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The Gallerist
James Devlin is a celebrated artist whose past is as blank as an empty canvas. When Jan Bilowski brings a painting, which was a gift to her dead sister, into Mark Lewis’s gallery, she tells him it was created by a seventeen-year-old boy called Charlie. Why then does the work look exactly like a James Devlin—painted a whole decade before the artist’s career began on the other side of the country?
224 pages, Paperback
Published May 2, 2022
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126 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
March 14, 2022
I do love a mystery that involves a work of art, even when it is fictional. In THE GALLERIST, Michael Levitt writes the story about a newly discovered painting that closely resembles the abstract style of James Devlin, a renowned (and fictitious) Australian artist. This find leads to many questions about the painting and it’s uncanny similarity to Devlin’s other works, especially given the painting is dated more than a decade before Devlin’s arrival on the art scene.
The mystery element is what initially appealed to me but it didn’t take long to realise the ‘who’ is obvious. It’s the ‘how’ and ‘why’ that drives the story. My interest was maintained because the story poses a dilemma to Mark Lewis - art aficionado and gallery owner - the person who believes the newly unearthed painting is a work by Devlin. It’s not a straight-forward investigation given Lewis would potentially be seen to be ‘outing’ Devlin as some type of fraud. Yet what if he isn’t a fraud and there is a reasonable explanation? Lewis would be putting his own reputation and livelihood at risk pursuing any sort of inquiry, especially in the very small art world of Australia where he is minor player.
I am no expert, but Levitt seems to write with significant knowledge of Australian artists, and the book is peppered throughout with examples.
It did take me a while to get used to the writing. It’s measured and at times detached. There’s a formality that I felt obstructed my ability to jump into the story and simply go along for the ride. For me it was worth persisting until I got into the groove.
The conclusion to the mystery is clear-cut, yet the measures taken by characters to do what’s ‘best’ are a little murkier. I think this would make for a good book club conversation.
The book didn’t take me in the direction I expected, but I enjoyed the journey.
The mystery element is what initially appealed to me but it didn’t take long to realise the ‘who’ is obvious. It’s the ‘how’ and ‘why’ that drives the story. My interest was maintained because the story poses a dilemma to Mark Lewis - art aficionado and gallery owner - the person who believes the newly unearthed painting is a work by Devlin. It’s not a straight-forward investigation given Lewis would potentially be seen to be ‘outing’ Devlin as some type of fraud. Yet what if he isn’t a fraud and there is a reasonable explanation? Lewis would be putting his own reputation and livelihood at risk pursuing any sort of inquiry, especially in the very small art world of Australia where he is minor player.
I am no expert, but Levitt seems to write with significant knowledge of Australian artists, and the book is peppered throughout with examples.
It did take me a while to get used to the writing. It’s measured and at times detached. There’s a formality that I felt obstructed my ability to jump into the story and simply go along for the ride. For me it was worth persisting until I got into the groove.
The conclusion to the mystery is clear-cut, yet the measures taken by characters to do what’s ‘best’ are a little murkier. I think this would make for a good book club conversation.
The book didn’t take me in the direction I expected, but I enjoyed the journey.
January 14, 2022
I know it’s only January, but I predict this will be one of my favourite reads this year.
A woman brings a painting to an art gallery for a valuation. She claims it was painted by her deceased sister’s friend Charlie, but the art gallery owner, Mark Lewis, immediately recognises the style as belonging to famous artist James Devlin. He asks for some time to research the painting and what ensues is a cracking amateur sleuth mystery that pulled me in so quickly and so completely that I finished this book in just one day.
Set in Australia, this cleverly-constructed story about a suspected art forgery delivers all the goods. Mystery, romance, tragedy and a gripping ending that’s full of surprises.
I was drawn into the world of fine art from the first page and after I turned the final page, my next words to my husband were ‘I want to become an art collector’. He’s not on board, sadly. 🤣 But the author clearly knows his subject well and shares it with such feeling that I know I won’t be alone in this sudden attraction to the art world.
Due for release in February, The Gallerist is a masterpiece (pun intended). I loved it.
