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2000s: Set largely in Rome, there is also a bit of a tour of Athens, Istanbul, London and a little sprinkling of Austria too…
2000s: Set largely in Rome, there is also a bit of a tour of Athens, Istanbul, London and a little sprinkling of Austria too…
General Bottando has received a tip about a planned raid at a nearby monastery. His colleague Flavia di Stefano and her art-expert fiancé, Jonathan Argyll are confused since the only valuable item in the monastery’s art collection is a supposed Caravaggio that’s currently being restored.
So who on earth would attempt a raid under such conditions and why?
When the raid goes ahead – the item that does end up stolen is the real mystery of all since it is supposed to have magical powers of some sort. The investigators disregard this quickly yet when a body of a french dealer in found floating in the river tiber a few days later, things take a different turn.
What have they stolen exactly? What does it all mean?
The author’ has a very keen interest and insight into the art world and into Rome’s history in particular. The novel lingers in the art world and the issue of restoration. There is the theft of a painting, the workings of the Roman Art Theft Squad. Not all restoration is good and in this novel the more controversial kind plays a major role. When is restoration dubbed as destruction?
The Monastery which holds a pair of frescoes is the centre of an Art mystery and scandal. The Byzantine mystery which trails from the missing object from the monastery leads you into a journey of interest and intrigue in Rome’s history and in the world of art.
Author/Guide Iain Pears Destination: Europe, Rome Departure Time: 2000s
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