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The Didomenico Fragment
1 hour, 47 minutes
From the New York Times best-selling author of A Gentleman in Moscow and Rules of Civility comes a stylish and alluring new story about art, money, and a precious family heirloom - brought magically to life by the beloved voice of six-time Emmy-winner John Lithgow.
Like many well-to-do Upper East Siders over the age of 65, esteemed art appraiser Percival Skinner had planned to spend his retirement living off his savings. But a market correction has left him living below his prior means. One day he’s visited by a dapper fixer in search of a famous work by the Renaissance master Giuseppe Didomenico. Skinner knows the work well: The original was owned by his ancestor, and was passed down through his family over the generations. If, as an intermediary, he can coordinate a sale, a small fortune awaits. Problem is, he might not be the only one on the make.
Told with the quixotic energy of a classic Henry James tale and the gleeful absurdity of drawing-room comedy, this playful and effortlessly heartwarming story from one of America’s most gifted writers is a welcome reminder that sometimes what we find is more valuable than what we are looking for.
From the New York Times best-selling author of A Gentleman in Moscow and Rules of Civility comes a stylish and alluring new story about art, money, and a precious family heirloom - brought magically to life by the beloved voice of six-time Emmy-winner John Lithgow.
Like many well-to-do Upper East Siders over the age of 65, esteemed art appraiser Percival Skinner had planned to spend his retirement living off his savings. But a market correction has left him living below his prior means. One day he’s visited by a dapper fixer in search of a famous work by the Renaissance master Giuseppe Didomenico. Skinner knows the work well: The original was owned by his ancestor, and was passed down through his family over the generations. If, as an intermediary, he can coordinate a sale, a small fortune awaits. Problem is, he might not be the only one on the make.
Told with the quixotic energy of a classic Henry James tale and the gleeful absurdity of drawing-room comedy, this playful and effortlessly heartwarming story from one of America’s most gifted writers is a welcome reminder that sometimes what we find is more valuable than what we are looking for.
2 pages, Audible Audio
First published April 1, 2021
26 people are currently reading
2,506 people want to read
About the author
Amor Towles
26 books26.9k followersBorn and raised in the Boston area, Amor Towles graduated from Yale College and received an MA in English from Stanford University. Having worked as an investment professional in Manhattan for over twenty years, he now devotes himself fulltime to writing. His first novel, Rules of Civility, published in 2011, was a New York Times bestseller in both hardcover and paperback and was ranked by the Wall Street Journal as one of the best books of 2011. The book was optioned by Lionsgate to be made into a feature film and its French translation received the 2012 Prix Fitzgerald. His second novel, A Gentleman in Moscow, published in 2016, was also a New York Times bestseller and was ranked as one of the best books of 2016 by the Chicago Tribune, the Miami Herald, the Philadelphia Inquirer, the St. Louis Dispatch, and NPR. Both novels have been translated into over fifteen languages.
Mr. Towles, who lives in Manhattan with his wife and two children, is an ardent fan of early 20th century painting, 1950’s jazz, 1970’s cop shows, rock & roll on vinyl, obsolete accessories, manifestoes, breakfast pastries, pasta, liquor, snow-days, Tuscany, Provence, Disneyland, Hollywood, the cast of Casablanca, 007, Captain Kirk, Bob Dylan (early, mid, and late phases), the wee hours, card games, cafés, and the cookies made by both of his grandmothers.
Mr. Towles, who lives in Manhattan with his wife and two children, is an ardent fan of early 20th century painting, 1950’s jazz, 1970’s cop shows, rock & roll on vinyl, obsolete accessories, manifestoes, breakfast pastries, pasta, liquor, snow-days, Tuscany, Provence, Disneyland, Hollywood, the cast of Casablanca, 007, Captain Kirk, Bob Dylan (early, mid, and late phases), the wee hours, card games, cafés, and the cookies made by both of his grandmothers.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 343 reviews
April 17, 2021
This Audible Original, perfectly narrated by John Lithgow, is both entertaining and touching. Lithgow gives us a fabulous performance as the character of Percival Skinner, a retired art appraiser trying to make a profit once again as his retirement funds are diminishing. It isn’t just his character who comes alive. He wonderfully voices the conversations with the people he interacts with. Whether it’s New York City as in this short work and in Rules of Civility or to Moscow in A Gentleman in Moscow, Towles always takes me to the place he writes about . In this one he takes us on a quick journey to the art world, to an old school French restaurant, to the Metropolitan Museum. He takes us on the journey of a good man, who finds his way into the heart of his 10 year old nephew Lucas, who found a way into my heart. Highly recommended for fans of Towles’ wonderful story telling and writing. It’s less than two hours and a great way to spend part of a rainy afternoon. I also very much enjoyed this interview where Towles talks about how this story came about. https://www.audible.com/blog/intervie.... His new novel The Lincoln Highway is to be published in October, 2021. I can’t wait !
