I was tipped off about this great book by the excellent Lee Randall, who reviewed it on her blog A History of my Life in 100 Objects. Lee writes a far more informed review than I ever could, but I do agree with her entirely that this is a beaut’ of a book. I spend a lot of time on the edges of the art world, what with middleagedad being an artist and having friends in the industry, so to get this insider account from Hannah, who is right at the heart of it as part of her day job as a trustee of the Tate Gallery, she becomes chair of the National Gallery in autumn 2015, is delicious, she should know, right?
What I’d really like to do is take Hannah out for a cocktail and ask her to spill the beans on who inspired her characters (she happily admits that they are inspired by people she has met in her long career in art). However, since this isn’t going to happen, I should just tell you that this novel combines non-syrupy romance, art theft, dodgy Russians, wicked corporations and a a touch of crime solving, all wrapped around a cast of characters I was very happy to spend time with. Very enjoyable and beautifully written. A total must if you are fascinated by the current art world and the stonkingly high prices art is being sold for.
Hannah’s also written
The Baroness: The Search for Nica the Rebellious Rothschild
This is currently on my bedside pile waiting to be read. It should be good. (Loved her last (non fiction) book about her aunt as well).