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The Collector's Apprentice
FROM THE BESTSELLING AUTHOR OF THE ART FORGER AND THE MURALIST
"Dazzling and seductive, a tour de force, The Collector's Apprentice is an exhilarating tale of shifting identities, desire, and intrigue set between 1920s Paris and Philadelphia."--Dawn Tripp, bestselling author of Georgia
It's the summer of 1922, and nineteen-year-old Paulien Mertens finds herself in Paris--broke, disowned, and completely alone. Everyone in Belgium, including her own family, believes she stole millions in a sophisticated con game perpetrated by her then-fiance, George Everard. To protect herself from the law and the wrath of those who lost everything, she creates a new identity, a Frenchwoman named Vivienne Gregsby, and sets out to recover her father's art collection, prove her innocence--and exact revenge on George.
When the eccentric and wealthy American art collector Edwin Bradley offers Vivienne the perfect job, she is soon caught up in the Parisian world of post-Impressionists and expatriates--including Gertrude Stein and Henri Matisse, with whom Vivienne becomes romantically entwined. As she travels between Paris and Philadelphia, where Bradley is building an art museum, her life becomes even more complicated: George returns with unclear motives . . . and then Vivienne is arrested for Bradley's murder.
B. A. Shapiro has made the historical art thriller her own. In The Collector's Apprentice, she gives us an unforgettable tale about the lengths to which people will go for their obsession, whether it be art, money, love, or vengeance.
"Dazzling and seductive, a tour de force, The Collector's Apprentice is an exhilarating tale of shifting identities, desire, and intrigue set between 1920s Paris and Philadelphia."--Dawn Tripp, bestselling author of Georgia
It's the summer of 1922, and nineteen-year-old Paulien Mertens finds herself in Paris--broke, disowned, and completely alone. Everyone in Belgium, including her own family, believes she stole millions in a sophisticated con game perpetrated by her then-fiance, George Everard. To protect herself from the law and the wrath of those who lost everything, she creates a new identity, a Frenchwoman named Vivienne Gregsby, and sets out to recover her father's art collection, prove her innocence--and exact revenge on George.
When the eccentric and wealthy American art collector Edwin Bradley offers Vivienne the perfect job, she is soon caught up in the Parisian world of post-Impressionists and expatriates--including Gertrude Stein and Henri Matisse, with whom Vivienne becomes romantically entwined. As she travels between Paris and Philadelphia, where Bradley is building an art museum, her life becomes even more complicated: George returns with unclear motives . . . and then Vivienne is arrested for Bradley's murder.
B. A. Shapiro has made the historical art thriller her own. In The Collector's Apprentice, she gives us an unforgettable tale about the lengths to which people will go for their obsession, whether it be art, money, love, or vengeance.
593 pages, Library Binding
First published October 16, 2018
1352 people are currently reading
9409 people want to read
About the author
B.A. Shapiro
12 books976 followersB.A. Shapiro is the award-wining, NYT bestselling author of THE MURALIST and THE ART FORGER, both stories of art, mystery and history with a bit of romance thrown in.
She's also written five suspense novels -- THE SAFE ROOM, BLIND SPOT, SEE NO EVIL, BLAMELESS and SHATTERED ECHOES -- four screenplays and the nonfiction book, THE BIG SQUEEZE.
In her previous career incarnations, she directed research projects for a residential substance abuse facility, worked as a systems analyst/statistician, headed the Boston office of a software development firm, and served as an adjunct professor teaching sociology at Tufts University and creative writing at Northeastern University.
She began her writing career when she quit her high-pressure job after the birth of her second child. Nervous about what to do next, she said to her mother, "If I'm not playing at being superwoman anymore, I don't know who I am." Her mother answered with the question: "If you had one year to live, how would you want to spend it?" The answer: write a novel and spend more time with her children. And that's exactly what she did. Smart mother.
After writing seven novels and raising her children, she now lives in Boston with her husband Dan and her dog Sagan. And yes, she's working on yet another novel but has no plans to raise any more children.
She's also written five suspense novels -- THE SAFE ROOM, BLIND SPOT, SEE NO EVIL, BLAMELESS and SHATTERED ECHOES -- four screenplays and the nonfiction book, THE BIG SQUEEZE.
In her previous career incarnations, she directed research projects for a residential substance abuse facility, worked as a systems analyst/statistician, headed the Boston office of a software development firm, and served as an adjunct professor teaching sociology at Tufts University and creative writing at Northeastern University.
She began her writing career when she quit her high-pressure job after the birth of her second child. Nervous about what to do next, she said to her mother, "If I'm not playing at being superwoman anymore, I don't know who I am." Her mother answered with the question: "If you had one year to live, how would you want to spend it?" The answer: write a novel and spend more time with her children. And that's exactly what she did. Smart mother.
After writing seven novels and raising her children, she now lives in Boston with her husband Dan and her dog Sagan. And yes, she's working on yet another novel but has no plans to raise any more children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 588 reviews
August 6, 2018
Schemers and scoundrels hide and blend behind the scenes like the blurred textures within an art masterpiece. Within time, though, the eyes focus more readily and true colors are ultimately revealed.
It's 1922 at a small estate in Belgium and we find Paulien Mertens lost in the pangs of love. Her nineteen years on this earth don't adequately prepare her for the waves of ill-intent by one George Everard. George has presented her with a sizable engagement ring. But what doesn't ring true are his shifty ways. Paulien convinces her father into investing with ol' George. The aftermath leaves the Mertens family without their art nor their fortune.
Cast out by her angry family, Paulien heads to Paris. She is forced to reinvent herself including her own name. While keeping ahead of scandal, Paulien becomes Vivienne Gregsby. With very few coins in her handbag, Vivienne rents a tiny rundown apartment. She takes on new employment while working in a millinery shop, becoming a waitress, an art model, and eventually a translator. But this last option will open a heavy door that will drastically change Vivienne's life forever.