Thanks to Phrynne for bringing this to my attention.
Thanks to Phrynne for bringing this to my attention.
June 5, 2021
A little gem by Mr Towles, wonderfully narrated by John Lithgow.
April 10, 2021
Amor Towles again displays his splendid talent as a writer in this short, delightful contemporary story.
We meet Percival Skinner, a retired art expert, attempting to live his Upper East Side life style on ever reducing funds. When a chance arises to broker a deal on a valuable piece of art owned by a family member of course he goes ahead. In his attempts to encourage the sale he befriends the son. A trip to the Met by an elderly, rather self opinionated man and a ten year old boy turns out as well as you might expect.
The characters are perfectly drawn, the story is succinct and complete in itself, and the New York setting is totally absorbing especially to me since I have never been there. (It is on my list!) The ending was effective too. Maybe Percival does not get what he was aiming for but something better instead.
We meet Percival Skinner, a retired art expert, attempting to live his Upper East Side life style on ever reducing funds. When a chance arises to broker a deal on a valuable piece of art owned by a family member of course he goes ahead. In his attempts to encourage the sale he befriends the son. A trip to the Met by an elderly, rather self opinionated man and a ten year old boy turns out as well as you might expect.
The characters are perfectly drawn, the story is succinct and complete in itself, and the New York setting is totally absorbing especially to me since I have never been there. (It is on my list!) The ending was effective too. Maybe Percival does not get what he was aiming for but something better instead.
November 29, 2021
John Lithgow was the perfect narrator for his witty story about the attempt of a retired Renaissance art expert to broker the sale of a valuable work of art. It was also a glimpse into how a once-wealthy segment of the population gets by in the Upper East Side. The ending of the short story reminded me of “A Christmas Carol”. This was a free Audible Plus selection.
April 13, 2021
I’m a huge fan of Amor Towles. But he’s not a prolific writer, so I was thrilled to see this short story available as an Audible original. It’s a gem, with several laugh out loud moments. John Lithgow is the perfect narrator. Highly recommend!
April 17, 2021
Any subscribed fan of either Amor Towles (author),
or John Lithgow (Tony award winning actor), will enjoy this high quality 1 hr. and 47 minutes entertaining treasured bargain....
audible original, included with Audible membership.
...Witty bubbling humor....
...a little cynicism...
...Informative art history intrigue...[step into the Metropolitan Museum of Art]...
...family, tradition, engaging dialogue, characters, story and performance...
...even a little surprise enchanting twist.
Short & Sweet!
or John Lithgow (Tony award winning actor), will enjoy this high quality 1 hr. and 47 minutes entertaining treasured bargain....
audible original, included with Audible membership.
...Witty bubbling humor....
...a little cynicism...
...Informative art history intrigue...[step into the Metropolitan Museum of Art]...
...family, tradition, engaging dialogue, characters, story and performance...
...even a little surprise enchanting twist.
Short & Sweet!
August 15, 2021
Delightful story, perfectly narrated by John Lithgow.
August 8, 2024
The Quirky Art of Family
This cool, effervescent short story, narrated splendidly by John Lithgow, left me craving for more of its dazzling world.
A seasoned art appraiser named Percival, facing financial straits, sees a chance to reunite a fragmented Didomenico masterpiece owned by a collector with a missing piece held by Percival’s distant cousin. This painting, once owned by Percival's ancestor, was passed down through generations before becoming divided and scattered among the family.
As an intermediary, Percival can orchestrate the sale of the missing fragment and secure a significant financial windfall. Will his relative, a tender boy with a holistic view, and the potential for hidden players disrupt his meticulous plan?
Towel’s story touches in this short novella on Renaissance art trivia, glances of NYC, young family squabbles and dynamics, well infused with clever dry humour, and lingering snobbish undertones, punctuated by a surprising and quirky ending.
This cool, effervescent short story, narrated splendidly by John Lithgow, left me craving for more of its dazzling world.
A seasoned art appraiser named Percival, facing financial straits, sees a chance to reunite a fragmented Didomenico masterpiece owned by a collector with a missing piece held by Percival’s distant cousin. This painting, once owned by Percival's ancestor, was passed down through generations before becoming divided and scattered among the family.