A woman brings a painting to an art gallery for a valuation. She claims it was painted by her deceased sister’s friend Charlie, but the art gallery owner, Mark Lewis, immediately recognises the style as belonging to famous artist James Devlin. He asks for some time to research the painting and what ensues is a cracking amateur sleuth mystery that pulled me in so quickly and so completely that I finished this book in just one day.
Set in Australia, this cleverly-constructed story about a suspected art forgery delivers all the goods. Mystery, romance, tragedy and a gripping ending that’s full of surprises.
I was drawn into the world of fine art from the first page and after I turned the final page, my next words to my husband were ‘I want to become an art collector’. He’s not on board, sadly. 🤣 But the author clearly knows his subject well and shares it with such feeling that I know I won’t be alone in this sudden attraction to the art world.
Due for release in February, The Gallerist is a masterpiece (pun intended). I loved it.
February 19, 2022
More of a 3 1/2 star review. Don't be discouraged as it is a good read.
Author Michael Levitt (a practicing surgeon and avid art collecter).
●James Devlin is a celebrated artist whose past is as blank as an empty canvas. When Jan Bilowski brings a painting into Mark Lewis's gallery for valuing, she tells him it was a gift from a 17 year old artist named Charlie. But this painting looks exactly like a James Devlin piece. Painted a decade before James started his career. Is it a fake?
Join James, his daughter, 2 experienced art collectors and a new friend as they embark on getting to the truth of this painting.
●James (the gallery owner) has an honestness about him that is becoming harder to find in humans and this was a lovely side to this character.
●The story got better in the last half as it got deeper into the history of James Devlin and the history of Charlie's painting and how it all connects.
You guess pretty early what has gone on, but the why isn't revealed until the last few pages and that isn't what I thought, so the mystery element works well.
●I am not a writer so I feel a bit harsh in my next comment, but the writing felt a little too "straight down the line", not enough feeling from the characters maybe?But overall, I did enjoy this book and I learnt a bit more about art. 😀
When I walk into a gallery or museum and look at the art within, I never consider the history of the art. I just like what I like, and that is extremely varied.
But, after reading this mystery, I have a more educated idea of art, so yay for me and next time I visit an art gallery.
Author Michael Levitt (a practicing surgeon and avid art collecter).
●James Devlin is a celebrated artist whose past is as blank as an empty canvas. When Jan Bilowski brings a painting into Mark Lewis's gallery for valuing, she tells him it was a gift from a 17 year old artist named Charlie. But this painting looks exactly like a James Devlin piece. Painted a decade before James started his career. Is it a fake?
Join James, his daughter, 2 experienced art collectors and a new friend as they embark on getting to the truth of this painting.
●James (the gallery owner) has an honestness about him that is becoming harder to find in humans and this was a lovely side to this character.
●The story got better in the last half as it got deeper into the history of James Devlin and the history of Charlie's painting and how it all connects.
You guess pretty early what has gone on, but the why isn't revealed until the last few pages and that isn't what I thought, so the mystery element works well.
●I am not a writer so I feel a bit harsh in my next comment, but the writing felt a little too "straight down the line", not enough feeling from the characters maybe?But overall, I did enjoy this book and I learnt a bit more about art. 😀
When I walk into a gallery or museum and look at the art within, I never consider the history of the art. I just like what I like, and that is extremely varied.
But, after reading this mystery, I have a more educated idea of art, so yay for me and next time I visit an art gallery.
Read
February 18, 2022DNF @9%
February 23, 2022
The Gallerist by Aussie author Michael Levitt is an interesting mystery story that delves into the art world. Thanks to Better Reading for my ARC of this novel. Highly recommended.
February 2, 2022
This was an interesting read that I found fascinating! I could literally feel the author’s knowledge and passion for art oozing through the pages as I read, and I imagine that art enthusiasts would be mesmerised by this story and most likely unable to put the book down.
This book really opened my eyes and broadened my mind to a deeper understanding and respect for the art world, which I really enjoyed. It’s a solid, well written novel with great character development and I would highly recommend it to those who have a love for art.
This book really opened my eyes and broadened my mind to a deeper understanding and respect for the art world, which I really enjoyed. It’s a solid, well written novel with great character development and I would highly recommend it to those who have a love for art.
