In 1990 the largest unsolved art theft occurred in Boston at the Isabella Stewart Museum: thirteen works of art worth more than $500 million in today's economy. "The Art Forger" is a novel that is tied to this theft. Claire Roth, a struggling artist, is the primary character.

The writer knows her subject matter. She is extremely knowledgeable regarding the art world---descriptions of the details of various paintings are fascinating: brushstrokes; thickness of paints; color saturation; etc. The descriptions of forgers and their "works" are effective additions to the story. In addition, there are descriptions of the tests to determine the authenticity of classical paintings and conversely how forgers can duplicate those test results.

But the book is uneven at times---continuous flashbacks; entire chapters that are unnecessary and add little or nothing to the novel.

In summary: I really wanted to like this book and did enjoy part of it. However, for me it's an average read.

I found this book to be a bit lacking. The story line is fun, but really needs to be tightened up. I feel that the author was trying to pack too many ideas into one story. There are a lot of characters and it became confusing trying to keep them all straight, I don't think they were developed enough as characters to care about them, with the exception of the main two. There were some really great "one-liners" in the book and that kept it fun. But... the short chapters, instead of keeping the book moving, I felt slowed it down for me. It skipped around too much, I would have to look backwards to try to figure out who we were talking about now, especially if I was picking it up a day or so after the last time I read from it.

I think there is real potential for a good fun read, but I don't think it was achieved.

I had a hard time getting into this book. I'm not sure exactly why, I can't criticize the writing, but I felt like I was always trying to catch up with the author. There were so many characters and plots, I had a hard time keeping everyone straight. I felt like things were happening that had hidden meanings that should be obvious to me, but weren't really. I think someone with a military background and more familiarity with Pakistani culture and history may get more out of it. It wasn't a bad read after I got past the first 100 pages and started getting a feel for the "voice" of the author, but I wouldn't put it on my "must read" list for anyone.

This story was like reading my own bio. Parents who want to control their children, like Aslaug's mother, unknowingly emotionally abuse their children. Aslaug may have learned a lot about "mother nature" but not how easily this mother earth knowledge can't help in real life.

Thanks for a good read!

When I first heard the name of this book, I didn't think I would like it. The more I read, however, the more I came to love it! It was the kind of book you just can't put down. I'm 15 years old and How to Build a House really inspired me to go out and make a difference in the world I live in. My eyes were opened to the fact that even when things aren't going as planned, there's always someone fighting a harder battle than mine. There's always someone in need of help and even teenagers can make a difference.

This book is fun. It's literary slapstick. The dialogue is clever and witty, and definitely contrived, but you are willing to overlook that because, well, it's just such fun. I couldn't help but begin casting characters for the movie. If you are looking for a deeply moving, profound treatise on animal rights, you better look elsewhere, but if you want a quick read that will entertain, this is your book.

Haruko, the commoner, went against all custom of Japan and actually beat the next-in-line Emperor of Japan in tennis. The world of politics beyond her garden wall was of little consequence to her. It was actually her lack of experience with the game of politics and royalty that beguiled the crown prince to want her as his consort. But in doing so, Haruko shut the door on her previous life and all who presided there. "Life became a series of rituals written in another age."

Adding to this wall built around her, was the methodical withdrawal of her baby son by her husband's mother who subtly gives the care of Yasu to the servants. Haruko lapses into a breakdown caused by her broken heart.

In a time and culture when the dictates of royalty preside over individual desire and independence, Haruko submits to the control of the Japanese court and releases her right to hold her son; to hold her husband's hand in public; to publicly shed a tear for sorrow of joy.

Time, however, allows her the opportunity to become the Empress of Japan and the mother-in-law to her son's wife. Will she redeem the wrongs that have burdened her life, or continue to carry out the royal traditions? The portrayal of these historic characters written in sensuous prose evokes compassion and a deeper understanding of a world unknown to most.

I enjoyed reading this book with it's many descriptive and interesting portrayal's of the main character, Mata Hari. She was an intriguing person with a lot of baggage which formed the person she became. I was surprised at some of the revelations that came out toward the end. I'm not sure I would recommend it to my book club because of the graphic sexual content throughout the book.