As an intermediary, Percival can orchestrate the sale of the missing fragment and secure a significant financial windfall. Will his relative, a tender boy with a holistic view, and the potential for hidden players disrupt his meticulous plan?
Towel’s story touches in this short novella on Renaissance art trivia, glances of NYC, young family squabbles and dynamics, well infused with clever dry humour, and lingering snobbish undertones, punctuated by a surprising and quirky ending.
April 29, 2021
Thoughts soon.
April 20, 2021
4 ✚ 🎨
Excellent short by the very talented Towles. John Lithgow narrating (5★) sweetens the listen.
The chapter on the traditional Thanksgiving meal just priceless.
Excellent short by the very talented Towles. John Lithgow narrating (5★) sweetens the listen.
The chapter on the traditional Thanksgiving meal just priceless.
June 30, 2021
Free for Audible Plus members.
This short piece, call it a novella, convinced me to remain an Audible Plus subscriber. The yearly subscription fee at Audible. com, which gives free access to the large and ever increasing number of Audible Plus books, is significantly more expensive than the yearly Audible.co.uk subscription fee.
Towles is an ace at capturing life in New York City! I have lived there—memories tumbled back on me. The vernacular and mannerisms of its inhabitants are captured to a T. The story exudes the ambiance of the place--the streets, the haunts the museums, the people!
The lines are filled with sophisticated, intelligent humor. You are going to grin. You are going to burst out laughing. Even I did, and I have been in a reading slump given current family circumstances.
Fascinating tidbits concerning European Renaissance art are here for the taking. Art, history, cuisine and family, inclusive all the idiosyncrasies of familial relationships, are wonderfully depicted.
The narration of the audiobook by John Lithgow is the icing on a scrumptious cake. The narration is without a doubt worthy of five stars.
The author excels in his manner of writing, in his knowledge of human behavior and his ability to make the reader smile. He knows how to draw NYC as few others can.
Maybe this story is even worth five stars! Do NOT miss this. It's short but sweet.
**********************
*Rules of Civility 5 stars
*The Didomenico Fragment 4 stars
*A Gentleman in Moscow 2 stars
*The Lincoln Highway TBR
This short piece, call it a novella, convinced me to remain an Audible Plus subscriber. The yearly subscription fee at Audible. com, which gives free access to the large and ever increasing number of Audible Plus books, is significantly more expensive than the yearly Audible.co.uk subscription fee.
Towles is an ace at capturing life in New York City! I have lived there—memories tumbled back on me. The vernacular and mannerisms of its inhabitants are captured to a T. The story exudes the ambiance of the place--the streets, the haunts the museums, the people!
The lines are filled with sophisticated, intelligent humor. You are going to grin. You are going to burst out laughing. Even I did, and I have been in a reading slump given current family circumstances.
Fascinating tidbits concerning European Renaissance art are here for the taking. Art, history, cuisine and family, inclusive all the idiosyncrasies of familial relationships, are wonderfully depicted.
The narration of the audiobook by John Lithgow is the icing on a scrumptious cake. The narration is without a doubt worthy of five stars.
The author excels in his manner of writing, in his knowledge of human behavior and his ability to make the reader smile. He knows how to draw NYC as few others can.
Maybe this story is even worth five stars! Do NOT miss this. It's short but sweet.
**********************
*Rules of Civility 5 stars
*The Didomenico Fragment 4 stars
*A Gentleman in Moscow 2 stars
*The Lincoln Highway TBR
July 13, 2024
Delightful, devious and masterful in its relatable edge, I can’t believe I just stumbled upon this book scrolling while under the weather.
Amor Towles’s witty yet, eloquent writing paired with John Lithgow’s brilliant narration makes for a flawless listening experience. The match was divine. Art is fascinating subject matter, and it was pure magic in the hands of this duo. The storytelling beckons to the listener without a wasted word.
Percival Skinner is a retired art appraiser looking to supplement his savings to maintain the Upper East Side lifestyle. As luck should have it, he’s approached with an offer to strike a lucrative deal for a portion of a Renaissance painting passed down in his family for generations.
With charm and intelligence, this story drew me in and warmed my heart.
**This gem is currently available as a freebie in the Audible Catalog**
Amor Towles’s witty yet, eloquent writing paired with John Lithgow’s brilliant narration makes for a flawless listening experience. The match was divine. Art is fascinating subject matter, and it was pure magic in the hands of this duo. The storytelling beckons to the listener without a wasted word.
