Title: The Art Forger
Author: Barbara Shapiro
Narrator: Xe Sands
Genre: Contemporary Fiction
Pages: 368
Audio: 10 hours
Year: 2012
Publisher: Highbridge Audio
Source: Personal Collection
Book Rating: 4/5
Audio Rating: 5/5
Summary:
In 1990, 13 pieces of art were stolen from the Gardiner Museum in Boston. The crime remains unsolved.
After her involvement in a scandal that left her blacklisted in the art world, Claire Roth makes her living creating reproductions of famous paintings.
When Aiden Markel pays her a visit, she discovers that he is in possession of one of the stolen paintings, Degas’ After the Bath. And Aiden wants her to reproduce it. But as she works on the forgery, she begins to suspect that the stolen painting may be a forgery itself.
My Thoughts:
Stolen paintings, forged artwork, love affairs, and deceit. The Art Forger is a compelling story and one that I only reluctantly put down.
The book alternates between three timelines: the present – where Claire is forging the stolen Degas, the past – where Isabella Gardiner corresponds with her niece about her interactions with Edgar Degas, and the more recent past – where Claire scandalizes the art world.
I was instantly drawn to Claire, and I really felt the injustice of her situation, even as she makes decisions that may not be in her best interest.
I immediately recommended this to my husband and he enjoyed it nearly as much as I did. I think this one will appeal to a wide range of readers.
Audiobook Thoughts:
My first experience with Xe Sands was sadly with a book I didn’t care much for, but I like her so much on Twitter, I desperately wanted to love her as a narrator. Well, she was fantastic in The Art Forger. This is definitely a book to listen to.
my books. my life. 
Oh I’m so glad you enjoyed both the book and performance, Michelle! I loved voicing this, and learned SO much about art and the art world while working on it.
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I really liked this book, so glad you did too!
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