February 6, 2023
Author of THE GALLERIST, Michael Levitt, is a surgeon and health bureaucrat with a considerable list of scientific articles, medical books targeted at the general public and chapters in medical textbooks to his name. He's also an art collector, and has written numerous articles about art and artwork for a range of publications. This is his first work of fiction.
The fictional Mark Lewis is an art lover and former surgeon, now running a small art gallery after the death of his much loved wife Sharon left him lost and grieving deeply. His investigative interest is tweaked when a local woman arrives in the gallery one day with a painting that was a gift to her dead sister, signed and supposedly painted by a seventeen-year-old boy named Charlie. So why does this work look so much like a known work by the famous James Devlin?
Needless to say, the author has undertaken a "write what you know" endeavour in THE GALLERIST. It's obvious that he knows a lot about collection, collectors and the art world in general. A world that has always seemed to this reader to be somewhat secretive, made up of cliques and people who seem to wield enormous power over a lot of money. Obviously not helped when you hear stories about private collections made up of pieces with very dodgy provenances. (Interestingly I'd just finished Barry Maitland's novel The Russian Wife which is set in the same world of art collection).
The mystery element in THE GALLERIST revolves around the identity of "Charlie". A young boy from within the disability community, he's not easy to track down. Lewis is trying because something about those similarities between his painting and the work of the famous, and very pricey, Devlin won't let him rest. Along the way he meets a new romantic interest, travels to Melbourne, and realises that he could potentially be outing the famous James Devlin as some sort of a fraud. Or not, depending upon what could also be a very reasonable explanation.
It's an interesting idea, and one that, despite the Maitland coincidence, is an unusual take for a crime fiction novel. There's obviously a great depth of knowledge of art collection, authentication and the whole world of valuing, selling and marketing behind this novel. Maybe a little too much as there were times where it dragged interminably, perhaps because of the slightly detached writing style, which read more like an instructive text in places, than a thriller designed to pull the reader into the minds of the protagonists.
It also wasn't too tricky to figure out the mystery at the heart of the story, so the why felt more important to this reader than the who or the how. It's not fully revealed until the end, but even the twist here wasn't, well, utterly unexpected. Perhaps it came down to the lack of emotional connection that I ended up with but the choice of paths didn't feel altogether convincing.
Definitely a novel in two parts, if you're struggling a little with the first half, and of a mind to learn something about the art world in general, stick with it. Once you get into the second half, where the history of James Devlin and how it all fits together starts to be explored more you could find that worthwhile in its own right.
https://www.austcrimefiction.org/revi...
The fictional Mark Lewis is an art lover and former surgeon, now running a small art gallery after the death of his much loved wife Sharon left him lost and grieving deeply. His investigative interest is tweaked when a local woman arrives in the gallery one day with a painting that was a gift to her dead sister, signed and supposedly painted by a seventeen-year-old boy named Charlie. So why does this work look so much like a known work by the famous James Devlin?
Needless to say, the author has undertaken a "write what you know" endeavour in THE GALLERIST. It's obvious that he knows a lot about collection, collectors and the art world in general. A world that has always seemed to this reader to be somewhat secretive, made up of cliques and people who seem to wield enormous power over a lot of money. Obviously not helped when you hear stories about private collections made up of pieces with very dodgy provenances. (Interestingly I'd just finished Barry Maitland's novel The Russian Wife which is set in the same world of art collection).
The mystery element in THE GALLERIST revolves around the identity of "Charlie". A young boy from within the disability community, he's not easy to track down. Lewis is trying because something about those similarities between his painting and the work of the famous, and very pricey, Devlin won't let him rest. Along the way he meets a new romantic interest, travels to Melbourne, and realises that he could potentially be outing the famous James Devlin as some sort of a fraud. Or not, depending upon what could also be a very reasonable explanation.
It's an interesting idea, and one that, despite the Maitland coincidence, is an unusual take for a crime fiction novel. There's obviously a great depth of knowledge of art collection, authentication and the whole world of valuing, selling and marketing behind this novel. Maybe a little too much as there were times where it dragged interminably, perhaps because of the slightly detached writing style, which read more like an instructive text in places, than a thriller designed to pull the reader into the minds of the protagonists.