Percival Skinner is a retired art appraiser looking to supplement his savings to maintain the Upper East Side lifestyle. As luck should have it, he’s approached with an offer to strike a lucrative deal for a portion of a Renaissance painting passed down in his family for generations.
With charm and intelligence, this story drew me in and warmed my heart.
**This gem is currently available as a freebie in the Audible Catalog**
December 23, 2021
I won't soon forget this fun little story. Amor Towles has a way with words and can bring life to his characters so that you can know them well enough to read how they feel. I love that! John Lithgow narrates this with ease. The twist at the end was priceless and left me with a smile. I really loved little Lucas, the 10 year old little boy, wise beyond his years. ♡
January 7, 2022
Absolutely loved this!
Amor Towels has a way of writing that makes you feel it's true, a none fiction story that you're sat (usually with a fine wine or Martini) listening to.
The former elite of Park Avenue are not as rich nor glamorous as we think and when the opportunity to make some money comes along, it's time for Percival to re-engage with his family.....
Amor Towels has a way of writing that makes you feel it's true, a none fiction story that you're sat (usually with a fine wine or Martini) listening to.
The former elite of Park Avenue are not as rich nor glamorous as we think and when the opportunity to make some money comes along, it's time for Percival to re-engage with his family.....
May 9, 2021
3.5 stars rounded up. I couldn't wait to get this audible freebie (a quick listen at just under 2 hours), as I love both Amor Towles and John Lithgow. The story about a man on a mission to find a missing fragment of a masterpiece did not disappoint, except that I wanted more. John Lithgow's narration is PERFECTION and I really enjoyed the art history, humor and charming characters in the story.
If you can get this for free, do so!
If you can get this for free, do so!
May 5, 2021
An enjoyable little story. Not sure how much of my enjoyment was the story and how much was John Lithgow’s narration, but together they made for a very pleasing experience.
August 23, 2021
This little gem of a novella is bound to please fans of Amor Towles. A snapshot of events in the life of an aging, urbane Upper East Side gentlemen whose circumstances have been reduced by the stock market "correction" of 2008, it's witty and sly and lots of fun. The mini-lectures on Italian Renaissance paintings of the Annunciation and on studioli of that era may have been plot devices, but they managed to be educational and entertaining as well. And I can't imagine a better narrator for this book than John Lithgow.
September 10, 2023
Really fun novella. If you love Towles writing don't pass this one up. I listened to it as an Audible Audio but I think it can be found outside Audible. It is read by John Lithgow and his narration is closer to audio acting rather than a narration. At first I wasn't sure I wanted so much interpretation of the text but it grew on me. The story was a good one about a fragment of a painting. The entire masterpiece has at one point been divided between heirs and this tradition had been continued to multiple generations till small fragments were owned by generations of family members. The purchase and the selling of one fragment form the center of this story and all does not go well.
It is a great story, with laugh out loud moments and NYC images not to be missed. Enjoyed the listen so much I hope to repeat it again on a long walk as I'm sure I didn't appreciate it fully yet. 5 stars and definitely worth 2 hours of my time
It is a great story, with laugh out loud moments and NYC images not to be missed. Enjoyed the listen so much I hope to repeat it again on a long walk as I'm sure I didn't appreciate it fully yet. 5 stars and definitely worth 2 hours of my time
April 20, 2021
An Amor Towles fix, delivered by John Lithgow. Fabulous.
August 8, 2024
Amor Towles is the type of writer you feel compelled to read his works even if you care nothing about the topic. This delightful short briefly introduced me to a glimpse of Renaissance art history through the eyes of a dislikable protagonist. Despite it all, it is a satisfying, playful tale worth reading.
April 12, 2024
Fun read, awesome audio. I only wished it was longer. A short, cute story about art and a specific piece. I wanted to hear more about the origins of the art. John Lithgow did an amazing job on the audio, another reason I wished this was longer.
April 6, 2021
A gem of a story performed with nuance by John Lithgow! I felt as if I was hearing this tale over dinner in the company of an old friend. Snarky social commentary served with a side of art history. Feel-good without being sappy. Undeniably absorbing despite it’s short length. For me, the contemporary Manhattan setting was the cherry on top. We lunched at La Maison, played backgammon at the Yale Club, and toured the Met... I’m more of a downtown gal but had a great time on the Upper East Side in “The Didomenico Fragment.”
I’ve been eyeing A Gentleman In Moscow tucked in the furthest reaches my bookshelf for years now, without any inspiration to open it. When I came across this brief audible freebie (1 hour 45 minutes) by Amor Towles I thought it would be a great introduction to the author (and I was not wrong)! Rules of Civility, you’re up next! I’d like to stay in New York with Towles just a little longer before we go to Russia!