Vivienne will meet Dr. Edwin Bradley, an American art collector who wishes to deal with avant-garde galleries. B.A. Shapiro intermixes her story with the likes of Henri Matisse and actual historical figures of the day as Bradley employs Vivienne to assist him in acquiring a high-end collection. We will find ourselves in the salon of Gertrude Stein and Alice B. Toklas as well. Shapiro develops Vivienne with a fine-tuned artistic sensibility. As Bradley's collection grows, so does Vivienne's desire to re-engage with her family's lost art. She also wishes to once again connect with the conniving George. But will this ambition be her eventual downfall?
I enjoyed The Collector's Apprentice as Shapiro wraps it in true artistic appreciation. But Shapiro also adds heavy brushstrokes of human greed and desire. Her characters take on a different hue when placed in iffy situations. My favorites of Shapiro are still The Muralist and The Art Forger. You may want to check these out as well. Shapiro is a master at blending the art world with the art of fiction.
I received a copy of The Collector's Apprentice through NetGalley for an honest review. My thanks to Algonquin Books and to B.A. Shapiro for the opportunity.
It's 1922 at a small estate in Belgium and we find Paulien Mertens lost in the pangs of love. Her nineteen years on this earth don't adequately prepare her for the waves of ill-intent by one George Everard. George has presented her with a sizable engagement ring. But what doesn't ring true are his shifty ways. Paulien convinces her father into investing with ol' George. The aftermath leaves the Mertens family without their art nor their fortune.
Cast out by her angry family, Paulien heads to Paris. She is forced to reinvent herself including her own name. While keeping ahead of scandal, Paulien becomes Vivienne Gregsby. With very few coins in her handbag, Vivienne rents a tiny rundown apartment. She takes on new employment while working in a millinery shop, becoming a waitress, an art model, and eventually a translator. But this last option will open a heavy door that will drastically change Vivienne's life forever.
Vivienne will meet Dr. Edwin Bradley, an American art collector who wishes to deal with avant-garde galleries. B.A. Shapiro intermixes her story with the likes of Henri Matisse and actual historical figures of the day as Bradley employs Vivienne to assist him in acquiring a high-end collection. We will find ourselves in the salon of Gertrude Stein and Alice B. Toklas as well. Shapiro develops Vivienne with a fine-tuned artistic sensibility. As Bradley's collection grows, so does Vivienne's desire to re-engage with her family's lost art. She also wishes to once again connect with the conniving George. But will this ambition be her eventual downfall?
I enjoyed The Collector's Apprentice as Shapiro wraps it in true artistic appreciation. But Shapiro also adds heavy brushstrokes of human greed and desire. Her characters take on a different hue when placed in iffy situations. My favorites of Shapiro are still The Muralist and The Art Forger. You may want to check these out as well. Shapiro is a master at blending the art world with the art of fiction.
I received a copy of The Collector's Apprentice through NetGalley for an honest review. My thanks to Algonquin Books and to B.A. Shapiro for the opportunity.
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November 5, 2018No rating. I couldn't imagine giving it more than 2 stars for my own read. I got nearly to the 1/2 way point and all the others in my TBR pile called out to me. Just too many good ones there.
It's about a women of 20 in 1922 who makes a new life for herself in Paris (working as an agent within the art sales of that period) because of a Ponzi scheme fall out with her former fiance and her entire wealthy family. Formerly wealthy- the Ponzi scheme, you know.
Those readers here who are Romance genre lovers and Paris sighers of gushing Seine placements will enjoy this one. Possibly. It's not my style of effusive writing or of principles' moods/abilities. Either. I did enjoy the Art Forger although I did find it plodding. This one also holds tons of instructive Post-Impressionist painting and sculpture of various types minutia and celeb artist intersect. None of which seems remotely possible to me, btw.
Absolutely not my cup of tea. Writing or plot. I would also categorize it as Chick Lit.
It's about a women of 20 in 1922 who makes a new life for herself in Paris (working as an agent within the art sales of that period) because of a Ponzi scheme fall out with her former fiance and her entire wealthy family. Formerly wealthy- the Ponzi scheme, you know.
Those readers here who are Romance genre lovers and Paris sighers of gushing Seine placements will enjoy this one. Possibly. It's not my style of effusive writing or of principles' moods/abilities. Either. I did enjoy the Art Forger although I did find it plodding. This one also holds tons of instructive Post-Impressionist painting and sculpture of various types minutia and celeb artist intersect. None of which seems remotely possible to me, btw.
Absolutely not my cup of tea. Writing or plot. I would also categorize it as Chick Lit.
September 25, 2022
Rating 3.45
After reading her most current book, "Metropolis" I was taken with Shapiro's style, wit and narrative. And while somewhat engaging, this story pales in comparison due to predictability and tedious pace.
Set in the 1920's during the time of Matisse, Picasso and others, we meet Pauline Mertens, the youngest child of an affluent German family passionate about art and history. Innocent yet extremely attractive, she meets George, who's older when studying at the Slade School of Art. Inexperienced with love, sex and intimacy she falls head over heals and introduces him to her family unaware George had identified them as a mark. In some ways he bears similarity to "Mr. Ripley", a slick con artist who changes identities with ease. Over time he manages to bilk her father of millions, steal his treasured art collection and disappear into thin air.
Distraught from what she brought on her family, Pauline escapes to Paris to start over. Months later, she's broke, and nearly homeless when she manages to find a job at a small art gallery. Under the identity of Vivienne Gregsby, her art knowledge impresses Edwin Bradley, a wealthy American collector and over time, he's taken by her eye. Bradley is friends with Henri Matisse, Gertrude Stein, Picasso and others, and as a result, Vivienne is introduced a world she'd always fantasized about. She learns of Bradley's plan to acquire works of the leading Impressionists to set up a private gallery and school and she's eventually offered a position. Before she leaves with him for the US, Matisse seeks her as a lover.
The story toggles back and forth between her journey and a trial where we learn she's the defendant accused of murder. While 30 years Bradley's junior, she finds his strong will, demanding and forceful persona to be challenging. Subject to emotional outbursts and angered easily, Vivienne is the soft spot in his heart. Noticing her disenchantment, Bradley doubles her salary, adds untold benefits and suggests their relationship become personal causing jealousy with his wife Ada. When he decides to make Vivienne sole beneficiary of his will, the plot as they say, thickens.
