This book follows the model that I personally find most effective when it comes to making the reader feel sad. In the beginning, a clear goal is introduced (proving that the art is legitimate and having it as part of the exhibit). The reader is tricked into thinking that if this is accomplished, the ending will be happy, while if he fails, it will be sad. However, as the book goes on, other problems are introduced which make the initial goal seem irrelevant. And by the end, it doesn't matter that everything worked out perfectly regarding the artworks. I'd argue that this book has a similar narrative structure to A little life, where this exact model is utilized (the initial goal being success within their respective fields).