It also wasn't too tricky to figure out the mystery at the heart of the story, so the why felt more important to this reader than the who or the how. It's not fully revealed until the end, but even the twist here wasn't, well, utterly unexpected. Perhaps it came down to the lack of emotional connection that I ended up with but the choice of paths didn't feel altogether convincing.
Definitely a novel in two parts, if you're struggling a little with the first half, and of a mind to learn something about the art world in general, stick with it. Once you get into the second half, where the history of James Devlin and how it all fits together starts to be explored more you could find that worthwhile in its own right.
https://www.austcrimefiction.org/revi...
July 31, 2022
A very enjoyable whodunnit read with more interest as it is set in my hometown of Perth. I had empathy for the characters and insight into the art world of Australia.
February 9, 2022
The Gallerist by Michael Levitt
Mark Lewis, is running a small art gallery, after retirement and the loss of his wife, when a local lady brings in a painting for valuing. Mark sees similarities in this painting with famous artist James Devlin however it is simply signed Charlie. Mark begins a search to uncover the truth behind this painting and the artist James Devlin, who is as big as mystery as the painting.
After reading the authors biography I felt like the author has written a book loosely based on his own life. As a person who is not a huge lover of the arts I found the constant name-dropping of Australian artists unnecessary and boring. Also how many cups of tea does one main character need to have?
Unfortunately this book just wasn’t for me. I found the writing heavy going, lack emotion and found it was very hard to hold my attention. As the book is set in Western Australia I found the setting hard to visualise as the story lacked description and Western Australia is a place that I have not been too so I didn’t have any visuals to draw on.
I am thinking, that if you are a lover of art and knew the barrage of Australian artist names that were in the book, you might enjoy the story and the mystery surrounding this piece of art.
Unfortunately this is a book I won’t be recommending but thank you to Fremantle Press and Better Reading for giving me the opportunity to preview read.
Mark Lewis, is running a small art gallery, after retirement and the loss of his wife, when a local lady brings in a painting for valuing. Mark sees similarities in this painting with famous artist James Devlin however it is simply signed Charlie. Mark begins a search to uncover the truth behind this painting and the artist James Devlin, who is as big as mystery as the painting.
After reading the authors biography I felt like the author has written a book loosely based on his own life. As a person who is not a huge lover of the arts I found the constant name-dropping of Australian artists unnecessary and boring. Also how many cups of tea does one main character need to have?
Unfortunately this book just wasn’t for me. I found the writing heavy going, lack emotion and found it was very hard to hold my attention. As the book is set in Western Australia I found the setting hard to visualise as the story lacked description and Western Australia is a place that I have not been too so I didn’t have any visuals to draw on.
I am thinking, that if you are a lover of art and knew the barrage of Australian artist names that were in the book, you might enjoy the story and the mystery surrounding this piece of art.
Unfortunately this is a book I won’t be recommending but thank you to Fremantle Press and Better Reading for giving me the opportunity to preview read.
June 23, 2022
An interesting enough concept but the writing was a bit painful. I counted six commas in one short sentence and that often made reading the story frustrating. Having said that, Levitt inserted genuine emotion into the pages where appropriate. The level of detail about art and wine was unnecessary and seemed to be mainly filler. Maybe a good editor required? I can't think of a single person I could pass this book onto and that sort of says it all.
