I got 3/4s of the way through and just couldn't push to the finish. This is a perfect example of why I prefer non-fiction about such topics. The Journal of Helene Berr, or Nine Suitcases, were readable and real, this book was not. The story of the woman that Rose was based on would have been a vast improvement.For me, a strangely disjointed narrative of a dullness unsurpassed. I thought I could finish it but, after setting it down for a week, it was even less palatable.I didn't hate this so not a 1, but the sheer apathy I feel makes it very nearly so. If I could manage to call up the energy I would almost resent the waste of time and of paper. This is the sort of historical fiction I really enjoy reading. If you are an art or music lover, add a star. The story takes place in Paris, in the years just prior to and just after WWII. The main character is the son of a prominent Jewish art dealer, who is on a quest to find his family's missing art collection, which was stolen by the Nazis during the war. Although the main characters are fictional, many of the other characters in the book are real, or are based on real people. The only shortcoming was in the ending - I felt that certain plot elements were not concluded effectively. For example, I wish that the author had given us more insight into Rose's character and the choices she made after the war. Overall, I thought this was a wonderful first novel and I look forward to reading more from this author.
Do You like book Pictures At An Exhibition (2009)?
A grim look at war-ravaged France. Was hoping somehow we could tie in Mussorgsky here. :)
—Everlyn
the story of a family dealing art in Europe and their struggle to adapt to that loss
—melissa1
Related topic to my After the Auction, but focused on Paris. Beautifully written.
—sherwin
