26 August 2006

Object of Virtue

Based on the book jacket description of Nicholas Nicholson’s Object of Virtue, I expected a historical fiction with a strong dose of intrigue, “While researching a priceless work of art, a young man stumbles upon mystery and dark family secrets.” Sasha works for a high-end auction house in New York City as a Russian art expert specializing in Faberge craftsmanship. Anticipation mounts as Sasha traces the history of a legendary Faberge figurine that a Russian of dubious lineage has brought in to sell. The story alludes to old family feuds, and an unknown cousin associated with the Russian selling the figurine creates controversy, but despite various hints the secrets of the family are never fully revealed. A bit of danger and suspense are introduced as Sasha travels to Moscow to conduct research in the government archives, but you never get the impression he’s placing himself in real danger. Nicholson has certainly produced a well written and researched book – my knowledge of Faberge has increased from nothing to a little bit of something as a result of this reading. Object of Virtue is certainly an interesting book, just not quite as mysterious as the jacket makes it out to be.

No comments: