What's Bred in the Bone

What's Bred in the Bone follows the life story of Francis Cornish, a Canadian art collector and painter whose death sets events in motion in Davies' earlier novel The Rebel Angels. The narrative stems from a conversation between the Recording Angel and Cornish's personal daimon, who shaped his journey through life. The story traces Cornish from his origins in small-town Ontario through his education at Oxford, his time as an art restorer in Nazi Germany, and his later work with art repatriation after World War II. His path leads him through complex encounters with art forgery, love affairs, and influential mentors who shape his development as both an artist and a person. The novel moves between Canada, England, and Germany as Cornish navigates the art world and develops his talents while concealing parts of himself from those around him. His relationships with family members, teachers, lovers, and fellow artists form the core experiences that define his character. Davies uses this sweeping biographical structure to examine profound questions about authenticity in art and life, the role of deception in human affairs, and how early influences permanently mark an individual's character.

Readers highlight Davies' rich character development and exploration of art, religion, and Canadian identity. The novel's slow-building narrative rewards patient readers with complex themes and symbolic depth. Readers appreciated: - Intricate weaving of mythology and reality - Francis Cornish's detailed character evolution - Historical details of WW2 art forgery - Dry humor and wit throughout Common criticisms: - Pacing drags in the middle sections - Some found the art history elements excessive - Religious symbolism can feel heavy-handed - Several readers struggled with the formal writing style Ratings: Goodreads: 4.2/5 (5,800+ ratings) Amazon: 4.4/5 (115 ratings) "Like peeling an onion layer by layer" notes one Goodreads reviewer. Another describes it as "dense but rewarding." Multiple Amazon reviews mention abandoning the book early due to its slow start, while dedicated readers praise the payoff of completing it.

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🎨 The daimon figure in the novel was inspired by ancient Greek mythology, where personal spirits guided individuals through life - a concept Davies reimagined for modern readers. 📚 Robertson Davies was not only an author but also a professor at the University of Toronto and the founding Master of Massey College, experiences that influenced his academic settings. 🖼️ The art forgery elements in the book were meticulously researched, with Davies consulting numerous art restoration experts to ensure technical accuracy. 🏆 The novel won the Secretary's Award from the American Institute of Architects - an unusual honor for a work of fiction, recognizing its exceptional portrayal of art and architecture. 🍁 Davies drew from his own experiences growing up in small-town Ontario to create the rich atmospheric details of Francis Cornish's early life, including the cultural tensions between English and French Canada.