March 22, 2022
The story involves an ex-surgeon now gallery-owner in Perth, Mark Lewis, and is written by someone sharing these characteristics. An unknown client comes with a painting that Mark thinks is outstanding – but which also seems to bear a close resemblance to that of another well-known artist and now gallery-owner living in Melbourne, even though the story of the original painting being by a 17 year old called Charlie has a range of circumstantial evidence which bears this out. Mark decides to investigate and in the course of it begins a new relationship. There is a lot of discussion of particular artists and art in the course of the book – fine for those who know them (which I mostly did) but could read a bit like filler. The writing itself is competent, but the mystery is not particularly well plotted. The revelation that all the paintings had in fact been done by Charlie is a fairly obvious deduction from early on, though it is apparently not even considered by Mark until well into the book. Why the Melbourne artist/owner, James Devlin, had put them out under his name isn’t revealed until late in the book, and relates to the suicide of Charlie at a relatively young age. But there is a big hole in the plot about the art world and Devlin. Devlin had apparently begun working as a gallerist before he promoted his own work (ie Charlie’s) and released it in a calculated way that built the interest in it. But for an artist who was so successful, it is never explained how he accounted publicly for giving up art and going back to running a gallery. Devlin is a major public figure, his work is worth in the mid 5 figures, and he is constantly featured in profiles. It is inconceivable that journalists wouldn’t have questioned him about his personal trajectory or what he could have said to make giving up the art (given that he no longer had more of Charlie’s work to produce) convincing. I enjoyed reading this book and liked its subject-matter, but think it could have been better had there been stronger editing or a writing mentor. The setting of the art world and the problem of fakes as well as the way prices are manipulated was interesting and well done. (A recent Barry Maitland book, The Russian Wife, also has some similar backdrop of the art world as well as strong characters, and I would also recommend that.)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 5, 2022
2.5 stars, rounded up for Good Reads rating system.
The premise for the book was interesting. I haven't read a lot of art based novels so was quite looking forward to a different read. Thanks in advance to Better Reading and Fremantle Press for an advance copy of the book.
Spoiler Alerts ahead ....
I wanted to really enjoy it, however, I found the book to be really over explained and a bit cringey to be honest. The constant geographical references to the various locations in Perth was unnecessary and didn't really value add. The repetition of cups of tea was also wearing.
The weakest part of the novel was the evolution of the relationship between Mark and Linda, Mark is full of angst in committing to a relationship but after a few days it's full on and they become "partners" inside a month. The conversations around sex were unbelievable.
Enjoyed the very last section the most where the sleuthing ramps up and Mark's gallery is broken into and a painting stolen. Mark's responses and subsequent behaviours were pretty unrealistic but I enjoyed the resolution of the issue and the postscript.
Would I recommend it? Maybe to a non-Perthite. I have given the book to a friend to see what she thinks. I'm interested in her opinion, maybe I'm a bit unforgiving.
The premise for the book was interesting. I haven't read a lot of art based novels so was quite looking forward to a different read. Thanks in advance to Better Reading and Fremantle Press for an advance copy of the book.
Spoiler Alerts ahead ....
I wanted to really enjoy it, however, I found the book to be really over explained and a bit cringey to be honest. The constant geographical references to the various locations in Perth was unnecessary and didn't really value add. The repetition of cups of tea was also wearing.
The weakest part of the novel was the evolution of the relationship between Mark and Linda, Mark is full of angst in committing to a relationship but after a few days it's full on and they become "partners" inside a month. The conversations around sex were unbelievable.
Enjoyed the very last section the most where the sleuthing ramps up and Mark's gallery is broken into and a painting stolen. Mark's responses and subsequent behaviours were pretty unrealistic but I enjoyed the resolution of the issue and the postscript.
Would I recommend it? Maybe to a non-Perthite. I have given the book to a friend to see what she thinks. I'm interested in her opinion, maybe I'm a bit unforgiving.
June 11, 2022
The Gallerist written by Australian author and Surgeon Michael Levitt is a mystery burrowing in the art world. The story follows central character Mark Lewis who runs a little art gallery in Perth. One day he receives a painting from a woman for valuing. The painting is signed by a "Charlie" however there are comparisons to it being done by the famous Australian artist James Devlin. Henceforth Mark and his friends go on a journey to discover the truth to the painting.
I appreciated the author's extensive, personal and unlimited expertise that was conveyed in this story. I was kept in suspense and awe the whole way through. I liked that the chapters were brief and pithy throughout as well as brimming with mystery, intrigue and curiosity. I devoured this book from beginning to end. Well written and accentuated. I liked the plunge from character to anecdotes and was kept guessing till the end. Highly recommend.