Meanwhile George continues to change identities bilking millionaires, industrialists and others while keeping tabs on Pauline. As with most predictable plots the 'writing is visible on the wall'.
As a character, Pauline/Vivienne is a bit weak when compared to those in The Art Forger or Metropolis which takes away from the engagement. And while the illuminating elements of Impressionism and the artists that created it is interesting, a book is as strong or weak as the characters and plot. As mysteries go, the lack of twists, the unexpected and predictable outcome make this as weak as the central character.
Shapiro's knowledge of art is one thing, but her failure to deliver a story with engaging characters disappoints. Nothing more need be said.
After reading her most current book, "Metropolis" I was taken with Shapiro's style, wit and narrative. And while somewhat engaging, this story pales in comparison due to predictability and tedious pace.
Set in the 1920's during the time of Matisse, Picasso and others, we meet Pauline Mertens, the youngest child of an affluent German family passionate about art and history. Innocent yet extremely attractive, she meets George, who's older when studying at the Slade School of Art. Inexperienced with love, sex and intimacy she falls head over heals and introduces him to her family unaware George had identified them as a mark. In some ways he bears similarity to "Mr. Ripley", a slick con artist who changes identities with ease. Over time he manages to bilk her father of millions, steal his treasured art collection and disappear into thin air.
Distraught from what she brought on her family, Pauline escapes to Paris to start over. Months later, she's broke, and nearly homeless when she manages to find a job at a small art gallery. Under the identity of Vivienne Gregsby, her art knowledge impresses Edwin Bradley, a wealthy American collector and over time, he's taken by her eye. Bradley is friends with Henri Matisse, Gertrude Stein, Picasso and others, and as a result, Vivienne is introduced a world she'd always fantasized about. She learns of Bradley's plan to acquire works of the leading Impressionists to set up a private gallery and school and she's eventually offered a position. Before she leaves with him for the US, Matisse seeks her as a lover.
The story toggles back and forth between her journey and a trial where we learn she's the defendant accused of murder. While 30 years Bradley's junior, she finds his strong will, demanding and forceful persona to be challenging. Subject to emotional outbursts and angered easily, Vivienne is the soft spot in his heart. Noticing her disenchantment, Bradley doubles her salary, adds untold benefits and suggests their relationship become personal causing jealousy with his wife Ada. When he decides to make Vivienne sole beneficiary of his will, the plot as they say, thickens.
Meanwhile George continues to change identities bilking millionaires, industrialists and others while keeping tabs on Pauline. As with most predictable plots the 'writing is visible on the wall'.
As a character, Pauline/Vivienne is a bit weak when compared to those in The Art Forger or Metropolis which takes away from the engagement. And while the illuminating elements of Impressionism and the artists that created it is interesting, a book is as strong or weak as the characters and plot. As mysteries go, the lack of twists, the unexpected and predictable outcome make this as weak as the central character.
Shapiro's knowledge of art is one thing, but her failure to deliver a story with engaging characters disappoints. Nothing more need be said.
September 1, 2021
The Collector's Apprentice was the latest historical fiction novel and thriller by the captivating author, B.A. Shapiro, that is an unforgettable story about passion, betrayal and fine art in the 1920's. It is in this setting that we become immersed in the story of Paulien Mertiens as she flees to France and later America as she is being accused of contributing to the loss of her family's fortune as well as her father's beloved art collection because of a relationship with a con-artist. Growing up with brothers, young Paulien found herself drawn to her father's collection of beautiful artwork where they would bond as she revelled in the beauty and the rapture of the beautiful works of art including the art of Pablo Picasso, Henri Matisse and the like. However, Pauli's favorite was always Matisse.
This is a riveting book about the art world that I love being immersed in all of its beauty and complexity. This book takes us to 1920's Paris with the likes of Henri Matisse, Pablo Picasso, Gertrude Stein, Alice B. Toklas, as well as cameo appearances from Ernest Hemingway and Francis Scott Fitzgerald. The multiple timelines following the main characters in this riveting book keeps one turning the pages. To say much more would give away too much. If you love fine art and mystery, this is a beautiful book and not to be missed.
And I want to thank Algonquin Books for providing me with a copy of this lovely book.
"She steps into the hushed, musty-smelling gallery and approaches 'Leda au cygne.' Cezane. Her father's collection includes Cezanne's 'Five Bathers,' which she fell in love with as a child: the vivid blues,, greens, and yellows; the roughness of the tree bark; the soft, fleshy women frolicking in the sifting sunlight. There was something magical about the diminuitive painting, just over two feet square, which soothed and touched in a way that she was too young to understand."
"The paintings, on the other hand, were always there, welcoming her, opening up to her so she could crawl into their swirling emotions and bring them to life with her imaginings. Bring herself to life."
This is a riveting book about the art world that I love being immersed in all of its beauty and complexity. This book takes us to 1920's Paris with the likes of Henri Matisse, Pablo Picasso, Gertrude Stein, Alice B. Toklas, as well as cameo appearances from Ernest Hemingway and Francis Scott Fitzgerald. The multiple timelines following the main characters in this riveting book keeps one turning the pages. To say much more would give away too much. If you love fine art and mystery, this is a beautiful book and not to be missed.
And I want to thank Algonquin Books for providing me with a copy of this lovely book.
November 25, 2018
Maybe I'm over clueless, entitled heroines. And immoral/amoral heroines who course along in life on the coattails and hard work of someone/everyone else. In either case, Paulien didn't do it for me.
I very much enjoyed the Art Forger and was looking forward to The Collector's Apprentice. But at the 25-percent mark I got bored and struggled to finish the book. Paulien was neither engaging nor relatable, so was unable to propel my interest through the rest of the story.
I very much enjoyed the Art Forger and was looking forward to The Collector's Apprentice. But at the 25-percent mark I got bored and struggled to finish the book. Paulien was neither engaging nor relatable, so was unable to propel my interest through the rest of the story.
February 10, 2019
B.A. Shapiro has done it again. If you loved The Art Forger, you will love this one. Mystery, romance, art, and intrigue - what's not to love? Highly recommended and suspenseful. A great novel and a great read. You won't be disappointed - true to character and story line, you won't want to put it down!
