Sophia C. reviewed on 6/22/2011 + 289 more book reviews

The Swan Thieves is an interesting but not entirely successful study of perspective. After talented artist Robert Oliver tries to stab a painting at the National Gallery of Art, he remains resolutely silent in psychiatric care. His psychiatrist, Andrew Marlow—a painter himself—has not nothing to go on except a packets of nineteenth century French letters and gathering history from collateral sources. Although there is much to enjoy about the subject matter (beautiful art, a charismatic and handsome painter, the mysterious origins of mental illness, and the beginning of the Impressionist movement) I didn't really enjoy how it was presented. Marlow is a first person narrator telling the story from many years later, but so are the women in Robert's life. Certain details were unnaturally cropped out. In the movies this would lead to large chunks of flashback, which doesn't allow for much interaction between Marlow and other characters. The letters slowly morph into a third-person narrative from the nineteenth century. Moreover, Marlow's character seemed static, underdeveloped, and questionable as he crosses multiple professional boundaries. However, Elizabeth Kostova's second novel is a well-researched work which might tempt lovers of art and historical fiction.

Back to all reviews by this member
Back to all reviews of this book
Back to Book Reviews
Back to Book Details