Thank you @fremantlepress for the copy to review #thegallerist #michaellevitt #fremantlepress
I appreciated the author's extensive, personal and unlimited expertise that was conveyed in this story. I was kept in suspense and awe the whole way through. I liked that the chapters were brief and pithy throughout as well as brimming with mystery, intrigue and curiosity. I devoured this book from beginning to end. Well written and accentuated. I liked the plunge from character to anecdotes and was kept guessing till the end. Highly recommend.
Thank you @fremantlepress for the copy to review #thegallerist #michaellevitt #fremantlepress
March 23, 2022
3.5 heading to 4, mainly as it is a fresh new voice in the Australian world of fiction, and not set in a dusty town where it is really hot!! At times the author veers into sounding like a lecturer in a first year uni subject on Australian abstract artists of the late 20th century, but his knowledge is undisputed.
The characters were interesting, especially Mark Lewis and his introspection and yearnings; for a good relationship and figuring out what he doesn't want or need.
a minor quibble was the constant use of first and surname with the characters for much of the book, 4 main protagonists, but 2/3 in and he is still calling them Mark Lewis and James Devlin.
It will be interesting to see if Michael Levitt has another book in him not completely connected to his real life of surgeon and art afficando.
The characters were interesting, especially Mark Lewis and his introspection and yearnings; for a good relationship and figuring out what he doesn't want or need.
a minor quibble was the constant use of first and surname with the characters for much of the book, 4 main protagonists, but 2/3 in and he is still calling them Mark Lewis and James Devlin.
It will be interesting to see if Michael Levitt has another book in him not completely connected to his real life of surgeon and art afficando.
January 25, 2022
Michael Levitt is a lover of Australian art and this shows in his work. Fellow art lovers will love the treasure trove of references to famous artists and paintings.
But, I’m not an Australian art enthusiast and found this novel very heavy going. The sentences are very long and there’s a feeling of being lectured to. There’s not a lot of feeling and emotion demonstrated in this novel and it rambles and wanders a bit too.
The mystery is interesting, but I had it all figured out by about 60% of the way through.
It felt like it needed a really good edit to tighten up the prose and inject some feeling into it. Not recommended, unfortunately. Thank you to Fremantle Press and Better Reading for the preview copy.
But, I’m not an Australian art enthusiast and found this novel very heavy going. The sentences are very long and there’s a feeling of being lectured to. There’s not a lot of feeling and emotion demonstrated in this novel and it rambles and wanders a bit too.
The mystery is interesting, but I had it all figured out by about 60% of the way through.
It felt like it needed a really good edit to tighten up the prose and inject some feeling into it. Not recommended, unfortunately. Thank you to Fremantle Press and Better Reading for the preview copy.
February 1, 2022
Mark Lewis, art gallery owner and former surgeon is caught up in a cat and mouse game of intrigue and mystery following the request to value a painting by a 17 year old boy named Charlie. Mark sees something in the painting that strongly resembles the work of a well known Australian artist, James Devlin. What is the link between Charlie and James and where and what has happened to Charlie?
The search for the paintings true artist opens a can of worms that provides a fast packed entertaining read that once you start you cannot put down. I read this book over two days as I became so invested in the story. The book delivers on all fronts - there is romance, intrigue, mystery, fraud and tragedy. A truly engaging read.
The search for the paintings true artist opens a can of worms that provides a fast packed entertaining read that once you start you cannot put down. I read this book over two days as I became so invested in the story. The book delivers on all fronts - there is romance, intrigue, mystery, fraud and tragedy. A truly engaging read.
March 13, 2022
This is an excellent exposé of the art world subtly presented and meshed into a ‘crime mystery’ which is really a side issue. If you want to know what determines the value of art ( hint - it’s not the art) and how the machinations of valuing art work, smothered in an apparent appreciation of the art itself works, read this.
Yes, some aspects come across as cringy, that’s how it is. The ending of the book initially seems unrealistic until the reader realises that the whole point of the book is finally being rammed home.
If you’re looking for a Dan Brown thriller, look elsewhere but if you’ve ever wondered why one piece of art is considered so precious, but another, seemingly equivalent piece is not, prepare to be illuminated.
Yes, some aspects come across as cringy, that’s how it is. The ending of the book initially seems unrealistic until the reader realises that the whole point of the book is finally being rammed home.