I’ve been eyeing A Gentleman In Moscow tucked in the furthest reaches my bookshelf for years now, without any inspiration to open it. When I came across this brief audible freebie (1 hour 45 minutes) by Amor Towles I thought it would be a great introduction to the author (and I was not wrong)! Rules of Civility, you’re up next! I’d like to stay in New York with Towles just a little longer before we go to Russia!
April 15, 2021
Available as a two-hour download from Audible, available free to subscribers.
Excellently read by John Lithgow and very enjoyable from start to finish -- starting out like the more accessible young Henry James but then ending up like O. Henry. A lovely diversion in difficult times.
Excellently read by John Lithgow and very enjoyable from start to finish -- starting out like the more accessible young Henry James but then ending up like O. Henry. A lovely diversion in difficult times.
May 5, 2021
This is a jewel of a short story and the narration by John Lithgow is fabulous. It’s surely a sign of a good writer that I felt I knew the main character well in less than two hours! As is true with other stories by Amor Towles, the setting comes alive and is a character unto itself. It’s funny, sweet, poignant, quirky, and unexpected. Well worth a listen!
April 26, 2021
This was absolutely charming and engaging. John Lithgow was the perfect narrator.
January 25, 2023
Audiobook. Book 5 stars, narration by John Lithgow 5 stars.
A delightful novella about Manhattan, old money, and art. John Lithgow hits every note.
A delightful novella about Manhattan, old money, and art. John Lithgow hits every note.
April 30, 2021
Small but perfectly formed.
May 5, 2022
A fun, short story about a man trying, and failing, to make a quick buck. Percy is a descendent of a man who owned a Didomenico painting from the Italian Renaissance era. Upon his death, he ordered the the painting be cut into 4 pieces so that each of his 4 children could have a portion. This tradition has been carried on by future generations and Percy had a 3x3 inch square that he sold years ago. Percy is retired from Sotheby's and knows the art world so he is not surprised when an art broker approaches him, interested in buying his fragment or any others that can be found so that the painting can be reassembled. Percy negotiates a 25% fee and sets his sights on his nephew, Peter, who is married with small children and living in a brownstone that is sorely in need of renovations. Peter's son, Lucas, is a little 10-year-old dandy and is the only one in his immediate family who appreciates the fragment. Percy sets his sights on convincing Lucas that the art should be preserved and displayed for all to see. He does too good of a job, however, and Peter, when approached by the same buyer, agrees to sell on the condition that the piece be displayed in a museum, with copies made for the family to keep. Percy's interactions with Lucas were sweet. Having recently read Towles' The Lincoln Highway I am reminded at how well the author portrays children.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 18, 2024
This is how you write a short story. When I read short stories, I almost always feel like something is missing. This was a perfect example that you can write a complete short story that is entertaining and would leave an impact. It was captivating, witty and perfectly narrated by John Lithgow. Amor Towles is one of my favorite authors; he doesn’t only transfer you to the place he writes about but also to a different era or a different perspective of it.
In this book we see and understand the world in the eyes of a retired gentleman. I really enjoyed this one, and I look forward to reading more by this amazing author.
In this book we see and understand the world in the eyes of a retired gentleman. I really enjoyed this one, and I look forward to reading more by this amazing author.
August 31, 2024
4 stars for the audiobook , 5 stars for the story.
Clever, succinct writing and story telling about a topic I enjoy; locating and restoring great works of art.
For others that like to reference the works of art referred to in the book, Dianne Durante has crafted a substack:
https://diannedurantewriter.com/archives/14049
Will the main character, who has such a self-deprecating, often satirical, sense of humour - become hoist by his own petard?
I would love to read a printed copy of this, which I know would gift the story it’s extra missing star. The audiobook is good, yet, for me personally, the narrator (John Lithgow) took a while to settle in to, his style/tone of voice in the beginning nearly had me DNFing it: so pleased I didn’t.
Clever, succinct writing and story telling about a topic I enjoy; locating and restoring great works of art.
For others that like to reference the works of art referred to in the book, Dianne Durante has crafted a substack:
https://diannedurantewriter.com/archives/14049
Will the main character, who has such a self-deprecating, often satirical, sense of humour - become hoist by his own petard?
I would love to read a printed copy of this, which I know would gift the story it’s extra missing star. The audiobook is good, yet, for me personally, the narrator (John Lithgow) took a while to settle in to, his style/tone of voice in the beginning nearly had me DNFing it: so pleased I didn’t.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 343 reviews