[AFB]≫ Read Free The Forger A Novel Paul Watkins Books

The Forger A Novel Paul Watkins Books

Download As PDF : The Forger A Novel Paul Watkins Books

The Forger A Novel Paul Watkins Books

Exciting journey of an American artist in WW2 Paris forging masterworks of art in order to protect originals from being stolen by the Nazis. Well drawn characters, but I missed the presence of likable women in this novel. There was no real conclusion or resolution, so for a novel that begins with excitement and real promise, I found the second half to be somewhat disappointing.


Tags : Amazon.com: The Forger: A Novel (9780312265939): Paul Watkins: Books,Paul Watkins,The Forger: A Novel,Picador,031226593X,2370705,Thrillers - Suspense,Americans;France;Fiction.,Painting;Forgeries;Fiction.,World War, 1939-1945;France;Fiction.,AMERICAN HISTORICAL FICTION,Americans,Fiction,Fiction - Historical,Fiction Thrillers Suspense,Fiction-Coming of Age,Fiction-Suspense,Forgeries,France,GENERAL,General Adult,Historical,Historical - General,Literary,MysterySuspense,Painting,United States,War & Military,World War, 1939-1945

The Forger A Novel Paul Watkins Books Reviews

A semi-sequel to his book In the Blue Light of African Dreams, Watkins' literary (or rather painting) thriller tells the story of David Halifax (the son of the protagonist in that previous novel). David is a promising young American painter brought to Paris in 1939 via a mysterious scholarship which sets him up to study with a bizarre Russian painter, Pankratov. The first part of the story focuses on David's attempt to make it as an artist in Paris, living a spendthrift existence in a small apartment. Soon, however, he becomes friends with his two other fellow students and a shady gallery owner. One of the books' major strengths is how these characters-and all others, no matter how fleeting their role-spring to life under Watkins' pen.
Gradually the threat of invasion looms larger and larger, and David decides not to leave (sparking a major revelation that isn't as much of a surprise to the reader as Watkins probably intended). This leads to his involvement in an elaborate scheme to hide valuable French artwork from the Nazis, who have been systematically looting the countries they sweep though. The scheme involves forging old master paintings and trading them to the Germans for confiscated "degenerate" Impressionist and post-Impressionist masterpieces destined for destruction. It's a small-scale thriller, not end-of-the-world stuff, but perhaps richer for staying within reasonable bounds (although a late scene with Goering veers from the rest of the book). There's plenty of tension as David and his accomplices must walk a tightrope in dealing with and deceiving the dangerous Germans, and facing reprisal from the French who see them as collaborators.
The final third of the book feels a bit rushed, especially given the length of buildup, but the atmosphere is great throughout. From the dusty classroom, to David's damp apartment, to the cave-like forging studio, to smoky cafés, and occupied streets, the book is crammed with oppressive sets. Watkins writes in an understated but vivd prose that projects the images into the mind in cinematic fashion. The details of painting forgery are intriguing, and the psychology of why men (and women) would risk their lives for art is handled very well. The book is not quite a masterpiece, but it is a very solid tale that will appeal to art lovers, WWII buffs, and general readers.
I definitely enjoyed it. I would recommend it to a friend.
Descriptions were so good you felt like you were right there. Story line about WWWII and the French preserving their art was excellent, even though fiction.
I did enjoy reading The Forger by Paul Watkins. This novel was one of the author's earlier works. It was a good read to be sure, but it does not compare in excellence with his later works such as Archive 17 and Shadow Pass written under the name Sam Eastland.
This is Paris before and during WW11 for a young American artist entering that particular ambiance surrounding a student intent on honing his skills. Anyone who has lived in and loved Paris will appreciate the vivid detail. The invasion of Paris and all it means to the inhabitants from many backgrounds is fascinating. It is also a good thriller.
A great read! My husband enjoyed it too. Paul Watkins takes you into the world of art and WWII in a very believable way with compelling action and characters. Highly recommend.
Overal premise and approach are interesting, and a couple of scenes and some descriptions are noteworthy. But...

The book is generally very slow. The story unfolds in such tempo that it lulls reader into sleep. The setting doesn't give a feel of Paris at all, a giant vortex of Bohemean life and huge center of culture, for the way it's described - it all might've happened somewhere in a small town in Ohio.

Characters remain somewhat flat and quite faceless, except Pankratov (but, as we know, oddish old cranks is quite easy material to describe in literature).
Generally the book is a way too straightforward and, as it lacks true intrique, twists and any tension, it leaves an impression of uninspired work that the authour managed to deliver through a lengthy spell of his own boredom.
Exciting journey of an American artist in WW2 Paris forging masterworks of art in order to protect originals from being stolen by the Nazis. Well drawn characters, but I missed the presence of likable women in this novel. There was no real conclusion or resolution, so for a novel that begins with excitement and real promise, I found the second half to be somewhat disappointing.