The question is not what you look at, but what you see. - Henry David Thoreau
We make our choices because they are our choices. You have made yours and I have made mine, and they do not end in the same place.
These failures aren't easy to accept, but berating herself will get her nowhere.Facing a death sentence changes your perspective, shifts your priorities.
The question is not what you look at, but what you see. - Henry David Thoreau
We make our choices because they are our choices. You have made yours and I have made mine, and they do not end in the same place.
These failures aren't easy to accept, but berating herself will get her nowhere.Facing a death sentence changes your perspective, shifts your priorities.
October 18, 2019
I have to admit, I am a sucker for novels that are based on the fine arts. This one is loosely based on the famous (or infamous) Albert Barnes who amassed a late Impressionist and Post-Impressionist collection of art that could be one of the finest in the world. He is such a famous figure that documentaries have been made about him, particularly around the issue of his will that limited severely what could be done with his artwork after he died. The state of Pennsylvania and the city of Philadelphia eventually got around this specific will and moved the art from his mansion in the Western Suburbs of Philadelphia to a new museum in downtown Philadelphia.
This book plays very loosely with the lives of Barnes and a woman who helped him amass the collection and cowrote several books on artists. Here she is a lovely young woman who was initially scammed by a handsome and cunning con artist which cost her and her family dearly. She ends up eventually in the suburbs of Philadelphia and becomes Barnes' assistant (the names are changed here to Edwin Bradley and Vivianne Gregsby). She has the dual goals of getting her father's art back to him which were sold to Bradley and to bring the con man to justice. She ends up becoming accused of Bradley's murder, which is revealed very early in the novel. There is much double dealing here, and the specifics of the cons and her attempts to alleviate them can be a bit hard to follow.
In the process, she encounters some famous people from the 1920s such as Henri Matisse, Gertrude Stein, Alice B. Toklas, amongst others. The author explains at the end how she altered timelines and events to fit her narrative. Events might have been real, but would have happened at different times in real life. One of the most obvious is taking what was 90 years in the history of the Barnes collection and squeezing it into 10 years. My parents went to classes at the Barnes and I have visited the original museum several years ago. I also watched the documentary The Art of the Steal about the state of Pennsylvania breaking Barnes' will and moving the collection. So I have quite a bit of knowledge about this issue and found the book fascinating and involving because of it.
This is a rip roaring tale of deceit and revenge with a rather tightly woven plot. That being said, if love of art is not your thing, you may have some trouble with this novel. I had no trouble with it at all.
This book plays very loosely with the lives of Barnes and a woman who helped him amass the collection and cowrote several books on artists. Here she is a lovely young woman who was initially scammed by a handsome and cunning con artist which cost her and her family dearly. She ends up eventually in the suburbs of Philadelphia and becomes Barnes' assistant (the names are changed here to Edwin Bradley and Vivianne Gregsby). She has the dual goals of getting her father's art back to him which were sold to Bradley and to bring the con man to justice. She ends up becoming accused of Bradley's murder, which is revealed very early in the novel. There is much double dealing here, and the specifics of the cons and her attempts to alleviate them can be a bit hard to follow.
In the process, she encounters some famous people from the 1920s such as Henri Matisse, Gertrude Stein, Alice B. Toklas, amongst others. The author explains at the end how she altered timelines and events to fit her narrative. Events might have been real, but would have happened at different times in real life. One of the most obvious is taking what was 90 years in the history of the Barnes collection and squeezing it into 10 years. My parents went to classes at the Barnes and I have visited the original museum several years ago. I also watched the documentary The Art of the Steal about the state of Pennsylvania breaking Barnes' will and moving the collection. So I have quite a bit of knowledge about this issue and found the book fascinating and involving because of it.
This is a rip roaring tale of deceit and revenge with a rather tightly woven plot. That being said, if love of art is not your thing, you may have some trouble with this novel. I had no trouble with it at all.
November 4, 2018
This is my second novel by Shapiro. The first, The Art Forger, was impressive. She used the magic of words to make paintings come alive so that they could be loved by the reader as they were loved by her main character; just as art has been loved by me from time-to-time. And while the novel was technically a mystery novel, this tired format took a backseat to the power and beauty of art.
Almost in direct contrast with The Art Forger, The Collector’s Apprentice flips the balance of art and mystery around. I was hoping for another journey through art, but most of this novel’s focus is on the mystery. Shapiro uses time and story to mask truths that are predestined to be revealed at the end of the book. The reader is simply following a string through a maze.
I think that Shapiro could be a better writer rather than one that needs to rest upon mystery novels and it's disheartening to see the mystery novel format taking hold over her ability to write beautifully about art. Given the pure joy of experiencing her talent in making art come alive, I know there is an even better novel in her waiting to be written.
Almost in direct contrast with The Art Forger, The Collector’s Apprentice flips the balance of art and mystery around. I was hoping for another journey through art, but most of this novel’s focus is on the mystery. Shapiro uses time and story to mask truths that are predestined to be revealed at the end of the book. The reader is simply following a string through a maze.
I think that Shapiro could be a better writer rather than one that needs to rest upon mystery novels and it's disheartening to see the mystery novel format taking hold over her ability to write beautifully about art. Given the pure joy of experiencing her talent in making art come alive, I know there is an even better novel in her waiting to be written.
April 15, 2019
The heroine who charms everyone without being the least bit charming— check.
Major historical figures inserting themselves into the narrative— check. (Matisse is her lover! Gertrude Stein is her BFF!)
Epistolary interludes to add mystery where there is none— check.
Cliché dialogue— check.
Jarring anachronisms— check.
Botching the real-life story— check, check, check.
This book has it all! George is the only remotely interesting person and even he is the worst. If I had read one more page I would have started ripping out pages. But I didn’t, and thus it can go back to the library intact.
Major historical figures inserting themselves into the narrative— check. (Matisse is her lover! Gertrude Stein is her BFF!)
Epistolary interludes to add mystery where there is none— check.
Cliché dialogue— check.
Jarring anachronisms— check.
Botching the real-life story— check, check, check.