If you’re looking for a Dan Brown thriller, look elsewhere but if you’ve ever wondered why one piece of art is considered so precious, but another, seemingly equivalent piece is not, prepare to be illuminated.
March 19, 2022
Michael Levitt’s The Gallerist is a very enjoyable read based on the Australian art scene. It has elements of mystery, tragedy, romance, action and danger as Mark embarks on some detective work to get to the bottom of the story behind an intriguing painting brought in to his gallery. This journey leads him to Linda and together they cross the country and confront some serious attacks of retribution. Ultimately the protagonists settle upon a resolution that satisfies all parties involved. The writing style is a little different but once adjusted to was calm and considered. The references to particular places in Perth and Melbourne lent an air of authenticity and I enjoyed the art references throughout.
Many thanks to Beauty & Lace for the opportunity to read and review The Gallerist.
Many thanks to Beauty & Lace for the opportunity to read and review The Gallerist.
April 17, 2022
An interesting read, with lots of pleasing detail about art and the art scene. I enjoyed the ‘niceness’ of many of the characters. At times the writing was almost too measured and calm, with detailed explanations and exposition. However the effect was an intriguing mystery that was enjoyable to read, thoughtful and interesting.
The decency that people are capable of, even when wronged, was a pleasant surprise. I also felt vindicated when the media was displayed as self serving and in accurate.
Worthwhile.
The decency that people are capable of, even when wronged, was a pleasant surprise. I also felt vindicated when the media was displayed as self serving and in accurate.
Worthwhile.
January 25, 2022
This was a different book for me, although I know nothing about art I found it very interesting.
It contained a story of mystery surrounding the unknown artist of an amazing painting that comes into Mark Lewis's small art gallery.
He embarks on a mission to find the artist with his friends.
It is an easy read.
With thanks to Better Reading, Fremantle Press and Michael Levitt for my copy to read and review.
It contained a story of mystery surrounding the unknown artist of an amazing painting that comes into Mark Lewis's small art gallery.
He embarks on a mission to find the artist with his friends.
It is an easy read.
With thanks to Better Reading, Fremantle Press and Michael Levitt for my copy to read and review.
June 22, 2023
Thank you to Fremantle Press for my copy.
I really enjoyed this book and the author has done a great job of writing a well researched story on art and created a good mystery around paintings.
Based mainly in my home town of Perth I found all the places familiar and although I worked out who Charlie was it didn't depict from the story. Overall, a really good read that moved along well and kept me entertained.
I really enjoyed this book and the author has done a great job of writing a well researched story on art and created a good mystery around paintings.
Based mainly in my home town of Perth I found all the places familiar and although I worked out who Charlie was it didn't depict from the story. Overall, a really good read that moved along well and kept me entertained.
February 26, 2024
An entertaining book with a great storyline. I loved the development of the characters and the nature of the story itself. But it felt a little remote - there were few evocative sentences and even the discussion between romantic partners about sex felt like a lecture rather than a personal conversation.
February 9, 2022
I have really enjoyed "The Gallerist". It has this mystery type deal and I found the whole search for the painting and its history quite interesting. The pacing and the characters felt nice and real.
February 16, 2022
Was not my normal style of book, but it did reel me in and I found myself pushing on to find out what was going to happen. Didn't disappoint. I really enjoyed the fact that it was set in Perth and felt familiar as I read through.
May 11, 2022
While it was interesting to read about the art world, there was little about this book that appealed. The attempt to wrap a story and a romance around "behind the scenes situations" was somewhat clunky.
October 21, 2023
I’m a real fan of books that take place in places I’ve been - different areas of Melbourne in this case. I’m far from an art person, so the book wasn’t the most enticing for me. Moderately paced, I would say, which is enough for me. Nice to have secondary storylines too.
July 5, 2022
Great to see fiction with a local Perth setting. An engaging read written by the very talented Michael Levitt.
July 10, 2022
Fast paced and gentle, nestled in the suburbs and unfolding against a larger tableau. A pleasure to read a different perspective and explore this mystery
October 25, 2022
A slightly naive first novel…..but a mostly enjoyable read. I love books about art. This one is set in suburbs and cities I am familiar with….so that was fun, too.
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