The Rembrandt Affair - Daniel Silva

There’s something strangely satisfying about reading a good book. If you’re lucky, you can escape into a world full of intrigue and imagination, resting only for a brief second when you turn the page and continue on your journey of discovery. “The Rembrandt Affair” is one such book. Buy Now

It’s been six months since Gabriel Allon, an Israeli spy and art restorer, faced Russian arms dealer Ivan Kharkov. He has for all intents and purposes retired from “the office” and settled for the quiet life in a small Cornish seaside cottage with his beautiful wife Chiara, but how long will this retirement last?

“The Rembrandt affair” is a suspenseful and fast flowing thriller that will have you on the edge of your seat until its climax. The book, by Daniel Silva is the 10^th novel in the long running Gabriel Allon series – it is however my first introduction to the master spy and art restorer. I certainly won’t leave it so long next time!

Set in various cities and countries across the globe including Israel, London, Iran, Amsterdam and Switzerland this truly is a globetrotting affair that sucks you in from the opening scenes in Glastonbury.

An unknown stranger follows a well-connected art restorer (Christopher Lidell) back to his studio, and what transpires sets about a chain of events that will leave you breathless and wanting more. A single painting is stolen (Portrait of a young woman) but at what cost? Julian Isherwood (London Art Dealer) is deeply concerned at the painting’s theft and seeks out the help of an old friend; Allon.

Gabriel Allon is reticent to take on the new case, even though it’s a favour for a dear friend but following a discussion over dinner with Chiara the pair embarks on another Daniel Silva adventure.

The trail leads us, the reader, to Amsterdam and for me the highlight of the book. Allon’s encounter with Lena Herzfeld, a previous owner of Rembrandt’s “Portrait of a young woman”, was so well written it was spellbindingly tragic. A survivor of the German persecution of the Jews in Holland we learn of her past and her father’s struggles to keep his family safe. It is a moving and poignant reminder of how life was under German occupation in World War 2.

The deeper Allon delves into the art theft, the investigation takes on a mind of its own and the seriousness isn’t lost on the main protagonists. It soon becomes evident that there is more at stake than a simple painting.

The characters are well written the dialogue is crisp and believable, not once did it feel strained. The sub plots all tie in effortlessly with the main storyline without a feeling of being side-lined for no apparent reason.

“The Rembrandt Affair” hooks you in from the outset, with Silva’s descriptive powers and tense scenarios I found myself holding my breath on occasions waiting to find the outcome of a tricky situation. A wonderful meaty novel, you’ll never view the art world in the same light again.

Excellent. Published by Michael Joseph 29th July 2010