This book has it all! George is the only remotely interesting person and even he is the worst. If I had read one more page I would have started ripping out pages. But I didn’t, and thus it can go back to the library intact.
November 7, 2018
Two and a half stars. I think I would have liked this book more if I weren't thoroughly knowledgeable about Albert Barnes, the Barnes Foundation, and the battle over Barnes' collection. Shapiro states in the afterword that the book is "loosely based" on Albert Barnes and Violette de Mazio and that is very much the case. Why she even bothered to "loosely base" her book on Albert and Violette when most of the book was complete fiction, I cannot answer.
May 8, 2020
3.5 stars, rounded down.
In 1922, 19 year Paulien Mertens finds herself penniless, rejected and alone in Paris after her fiancé cheats her wealthy family of their fortune and runs out on her, leaving her to bear the brunt of the notoriety and shame of the scheme. She reinvents herself as Vivienne Gregsby, and gets hired by a renowned art collector, Edwin Bradley. She eventually moves to Philadelphia and becomes indispensable to him as his assistant at his art school. A few years later, she is accused of his murder.
I found the whole plot to be convoluted and at times absurd. So much of the plot hinges on accepting that Paulien/Vivienne is some wunderkind of art appreciation, even though she has no real education or experience in this, aside from what her father taught her about his art collection. At 20, she is supposedly worldly enough to impress Edwin and eventually have Henri Matisse lusting after her. The story skips around: sometimes it’s about the murder trial; sometimes it’s about her life in Paris; then it’s about her life in Philadelphia. Sometimes it’s about her conman ex-fiancé, George, who goes by several names in the book.
There aren’t any really likable characters in the story. I found Paulien/Vivienne to be self absorbed, conniving and cold. Edwin has a hair trigger temper and is hugely egotistical. George is a heartless con artist who is always looking for the next mark. There are a lot of historical characters in the book who interact with the fictional ones, but except for Matisse, they seem ancillary to the story and barely fleshed out.
I found this book to be very disappointing. I really enjoyed The Art Forger and The Muralist. There is a lot of discussion about the post-Impressionist era and its artists, but those sections sometimes bog down the storyline. The story is unevenly paced, and although there is the mystery of Edwin’s death, it’s not much of a mystery. The ending seemed rushed, unrealistic and unsatisfying. I had really looked forward to reading this book, but it just didn’t measure up to the others. Sadly, I cannot recommend it.
In 1922, 19 year Paulien Mertens finds herself penniless, rejected and alone in Paris after her fiancé cheats her wealthy family of their fortune and runs out on her, leaving her to bear the brunt of the notoriety and shame of the scheme. She reinvents herself as Vivienne Gregsby, and gets hired by a renowned art collector, Edwin Bradley. She eventually moves to Philadelphia and becomes indispensable to him as his assistant at his art school. A few years later, she is accused of his murder.
I found the whole plot to be convoluted and at times absurd. So much of the plot hinges on accepting that Paulien/Vivienne is some wunderkind of art appreciation, even though she has no real education or experience in this, aside from what her father taught her about his art collection. At 20, she is supposedly worldly enough to impress Edwin and eventually have Henri Matisse lusting after her. The story skips around: sometimes it’s about the murder trial; sometimes it’s about her life in Paris; then it’s about her life in Philadelphia. Sometimes it’s about her conman ex-fiancé, George, who goes by several names in the book.
There aren’t any really likable characters in the story. I found Paulien/Vivienne to be self absorbed, conniving and cold. Edwin has a hair trigger temper and is hugely egotistical. George is a heartless con artist who is always looking for the next mark. There are a lot of historical characters in the book who interact with the fictional ones, but except for Matisse, they seem ancillary to the story and barely fleshed out.
I found this book to be very disappointing. I really enjoyed The Art Forger and The Muralist. There is a lot of discussion about the post-Impressionist era and its artists, but those sections sometimes bog down the storyline. The story is unevenly paced, and although there is the mystery of Edwin’s death, it’s not much of a mystery. The ending seemed rushed, unrealistic and unsatisfying. I had really looked forward to reading this book, but it just didn’t measure up to the others. Sadly, I cannot recommend it.
July 2, 2018
This is an incredibly interesting novel about the young woman who worked with the fictioalized Albert Barnes in assembling the magnificent Barnes Collection in Philadelphia. Vivienne had been duped by a con man and lost her comfort and her family. She totally reinvents herself and finds work as an assistant to the millionaire art collector. She works with him in Europe and ultimately moves to Philadelphia as his aide.
What should have been a happy change in her troubled life, becomes a nightmare. Vivienne is wrongly accused and winds up in prison. There are endless twists and turns within the novel. The author also makes use of many famous people and gives the reader sufficient information to place them.
This is a fine read, definitely should be followed by a visit to the Barnes in its magnificent new home.
Every reader should be sure to read the Author ‘s Note at the end of the book which explains the clever manipulation of the real and the fictional.
What should have been a happy change in her troubled life, becomes a nightmare. Vivienne is wrongly accused and winds up in prison. There are endless twists and turns within the novel. The author also makes use of many famous people and gives the reader sufficient information to place them.
This is a fine read, definitely should be followed by a visit to the Barnes in its magnificent new home.
Every reader should be sure to read the Author ‘s Note at the end of the book which explains the clever manipulation of the real and the fictional.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 29, 2018
Paulien Mertens, a young woman from a distinguished family, finds herself alone and penniless in Paris 1922. Her fiancé bilked her family and friends out of millions of dollars in a Ponzi scheme and believing she played a part in the deception her family disinherits her. Although innocent of any duplicity, she must rebuild her life by reinventing herself with a new name Vivienne Gregsby. She meets a wealthy art collector named Edwin Bradley from America who needs an interpreter to help him on his art buying trip. Using some of the skills her former fiancé used, she manages to manipulate Edwin into buying her family's most cherished paintings and becomes his invaluable assistant when he travels back to America to build his own art museum.
I wanted very much to like Paulien/Vivienne but she seemed to be an entitled whiny young woman who can't see past her own desires to restore her family's paintings to them which she believes will earn their forgiveness. Her indifferent treatment of her benefactor Edwin, who is secretly in love with her, is very cold and callous. She only shows real emotion when she's with Henri Matisse or gazing at the artwork around her.
