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Trophies of War
Fighting in over 100 countries.
Economies shattered, empires dissolved.
More than 60 million dead.
The Second World War was the most destructive conflict in human history, but it was more than just a battle of ideologies and nations—it was a war on culture. As they marched across the continent, Hitler and the Nazis looted the art of occupied Europe for the glory of the Thousand Year Reich as well as their own personal collections. Many artworks are still missing today, while others are the subjects of modern treasure hunts as survivors seek to bring their property home.
In Trophies of War, David Lyon discovers a family mystery in his mother’s basement that takes him across a former war zone where the secrets of the 1940s—and those who would do anything to keep them hidden—are still alive today.
Economies shattered, empires dissolved.
More than 60 million dead.
The Second World War was the most destructive conflict in human history, but it was more than just a battle of ideologies and nations—it was a war on culture. As they marched across the continent, Hitler and the Nazis looted the art of occupied Europe for the glory of the Thousand Year Reich as well as their own personal collections. Many artworks are still missing today, while others are the subjects of modern treasure hunts as survivors seek to bring their property home.
In Trophies of War, David Lyon discovers a family mystery in his mother’s basement that takes him across a former war zone where the secrets of the 1940s—and those who would do anything to keep them hidden—are still alive today.
368 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 15, 2014
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84 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
March 10, 2017
Although this book is a work of fiction it echoes beautifully the time, place and contexts. We go back and forth in time following David Lyon on his quest to find his mother precious Manet, an unknown painting by the famous impressionist lost during the Nazi occupation.
It starts with David reminiscing with his elderly mother about a gift from her father, a painting by Manet. David thinks it may be worth a fortune, only if he could recuperate it. And he goes on a hunt….
In alternating chapters, we go back to WW11 with Hitler and the Nazi pilfering art and precious objects for the Reich or for their personal satisfaction and hiding the treasure in safe places. While all this is going on, we follow David facing his many challenges criss-crossing the former war zone….A good part of the story also covers the aftermath with the hunt between the allied forces (Americans and Russians) for the share of the missing arts. Of course at one point David gets in the way of the Russian mafia…..
Based on trues events, this story is all about history, suspense and lot of good action. David’s adventure is interesting and I was pleasantly surprise to have stayed so captivated through the timeline. The plot is well paced with well-constructed shifting perspectives. The style is simple with short sentences making it easy to read. The characterization is the run of the mill and what one can expect with this kind of story. This didn’t bother me at all. This is a wonderful tale that has inspired me to look further into the subject…
I enjoyed this book immensely.
It starts with David reminiscing with his elderly mother about a gift from her father, a painting by Manet. David thinks it may be worth a fortune, only if he could recuperate it. And he goes on a hunt….
In alternating chapters, we go back to WW11 with Hitler and the Nazi pilfering art and precious objects for the Reich or for their personal satisfaction and hiding the treasure in safe places. While all this is going on, we follow David facing his many challenges criss-crossing the former war zone….A good part of the story also covers the aftermath with the hunt between the allied forces (Americans and Russians) for the share of the missing arts. Of course at one point David gets in the way of the Russian mafia…..
Based on trues events, this story is all about history, suspense and lot of good action. David’s adventure is interesting and I was pleasantly surprise to have stayed so captivated through the timeline. The plot is well paced with well-constructed shifting perspectives. The style is simple with short sentences making it easy to read. The characterization is the run of the mill and what one can expect with this kind of story. This didn’t bother me at all. This is a wonderful tale that has inspired me to look further into the subject…
I enjoyed this book immensely.
March 27, 2015
Good read!
This book was not what I expected when I bought it. I expected just another war story, but was pleasantly surprised by the depth of the plot line. I highly recommend it if you want a story with a bit of mystery, a bit of adventure and a bit of history all woven into a good story line.
This book was not what I expected when I bought it. I expected just another war story, but was pleasantly surprised by the depth of the plot line. I highly recommend it if you want a story with a bit of mystery, a bit of adventure and a bit of history all woven into a good story line.
January 12, 2019
Flat ending
I found the subject of this novel riveting but among all the escalating action and the development of the main character Lyon to be a stronger individual hungry for more, the ending for our protagonist feels empty even when the resolve finally comes to us.
I found the subject of this novel riveting but among all the escalating action and the development of the main character Lyon to be a stronger individual hungry for more, the ending for our protagonist feels empty even when the resolve finally comes to us.
April 26, 2018
An interesting story about finding a painting stolen by the Nazis, especially when it isn't a verified piece done by Manet. I liked the details about where all the real art was hidden.
July 19, 2015
Good read, but missed some development
A well written book, good plot and weaving of fictional and historical events. The author rushed in wrapping up matters towards the final third of the book, though. There were issues and characters left unresolved, which if developed could have added to a richer experience for the reader.
A well written book, good plot and weaving of fictional and historical events. The author rushed in wrapping up matters towards the final third of the book, though. There were issues and characters left unresolved, which if developed could have added to a richer experience for the reader.
October 17, 2014
Interesting book about what happened to the art looted by the Nazis in WW2. Although this is fiction you can tell that the author researched the subject well.
January 7, 2015
Awesome book!! If you haven't seen The Monuments Men, then it will all be new to you. If you have seen that movie, then it runs along those lines and I won't say any more than that.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews