Take a photo of a barcode or cover
3.53 AVERAGE
3.53 AVERAGE
This had the makings of a great story, but it was bogged down by too many characters- many of whom felt more like caricatures than real people. The plot dragged, and there were so many side plots crammed in that it lost focus. I ended up skipping parts that were about the side plots I wasn't interested in, and almost gave up on the book entirely. I probably should have DNFed as the last few chapters were rushed with unbelievable plot twists and just as quick resolutions to them.
Very interesting book about what is art and why people collect art and what makes art valuable. The main character is a young lady, Annie, who has just been dumped by her boyfriend of ten years, who sounds terrible. And she has moved to London to try and reinvent herself. There she finds a painting in a junk shop and buys it for a man who then stands her up. She meets an art gallery guide who falls in love with her and helps her to try and figure out what the painting is.
There is also the Winklemans, a family of art dealers who are living a lie. The father was a Nazi and stole the identity of a Jewish boy. He also stole many paintings from the Jews and then pretended he was also Jewish and sold them, making millions. His daughter discovers this secret and frames Annie for theft and murder in a bid to hide her secret. She is eventually found out though and Annie is released and can move on with her life.
It’s very interesting about the reasons rich people buy art, nothing to do with actually liking the art and all to do with being rich and powerful and making sure everyone else knows. It’s not very complimentary to the art world at all, nobody is spared.
There is also the Winklemans, a family of art dealers who are living a lie. The father was a Nazi and stole the identity of a Jewish boy. He also stole many paintings from the Jews and then pretended he was also Jewish and sold them, making millions. His daughter discovers this secret and frames Annie for theft and murder in a bid to hide her secret. She is eventually found out though and Annie is released and can move on with her life.
It’s very interesting about the reasons rich people buy art, nothing to do with actually liking the art and all to do with being rich and powerful and making sure everyone else knows. It’s not very complimentary to the art world at all, nobody is spared.
Ugh. This book had so much potential and there were elements I really liked but what a wind up. I wonder if people like to read books with so many peripheral characters? With so many players? I don't. I like books that hone in on a few characters closely so I can get to know them and care about them deeply. This books was too much of a romp through the high-end London art world. It was a smarter, though just as stereotypical Dan Brown novel. I liked the idea of the painting as a character and Annie was great - but the rest? Meh.
adventurous
emotional
informative
lighthearted
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
funny
hopeful
mysterious
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
The Improbability of Love by Hannah Rothschild is a witty, satirical novel that blends art, history, romance, and intrigue.
The story follows Annie McDee, a struggling chef who stumbles upon a lost masterpiece, unknowingly igniting a whirlwind of greed, deception, and desire among collectors, critics, and criminals.
Rothschild’s deep knowledge of the art world shines through, offering a sharp critique of its excesses while weaving a compelling mystery.
The novel’s humor, richly drawn characters, and vibrant storytelling make it an engaging read. Though slightly overlong, its charm and depth make it a delightful exploration of love, art, and second chances.
The story follows Annie McDee, a struggling chef who stumbles upon a lost masterpiece, unknowingly igniting a whirlwind of greed, deception, and desire among collectors, critics, and criminals.
Rothschild’s deep knowledge of the art world shines through, offering a sharp critique of its excesses while weaving a compelling mystery.
The novel’s humor, richly drawn characters, and vibrant storytelling make it an engaging read. Though slightly overlong, its charm and depth make it a delightful exploration of love, art, and second chances.
I think this could have been a solid book, but it just wasn’t for me at this time
I enjoyed the hilariousness of the too wealthy art collectors. The love story between the young chef and the young artist/guide was well done. Her banquets and the research she put into the art to convey it in her food was really interesting. The connection to lost Jewish family art was a connection to other reports like The Monuments Men. They are still looking for so much stolen art including the Amber Room so the author working this in, made it so believable. I enjoyed the walk through the art world including how delicate restoration work is.