Although I thought this book was okay, I would recommend it to my fellow book lovers so they can form their own opinions about it.
I wanted very much to like Paulien/Vivienne but she seemed to be an entitled whiny young woman who can't see past her own desires to restore her family's paintings to them which she believes will earn their forgiveness. Her indifferent treatment of her benefactor Edwin, who is secretly in love with her, is very cold and callous. She only shows real emotion when she's with Henri Matisse or gazing at the artwork around her.
Although I thought this book was okay, I would recommend it to my fellow book lovers so they can form their own opinions about it.
January 12, 2019
The Collector’s Apprentice is a historical novel of the post impressionist art period taking place in Europe and the U.S. It is well written with constant twists and turns and introductions of fictional characters interacting with real life artists and art collectors like Henri Matisse, Gertrude Stein, Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald. It is a very entertaining read.
July 24, 2018
A Ponzi scheme leads a woman to start a new life with a new identity in the art world. Just not my cup of tea tho I enjoyed her last book.
This was a Goodreads win.
This was a Goodreads win.
January 5, 2019
BA Shapiro always delivers a spellbinding story, with art, history and heart stopping suspense. Having had the privilege hearing her speak, I can tell you that what goes into these plots is an extraordinary practice of notes and charts and meticulous planning. The result is a truly wonderful read!
May 19, 2019
Henri Matisse 'La Joie de Vivre' is probably my favorite piece of art, so discovering this gorgeous work is central to The Collector's Apprentice was a real treat!
As an art history buff, I knew a lot about the Barnes Foundation and his incredible collection. It was fun to read this heavily fictionalized version of events surrounding the birth of his museum/institution, squeezed into a much shorter time frame.
The book slowly draws you in but I found myself speed reading to the end because I couldn't wait to see what happened next.
It did take me a while to understand George's role - he is quite an insufferable character - and it was only in the final chapters that it became clear why he was part of this story. I don't want to give away too much, but can say the end is quite clever!
This is the story about a fascinating era, the birth of incredible modern art collections, important artists, and strong-willed collectors. Fans of art history and historical fiction will really enjoy this one.
As an art history buff, I knew a lot about the Barnes Foundation and his incredible collection. It was fun to read this heavily fictionalized version of events surrounding the birth of his museum/institution, squeezed into a much shorter time frame.
The book slowly draws you in but I found myself speed reading to the end because I couldn't wait to see what happened next.
It did take me a while to understand George's role - he is quite an insufferable character - and it was only in the final chapters that it became clear why he was part of this story. I don't want to give away too much, but can say the end is quite clever!
This is the story about a fascinating era, the birth of incredible modern art collections, important artists, and strong-willed collectors. Fans of art history and historical fiction will really enjoy this one.
June 2, 2018
I think this book should be subtitled "Who's the Real Con Artist?"
It's a delightful story about a man, who fleeces a French family and their friends out of all they possess using a pyramid scheme, and escapes with "suitcases full of money". He changes his identity and does it all over again. And again. Meantime, the daughter of the family has also reinvented herself and has a great job with an American billionaire art collector. Names change, locations change, almost too quickly to be recognized, and then the billionaire is dead [murdered??].
A clever whodunit that will keep you guessing as you love to hate the con man all the way through.
I read this EARC courtesy of NetGalley and Algonquin Books. pub date 10/16/18
It's a delightful story about a man, who fleeces a French family and their friends out of all they possess using a pyramid scheme, and escapes with "suitcases full of money". He changes his identity and does it all over again. And again. Meantime, the daughter of the family has also reinvented herself and has a great job with an American billionaire art collector. Names change, locations change, almost too quickly to be recognized, and then the billionaire is dead [murdered??].
A clever whodunit that will keep you guessing as you love to hate the con man all the way through.
I read this EARC courtesy of NetGalley and Algonquin Books. pub date 10/16/18
August 12, 2018
This is another gem from Shapiro. A young woman is preyed upon and tricked by an older con man, leading to the ruin of her family and her banishment from them. The rest of the story moves forward from her banishment and into the past to show how she got there. Full of passion, betrayal and a satisfying denouement this one will keep you hooked.
August 14, 2024
International Intrigue
This book emerses us into the art world of the early 20th century. The backdrop is very accurate and well described.
The twists helped me focus throughout.
A good one that I recommend.
This book emerses us into the art world of the early 20th century. The backdrop is very accurate and well described.
The twists helped me focus throughout.
A good one that I recommend.
June 23, 2018
I’m probably too close to the material to read this objectively, but it’s a frolicking and fun art-centered historical fiction, even when it gets the “history” part wackily and egregiously wrong. My least favorite aspect is how the main character seems to have time-travelled from the 21st century, with its mores, attitudes and expectations—so much so that at one point she’s trying to figure out how to work her art history degree into a curatorial career. And yet this is supposed to happen in the 1920’s? And then you’ve got Matisse gluing paper to the gallery walls...yeah, I got distracted whenever the research got sloppy. As I said, I’m definitely too close to the material. But I appreciate the mystery just the same—it kept me turning pages. Someday, someone is going to write a really good bio of Dr. Barnes, art collector, including the scandals, sex, outrages, art world gossip, and naughty parts, and THAT is going to be a terrific five-star read. Until then, we’ll just have to make do with this fictional one.
[Book Expo ARC 2018]
[Book Expo ARC 2018]
July 20, 2018
In The Collector's Apprentice, B.A. Shapiro takes readers back in time to the art world of the 1920s where we meet Matisse, Gertrude Stein and other visionaries of the day. It's a wonderful historical novel for anyone interested in art and art history, in particular. The story is well written, fairly fast paced, and exciting. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoyed Shapiro's earlier work, The Art Forger.
December 19, 2018
Shapiro is an excellent writer, a master of historical fiction. I loved how she integrated historical figures into the plot. I found the storyline to be intriguing and suspenseful and the ending completely satisfying.
