The Improbability of Love

September 21, 2015
Rothschild’s clever follow-up to The Baroness follows brokenhearted Londoner Annie McDee. Her attempts to begin a new life are complicated by a junk-shop painting that, unbeknownst to her, is an 18th-century masterpiece by Antoine Watteau. Rothschild gives the title painting its own point-of-view chapters, admirably managing not to get too cutesy. Having been owned by royalty, the Watteau is initially dismayed by Annie’s lack of funds and poor fashion sense. Annie finds work as a chef for Rebecca Winkleman, the daughter of a prominent art dealer, and yet Annie never shows them the painting, despite talking to other experts. Coincidentally, Rebecca has been tasked by her father, Memling, to find this very same artwork for devious reasons that he doesn’t share. Once Rebecca links Annie with the painting, she suspects her of being a spy. The weakest part of Rothschild’s plot involves would-be love interest Jesse, an innocuous painter/museum guide who is head over heels for Annie and pursues her despite her aloof lack of interest. Despite some plot holes, it’s rewarding to see Rebecca viciously come into her own once she divulges Memling’s dark secret. Additionally, Rothschild packs the narrative with vivid details, especially about art and food. The book is at its best when delving into the lives of the many people affected by the Watteau.