special interest to the narrative, enriching the plot that brings “The Watercolor Woman” to life.
With previous experience in the museum field, Silvia Moreno has managed to create an authentic environment through well-crafted characters, such as the museum conservator and the restoration chief. The author has mentioned that Luna’s character reflects her own background in restoration, bringing a sense of realism to her experiences and emotions.
Through Luna’s narrative, the author highlights mental health themes, incorporating a perspective often overlooked in literature and society. Each character in the novel becomes an “antihero” of their own story, representing personal struggles that resonate with many contemporary realities.
In an emotional moment, Silvia Moreno had the opportunity to gift a copy of her novel to Queen Letizia during the tenth anniversary of Felipe VI’s coronation, a gesture the author recalls with great pride and that was well received by the royal family.
The work not only focuses on the search for the lost piece, but also addresses human connection and mental health challenges, creating a rich tapestry where past and present intertwine. “The Watercolor Woman,” marking Silvia Moreno’s literary debut, has been published by MaluMa publishing and is available on digital platforms like Amazon.
Originally from Madrid and with a background in Conservation and Restoration of Cultural Heritage, the author has combined her love for art with literature throughout her career. Her journey includes studies in Cultural Management, a master’s in Humanities, and a research fellowship at the National Prado Museum, where her passion for art and culture has been a constant motivation in her life.
Referrer: MiMub in Spanish