Many thanks to Netgalley, Algonquin Books, and B. A. Shapiro for my complimentary e-copy ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Many thanks to Netgalley, Algonquin Books, and B. A. Shapiro for my complimentary e-copy ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
November 30, 2019
I loved that this book was set in Paris during the 1920s, and that the main character, Vivienne, got to interact with Gertrude Stein and Henri Matisse. The discussions about art were great fun! The relationship between Vivienne and George played out like The War of the Roses, with the two alternating between love and hate and trying to constantly best each other. The characters were somewhat flat and overly callous - they definitely could have been fleshed out more. I guessed what the ending would be about halfway through the book, but it was still fun to read to get to that point. I give this one 3.5 stars.
December 4, 2018
Not quite as good as her other two but....had a great twisty revenge element at the end. Loved the art topic.
February 17, 2019
The Collector’s Apprentice is the latest novel by B. A. Shapiro. Like her other novels, this one focuses mostly on the art world. Unlike the other novels, this one is mostly about art collectors as opposed to artists. It’s a refreshing change, and honestly provided for a new perspective and take on the storytelling styles Shapiro prefers.
This novel could be accurately described as an art history thriller – something that I didn’t know existed before now. It blends fact and fiction seamlessly, so much so that I felt compelled to look up a moment or two in order to figure out how much of it was based on a true story.
This novel does lean a bit more towards the thriller edge than Shapiro’s previous works. Though it still does include a veritable ton of commentary on art and the artists creating it. It also is based more in history, and thus plays around a little bit with some real-life people who were involved in the art world at that time. In that sense that makes the novel a historical fiction piece, as much as anything else.
For more reviews, check out Quirky Cat's Fat Stacks
This novel could be accurately described as an art history thriller – something that I didn’t know existed before now. It blends fact and fiction seamlessly, so much so that I felt compelled to look up a moment or two in order to figure out how much of it was based on a true story.
This novel does lean a bit more towards the thriller edge than Shapiro’s previous works. Though it still does include a veritable ton of commentary on art and the artists creating it. It also is based more in history, and thus plays around a little bit with some real-life people who were involved in the art world at that time. In that sense that makes the novel a historical fiction piece, as much as anything else.
For more reviews, check out Quirky Cat's Fat Stacks
November 24, 2018
4.5 Stars.
Having recently been to Paris, and spent a fair amount of time in the art museums and cafes, admiring the paintings, I was immediately captured by the scenes in Paris. Paulien Mertens, who reinvented herself as Vivienne Gregsby, is on trial for murder. Using time cuts to draw the picture of how she came to be in such a situation (and wondering, perhaps, if she actually DID the deed), we see a spoiled, pampered, and naive Belgian girl who becomes a woman, after she is alternatively seduced, cast out, abused, befriended, and courted.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this work from Algonquin Books.
The suspense kept building, the to very end, with several surprises along the way. Vivienne's relationship with Edwin Bradley goes from timid assistant to complete colleague and romantic interest. Along with an entanglement with famed artist Henri Matisse. If you love art, and the idea of "visiting" the artistic salons of Gertrude Stein, you'll probably enjoy this book, based loosely on an interweaving of historical and fictional characters.
Having recently been to Paris, and spent a fair amount of time in the art museums and cafes, admiring the paintings, I was immediately captured by the scenes in Paris. Paulien Mertens, who reinvented herself as Vivienne Gregsby, is on trial for murder. Using time cuts to draw the picture of how she came to be in such a situation (and wondering, perhaps, if she actually DID the deed), we see a spoiled, pampered, and naive Belgian girl who becomes a woman, after she is alternatively seduced, cast out, abused, befriended, and courted.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this work from Algonquin Books.
The suspense kept building, the to very end, with several surprises along the way. Vivienne's relationship with Edwin Bradley goes from timid assistant to complete colleague and romantic interest. Along with an entanglement with famed artist Henri Matisse. If you love art, and the idea of "visiting" the artistic salons of Gertrude Stein, you'll probably enjoy this book, based loosely on an interweaving of historical and fictional characters.
May 7, 2019
While I thoroughly enjoyed the dialogue with Gertrude Stein and Henri Matisse, I could only give the book 2 stars because of the glaring hole in the story about the driver of the truck that caused the accident.This driver was never even questioned by her defense attorney in the trial which would have made Agatha Christy cringe and was such an oversight by the author which ruined the whole book for me.
August 10, 2018
I liked this book a lot. Love Shapiro and her representations of art. Sometimes I wish there were photographs to show the paintings she describes. I loved Vivienne and her courage to start a new life and be her own woman, learning a new trade and having an important job. I didn't love the back and forth with the court case, but I did like the ending a lot. Quick and satisfying.
May 25, 2025
3.5 ⭐️s.
This book was a fun historical fiction that had me going down a side quest rabbit hole reading about different artists in the 1920s. I now think I could (maybe) identify a Modigliani, Cézanne, Gauguin, Derain, and Rousseau painting, as well as have a better understanding of Matisse and Picasso pieces. Ask me in a couple weeks though, and I'll likely have no idea 😂🤦♀️
There was a lot I liked about this book, mainly how rich it was in art history. I also enjoyed experiencing life in both Europe and America post-war. I liked the inclusion of a few chapters from George's perspectives. I've only read a few books where the reader is given brief looks inside the mind of the "villain." I feel like it's more common for authors to stay in the perspective of the main character, so we can only understand the antagonist to the extent that the protagonist does. However, in this book, we're privy to details that Vivienne doesn't yet know, and it made the story more interesting.
Matisse and Gertrude Stein was two of my favorite characters. It's always fun how historical fiction bring the past to life. Matisse and Vivienne's relationship was maybe my favorite part of this book. Unfortunately, given that Matisse was real and Vivienne was not, you know from the start that they can't possibly end up together. That is a negative aspect of reading historical fiction - you know that, even though these real life people interact with the fictional characters, nothing of real consequence can occur between the two because it would be inaccurate. In other words, I knew Matisse and Vivienne couldn't get married. I knew their relationship wouldn't last, but I wanted it to.
