The Art Forger

Starred review from April 15, 2013

What if a forger discovered that the painting she was forging might itself be a forgery? That is Claire Roth's dilemma in Shapiro's (The Safe Room) fascinating novel about the art world, major thefts, and the struggle for authenticity. Claire's reputation was ruined after a scandal in which she covered for a famous artist; since then she has made a meager living painting for Reproductions.com. When she is offered money and a show of her own if she will agree to make a copy of a famous Degas stolen from the Gardner Museum in Boston, she jumps at the chance but quickly becomes suspicious that the supposed original is a fake. VERDICT Shapiro expertly includes details about Degas, Isabelle Gardner, and the art world, as well as describing techniques used by artists and forgers. The first-person narrative is professionally and skillfully read by Xe Sands. This work is highly recommended and will be popular with fans of literary fiction and anyone with an interest in the art world. ["This well-researched work combines real elements...with the understanding that the art world is as fragile and precarious as the art itself.... A highly recommended debut that would be great for book discussion groups," read the review of the New York Times best-selling Algonquin hc, LJ 8/12.--Ed.]--Mary Knapp, Madison P.L., WI

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