I was very much looking forward to reading THE SWAN THIEVES, as I had really enjoyed Kostova's previous book, THE HISTORIAN. This work is very different in subject and style, but similar in historical scope. This time her subject is the art world, and Kostova brings it alive with rich history and prose.
The story begins when a prominent artist attacks a famous canvas in the National Gallery of Art, saying only, "I did it for her." He then remains mute, much to the frustration of his psychiatrist, who then goes on to try and solve the mystery of the attack.
As in THE HISTORIAN, there is an old mystery intertwined with the new, and Kostova expertly threads the two mysteries together into a compelling story. Her characters are well-rounded, real people whose voices are distinctive. The narrator (the aforementioned psychiatrist) takes us on a journey with him to discover the artist's past, his relationships, and who the mysterious woman he keeps drawing could be.
Kostova really captures what the life of an artist is like, as well as showing an understanding of the tools and techniques. You feel as if you know these people and their world, what it is like to be a painter. Her descriptions are cinematic; you can almost see the paintings she describes, and feel what it's like to paint them. Her fictional historical characters are so real, you want to look them up and see their paintings. You want this story to be real.
I highly recommend THE SWAN THIEVES, and eagerly look forward to Elizabeth Kostova's next offering.
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