About this book
George MacDonald's The Cruel Painter transports listeners to late 16th century Prague, where a passionate college student embarks on a desperate quest to capture the heart of a beautiful, enigmatic woman. But winning her affection proves far more treacherous than romance alone—her father, a masterful and sadistic artist, deliberately takes the young man as his apprentice with sinister intentions: to torment him through the torture of hopeless love.
Set against a backdrop of mysterious occurrences and terrifying whispers of a vampire prowling the shadowed streets, this atmospheric fantasy weaves romance, adventure, and dark intrigue into a compelling tale. MacDonald crafts a world where beauty and cruelty intertwine, where art becomes a weapon, and where passion collides with danger at every turn.
The narrative explores timeless themes of love, ambition, and the price of artistic obsession, all while maintaining the author's signature commitment to emotional truth beneath fantastical elements. MacDonald believed that stories founded in the marvelous must remain true to human nature to resonate—a principle that gives this adventure its haunting power.
Perfect for audiobook listeners who crave Gothic romance with fantastical elements, historical intrigue, and psychological depth, The Cruel Painter offers a mesmerizing escape into a world where darkness and desire dance together.
