The Forger

Although not a sequel per se, this book follows the story of David Halifax (who's father was the main character in Paul Watkins' previous novel, "In The Blue Light of African Dreams") as he travels to WWII Paris to pursue his art education under the direction of the famous teacher, Alexander Pankratov. Like its predecessor, the plot of "The Forger" is very loosely based on actual events. Perhaps no painter has been as successfully copied as Jan Vermeer. In the early 1940's, Hans van Meergeren, another (less talented) Dutch painter, claimed to have discovered several lost paintings by the master Vermeer. A rare (and valuable) find since only about 35 originals are know to exist. He sold these "lost paintings" to Hermann Goering and was put on trial by the Dutch after World War II for selling national treasures to the Nazis. Van Meergeren eventually proved himself innocent by painting another "Vermeer" in his jail cell. Paul Watkins' fictional narrative of these events is skillfully told through the eyes of the likable protagonist, David Halifax. He presents his time and place with eerie clarity, capturing the essence of living in the world's most beautiful city during the ugliest time in its history. And he does this while showing us that great forgery is an art unto itself.

I thoroughly enjoyed this novel. Watkins draws the reader in with his splendid details and vivid scenery of a challenging and enigmatic age. Highly recommended.

For me, this was one of those spur of the moment purchases. It turned out to be an excellent choice.Set in pre-WWII Paris, Watkins' story introduces the reader to some very vivid characters: David, a young American out to fulfill a dream of painting in Paris; Pankratov, a disgruntled russian master painter; Dietrich, a strong-headed henchman of Hitler's; Fleury, a shady art dealer. What David gets into is more than he bargained for, but certainly a life experience. As the Germans advanced, the French began an effort to protect certain works of art from being absconded by the Germans. Part of the project involved reclaiming certain works from the Germans by trading forgeries of masterpieces for them. This is where David comes in, with the help of Pankratov's experience and Fleury's promotion.This book has everything...good pacing, strongly developed characters, excellent setting. I could see, smell and feel Paris at the time. I wanted to cry for Pankratov and his daughter, get mad at the Germans and cheer David on. I was actually mentally tired when the story ended, having gotten so worked up in the conclusion.Watkins obviously researched art and the "art" of forgery. While I enjoy art, I never really gave much thought to what went on at the time with respect to the paintings and works taken by the Germans. This is a fabulous read. Highly recommended.

What a great combination! The Forger has terrific descriptions - of the art world, of wartime Paris, of the tale's quirky characters combined with a thriller-like plot full of suspense and plot twists. It is a rare writer who can combine these unrelated literary talents - Watkins has succeeded. The descriptions of the local café are so deftly written I re-read the passages several times. The Forger is an original, certainly not a fake.

I found myself involved from Page 1 with this story about a young artist from America who becomes involved with the German's as a forger of art masterpieces during the German occupation of Paris in World War II. This is a fascinating book that takes a different look at the "Great War" told from the angle of a young man with a great talent who uses it to help make a great sacrifice for the sake of art, risking his own identity and perhaps his own life. So many stories of WWII have been told from the military standpoint, it was great to read an account of bravery from a civilian viewpoint. Paul Watkin's narrator David Halifax, the young artist, tells the story in a very descriptive & detailed way. I could envision Paris and the surrounding countryside very easily. This portrait of the young artist really taught me a lot about fine art I didn't know or realize before. If you enjoy beautiful art & paintings you'll find the details about forgery fascinating and eye-opening. There is so much happening in this story you just can't help but read on. A truly enjoyable and emotional read.