Edwin Bradley was somehow both a compelling and infuriating character. He embodies duality: a man who champions women in the workforce, while also diminishing their work; who respects Vivienne and also belittles her; who has a passionate understanding of the beauty and significance of art, while also treating it as a commodity meant to be purchased in bulk. He has such a complicated relationship with art. On one hand, he believes it's an important part of history and culture and is meant to be studied and appreciated by the masses. Yet he's so ornery and imperious that he's quick to hide the art away the minute he feels people aren't as appreciative and awed by it as he thinks they should be. There are times I felt that he truly valued the art and times I felt that he only valued the exclusivity of it.
My biggest issue with this book is that I just didn't like Paulien/Vivienne. She started off likeable enough but devolved as the book went on. She is a sympathetic character at the beginning because she was so young and vulnerable, and George was already a very convincing scam artist. She fell victim to love and had no way of knowing that George's true interest lie in her father and his money. But as she moves past what happened to her and starts working with Dr. Bradley, she becomes a more malicious and selfish protagonist. I mean the girl actually starts asking herself "what would George do in this situation?" As if the man who robbed her family blind and cost them everything is someone she should aspire to be more like. Granted, she wasn't (at first) trying to deceive anyone. She was just being opportunistic and ambitious. But again, as the story goes on, she started being more dishonest and insincere. I understand wanting the Colonnade 7 to return to her father, and I think Edwin could be a toxic employer at times, but neither of those justified her intentions of stealing them. And using freaking George to do it. It was difficult to believe that she could possibly be naive enough to trust George AGAIN, but that's exactly what she does, and surprise, surprise, he tricks her. And once again, she doesn't see his mendacity for what it is.
Honestly, despite what she says, it felt like she never really learned from what happened or accepted her role in it. That's why she felt so entitled when it came to getting those pictures back. Yes, she was fueled by a desire to repay her father, but regardless of intentions, her plans were inherently wrong. And again, it was infuriating that she thought George would help her when he was the one that created the problem in the first place.
I'll admit that I didn't really care too much if she was convicted or not. However, I did like how the story ended. I like that she finally seemed to see things clearly and because of that, got her revenge. We see character growth in the fact that her focus wasn't on getting those pictures back to her father. It was on ensuring George was held accountable. She managed to love scam him back perfectly, and it made for a satisfying ending. I was happy she reunited with her family but was sad that Matisse had moved on. However, I like that they met one last time, and he gave her such a special parting gift.
Overall an interesting story set in an exciting time period.
This book was a fun historical fiction that had me going down a side quest rabbit hole reading about different artists in the 1920s. I now think I could (maybe) identify a Modigliani, Cézanne, Gauguin, Derain, and Rousseau painting, as well as have a better understanding of Matisse and Picasso pieces. Ask me in a couple weeks though, and I'll likely have no idea 😂🤦♀️
There was a lot I liked about this book, mainly how rich it was in art history. I also enjoyed experiencing life in both Europe and America post-war. I liked the inclusion of a few chapters from George's perspectives. I've only read a few books where the reader is given brief looks inside the mind of the "villain." I feel like it's more common for authors to stay in the perspective of the main character, so we can only understand the antagonist to the extent that the protagonist does. However, in this book, we're privy to details that Vivienne doesn't yet know, and it made the story more interesting.
Matisse and Gertrude Stein was two of my favorite characters. It's always fun how historical fiction bring the past to life. Matisse and Vivienne's relationship was maybe my favorite part of this book. Unfortunately, given that Matisse was real and Vivienne was not, you know from the start that they can't possibly end up together. That is a negative aspect of reading historical fiction - you know that, even though these real life people interact with the fictional characters, nothing of real consequence can occur between the two because it would be inaccurate. In other words, I knew Matisse and Vivienne couldn't get married. I knew their relationship wouldn't last, but I wanted it to.
Edwin Bradley was somehow both a compelling and infuriating character. He embodies duality: a man who champions women in the workforce, while also diminishing their work; who respects Vivienne and also belittles her; who has a passionate understanding of the beauty and significance of art, while also treating it as a commodity meant to be purchased in bulk. He has such a complicated relationship with art. On one hand, he believes it's an important part of history and culture and is meant to be studied and appreciated by the masses. Yet he's so ornery and imperious that he's quick to hide the art away the minute he feels people aren't as appreciative and awed by it as he thinks they should be. There are times I felt that he truly valued the art and times I felt that he only valued the exclusivity of it.
My biggest issue with this book is that I just didn't like Paulien/Vivienne. She started off likeable enough but devolved as the book went on. She is a sympathetic character at the beginning because she was so young and vulnerable, and George was already a very convincing scam artist. She fell victim to love and had no way of knowing that George's true interest lie in her father and his money. But as she moves past what happened to her and starts working with Dr. Bradley, she becomes a more malicious and selfish protagonist. I mean the girl actually starts asking herself "what would George do in this situation?" As if the man who robbed her family blind and cost them everything is someone she should aspire to be more like. Granted, she wasn't (at first) trying to deceive anyone. She was just being opportunistic and ambitious. But again, as the story goes on, she started being more dishonest and insincere. I understand wanting the Colonnade 7 to return to her father, and I think Edwin could be a toxic employer at times, but neither of those justified her intentions of stealing them. And using freaking George to do it. It was difficult to believe that she could possibly be naive enough to trust George AGAIN, but that's exactly what she does, and surprise, surprise, he tricks her. And once again, she doesn't see his mendacity for what it is.
Honestly, despite what she says, it felt like she never really learned from what happened or accepted her role in it. That's why she felt so entitled when it came to getting those pictures back. Yes, she was fueled by a desire to repay her father, but regardless of intentions, her plans were inherently wrong. And again, it was infuriating that she thought George would help her when he was the one that created the problem in the first place.
I'll admit that I didn't really care too much if she was convicted or not. However, I did like how the story ended. I like that she finally seemed to see things clearly and because of that, got her revenge. We see character growth in the fact that her focus wasn't on getting those pictures back to her father. It was on ensuring George was held accountable. She managed to love scam him back perfectly, and it made for a satisfying ending. I was happy she reunited with her family but was sad that Matisse had moved on. However, I like that they met one last time, and he gave her such a special parting gift.
Overall an interesting story set in an exciting time period.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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