Reviewed by Patricia Simms-Reeve
Adjectives such as ‘charming’ are not usually attached to a thriller, but Belinda Alexandra’s latest novel can be classified as that. It is also entertaining as it embraces the Parisian art world around WW2, in a convincing and compelling way. Descriptions of the opulence of the art collector, the beauty of a city which war failed to destroy, and more significantly, characters who engage the reader in their respective struggles to survive and even thrive under the Nazi occupation offer a tale that is really enjoyable in a fresh and diverting way.
The women are beauties. One, Kristina, who survives the horror of a concentration camp, is an immensely talented artist, and her model, Madeleine, adds the element of mystery and suspense by vanishing from the very close artists’ community in Paris. Martha with her wealth and privilege brings to the story plots to disrupt plans, and this of course is both mildly thrilling and suspenseful. The parties and entertainments, even in wartime, are lavish and extravagant. The famous haute couture designers work hard to match requests of ladies like Martha.
The stunning and courageous young Australian, Eve Archer, is hired to support, even transform her employer, a vulnerable society hostess, Lucille. Her progress in this environment is another engaging element in The Masterpiece.
The men, naturally, are handsome; and close friends, Max and Serge, attempt to make an impact on the world of the art dealer. Both are attractive, sensitive and carry a history which eventually unfolds. Martin, an art dealer also, is ruthless and wealthy with connections in the world of Parisian collectors. He is determined to thwart Max and Serge in their hunt for the missing masterpiece, a forgotten Botticelli.
A novel of this genre would not be complete without the romantic thread, often tantalising and surprising. Belinda Alexandra does not disappoint. She skillfully links love, a search to discover one’s parentage, and the triumphant exposure of unscrupulous skullduggery.
Time plays a key role too. The scenes before the outbreak of war are fine depictions of Paris when it was a Mecca for the creative artist and intelligentsia from all over the world. Change alters this and the lives of almost everyone are dramatically altered until peace finally arrives with surprising complications.
The most impressive quality to this novel is its characters who are tracked throughout with a steady ease. The denouement towards the end, therefore, is made satisfying rather than surprising.
In addition, the world of this Paris under the clouds of war, is very convincing – to the smallest detail. I checked the expensive wine mentioned – Domaine de Romanee 1945. It recently sold at auction for $558,000.
Most of all, those who are fascinated by the art and high fashion world will be entranced by being transported into a stratum of society that is for most, a dream.
A daughter of a Russian and an Australian, Belinda has shared her ability to richly imagine a world that has long vanished and we can only wish that she will continue to write such wonderfully enjoyable books.
The Masterpiece
[2024]
by Belinda Alexandra
Harper Collins
ISBN: 978 14607 6305 6
$34.99; 432pp