Rothschild, Hannah. The Improbability of Love. New York: Knopf 2015. Print.
Though she often passed Bernoff and Son, Annie had never been tempted to explore the junk shop; there was something uninviting about the dirty window piled high with other people's flotsam and jetsam.
The decision to go through its door that Saturday morning was made on a whim: she hoped to find a gift for the man she was sleeping with but hardly knew.
Description:
But the painting just may be a very valuable lost work, "The Improbability of Love," by an obscure 18th century Flemish artist currently recognized in the art world as the creator of the rococo style.
Not knowing or really caring what she might have, Annie takes the painting to a museum to compare it to other similarly-styled paintings and look for a resemblance, if any, exists to other artists.
Her actions are noticed and she comes to the attention of various characters: Russian oligarchs, museum curators, art auction house directors, restoration experts, fabulously wealthy collectors, and many others who try to ascertain whether this painting is the real deal and how they can get their hands on it.
But above all, this is a novel of romance and passion, whether for another person, a painting, respectability, or just money itself. This passion flows out of every page in so many forms that one cannot help but share or at least sense each character's overwhelming emotions and drive for a specific desire.
What is fascinating about this story is that a few short chapters are narrated by the painting itself, filling us in on its checkered past from creation to its wide range of royal and poor owners.
I can't see too well these days: two layers of varnish and chain-smoking have left my surface more than a little murky....It's a long time since I've been admired properly. I must admit I enjoyed it....As usual I had no say over what happened next, for ever the victim of human whimsy.
So is "The Improbability of Love" a valuable painting or a clever fake? What is the future of the painting? Who will end up owning it (if it survives the turmoil for authentication and claims of ownership)? And what role will Annie, her alcoholic mother, the friendly museum guide, and various other powerful people play in the painting's next act?
So it doesn't matter if I am what I say I am or not. What matters is that you want me. You might not know you want me yet but once I have told my story, once you understand, you will all want me.
A wonderfully written story full of wildly eccentric as well as warmly normal character, including the egotistic painting itself. It is full of passion, both romantic and artistic. Throughout, there is captivating background of artists, paintings, and collecting, as well as gourmet cooking services (for those who prefer book with culinary masterpieces).
I loved this book, one I had trouble deciding whether to continue reading page after page or reluctantly put aside to savory over several days. I hope you give it a chance. It will hook you and never let go until the very last pages, my kind of writing.
All that matters is that artists keep reminding mortals about what really matters: the wonder, the glory, the madness, the importance and the improbability of love.
Happy reading.
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If this book interests you, be sure to check out:
If this book interests you, be sure to check out:
Shapiro, B.A. The Art Forger.
A young woman artist agrees to copy a famous painting reportedly stolen from a museum. But on closer inspection, she notices that this painting itself may be a forgery, and the original who knows where? Solid, strong characters and intriguing story. (previously reviewed here)
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