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The Forgery of Venus by Michael Gruber
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The Forgery of Venus (original 2008; edition 2009)

by Michael Gruber

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6684434,316 (3.61)46
Having inherited his father's considerable artistic talents but unable to find buyers for his works, Chaz Wilmot accepts a commission to restore an antique fresco in a European castle, a job that brings unexpected success and a sinister offer.
Member:Mekana2469
Title:The Forgery of Venus
Authors:Michael Gruber
Info:William Morrow Paperbacks (2009), Edition: Reprint, Paperback, 336 pages
Collections:Your library
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The Forgery of Venus by Michael Gruber (2008)

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» See also 46 mentions

Showing 1-5 of 44 (next | show all)
Brilliant in many respects, Gruber takes the reader on an unusual journey toggling back and forth from the present to the days of the famous Spanish artist, Velasquez. The catch is that the mind of the central character, Chaz Wilmot may or may not be how this journey is experienced. Extremely well researched, the characters engage at a deep level offering art history in parallel with the underworld of art forgery. With a lifelong appreciation for great art while lacking the knowledge of the masters, this story has inspired me to learn more about them! But it's the journey that will continually raise questions in your mind, the central theme being, What is real? This is a great story and unique in many respects. Highly recommend, whether art is of interest or not! ( )
  Jonathan5 | Feb 20, 2023 |
Reminds me a bit of The Magus, both for the cool ideas it plays with and for the creakiness of the basic plot. But as with the Magus, I find myself willing to suspend my skepticism and just enjoy the play. ( )
1 vote ehines | Jun 1, 2019 |
Gruber's Forgery of Venus is a story that demands a bit of suspension of reality. The main character experiences time-travel, or psychotic episodes, that transport him back to the 1600s and 1700s in Europe. We travel through the worlds of art forgery, great painters, the stolen artworks during the Holocaust, and more. I enjoyed listening to Chaz tell his story. ( )
  CYGeeker | Sep 6, 2018 |
I'm going to have to re-read this when my head's not addled with cough syrup and prednisone, although it provided a nice parallel to the central character's experience. I'm left not knowing what was real, what imagined, and I'm not sure what share of that ambiguity is actually in the text. ( )
1 vote Laurelyn | Oct 20, 2017 |
This book has been described as “a tale within a tale within a tale” and it most certainly is! A modern day artist has the talent to paint like the old masters, specifically Diego Valasquez. Add to that a mix of genius, a little insanity, a few narcotics, some shady characters, a healthy dose of intrigue and some very interesting and factual art history and you pretty much sum up this book. I loved it. ( )
  ChristineEllei | Jul 14, 2015 |
Showing 1-5 of 44 (next | show all)
This is the kind of book that could easily become ludicrous and boring if it had been written by an author less talented than Gruber. His richly developed characters and engaging prose keep the story crisp and believable.
 
"Art, culture, history and deception are the tantalizing plot elements at the center of Michael Gruber's exhilarating new novel, The Forgery of Venus."
added by bookfitz | editUSA Today, Carol Memmott (Apr 16, 2008)
 

» Add other authors (3 possible)

Author nameRoleType of authorWork?Status
Michael Gruberprimary authorall editionscalculated
conger, ericNarratorsecondary authorsome editionsconfirmed
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Epigraph
So with the faulty image as a start
We come at length to analyse and name
The Luminous darkness in the depths of art:
The timelessness that holds us is the same
As that of the transcendent sexual glance
And art grows brilliant in the light it sheds,
Direct or not, on the inhabitants
Of our imagination and our beds.
--Robert Conquest, "The Rokeby Venus"
Dedication
For E. W. N.
First words
"I'll lay a bet," said Sancho, "that before long there won't be a tavern, roadside inn, hostelry, or barber's shop where the story of our doings won't be painted up; but I'd like it painted by the had of a better painter than painted these."
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Having inherited his father's considerable artistic talents but unable to find buyers for his works, Chaz Wilmot accepts a commission to restore an antique fresco in a European castle, a job that brings unexpected success and a sinister offer.

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