A traumatic event catapults young Theo into a frenetic and nomadic life, often on the edge of self-destruction but motivated by the need for security and to protect the priceless painting he has acquired. A huge novel, well researched but over-long, with some very enjoyable and entertaining sections but too much waffle from the characters. The rambling ending required some skimming and by then it was hard to sympathise with Theo or his self-absorption.
(Victoria Grey-Edwards - bwl 73 Summer 2014 ) |
