Mark Lewis, a former surgeon, has found solace in running a small art gallery. When Jan, a local woman, brings him a painting for valuing, it looks uncannily like a painting by the enigmatic artist James Devlin. Yet Jan claims it was done by a seventeen-year-old boy called Charlie.
As Mark searches for the painting’s true provenance, he is joined by the attractive and clever Linda de Vries. But the pair will learn that James Devlin is a man whose past is as blank as an empty canvas, and he is determined to keep it that way.
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I enjoyed reading this book. I loved that it is an Aussie novel, loved the subject matter and the fact that it was well written. The author avoided the need for foul language, which made me happy because it means I can pass the book on to an avid teen reader friend, and also recommend it to seniors who prefer novels without the swearing where possible. A woman brings a painting to an art gallery for a valuation. She claims it was painted by her late 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’s provenance. This research leads to all sorts of troubles for the Gallerist, It’s a cleverly-constructed story with likeable characters and a mix of mystery, romance, art fraud and historic mysteries. Even though I’d worked out the fraud issue very early on, I still enjoyed discovering how the author Michael Levitt pulled it all together. The only thing I’d have liked to change would be a bit more difficulty unravelling the mystery. Recommended. Nell, NSW, 5 Stars
Fantastic!! Great storyline with lots of twists and a very surprising ending. Looking forward to Michael’s next book. Annette, NSW, 5 Stars
An intriguing thriller set in the Australian art world, which at its heart is a story about love and family bonds. A great read with some unexpected twists. Alanna, QLD, 5 Stars
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. Karyn, ACT, 5 Stars
I know it’s only January, but I already know 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. 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. The Gallerist is a masterpiece (pun intended). I loved it! Eynas, QLD, 5 Stars
The Gallerist was a very enjoyable read. Michael Levitt has shared his love and knowledge of Australian art through his characters. The Gallerist is set across Perth and Melbourne, and introduced me to a world of Australian artists and art collectors (who seem to all be doctors). Mark, a small gallery owner is presented with an interesting painting to value. The search for answers introduces him to Linda and together they uncover something that could shake the Australian art scene. Mark and Linda are very likeable characters and if I could I would be happy to have a cup of tea in Mark’s gallery. The mystery of Charlie’s painting kept me intrigued to the end of the novel. Mark reminded me a little of Inspector Foyle from Foyle’s war in his integrity and compassion. I would happily read another fiction from Michael Levitt. Catherine, NSW, 4 Stars
The Gallerist centers on humble retired surgeon turned passionate art gallerist, Mark Lewis, as he embarks on a journey to determine the mystery origin of a striking painting brought into his gallery by Perth local, Jan. This painting, supposedly painted by a teenager in 1972, bears uncanny similarities to that of one of Australia’s greatest artists, James Devlin. What ensues is a moving story of romance, family bonds, deception and shining a light on the underhand dealings within the Australian art industry of forgeries and price manipulation. The Gallerist imbues the author’s passion for Australian art, particularly abstract art, and the stories of these pieces and their craftsman. I enjoyed the character development and the relationships highlighted in this story, particularly that of warm and endearing protagonist, Mark Lewis, and well-renowned (but little known) artist, James Devlin. Michael Levitt’s fictional novel is a quick read at 219 pages, and an initial slow burn that quickly escalates as the mystery deepens in the second half of the novel. The rip-roaring pace of the climax and the conclusion left me with an interest to see what Michael Levitt does next. Lisa, VIC, 4 Stars
Set in the world of Australian art, this is the story of Mark Lewis, a former surgeon turned gallerist and his quest for uncovering a secret when he comes across a painting for valuing. With plenty of descriptive text defining the paintings, I was able to effectively imagine what each of the paintings would have looked like. The characters were easy to relate to and as well as a little mystery surrounding the authenticity of the painting in question, it was nice to have a little romance thrown into the story. The author, Michael Levitt has written a lovely little story that was easy to read. It felt a little rushed towards the end but overall an enjoyable read. Thank you very much Better Reading for the opportunity to read and review this book. Christine, QLD, 4 Stars
So, The Gallerist! If I saw this one on the bookshop stand, I would probably say – nah its not really for me BUT WAIT….. it really was for me. Albeit, a bit of a simmer to start, the book takes you into the lives of two very different families and how one piece of art brings them together in a most unusual of ways. There was a great depth in the characters, however, Michael Levitt manages to keep you reading on and on, revealing only small pieces on the lives of Mark the art gallerist and James the artist as you meander through the story. Mystery is the name of the game from the beginning for this book, which was a nice easy read with very believable characters. Set in my local home of Perth, it was fab to read about places and settings that I know so well and could picture each scenario. Would recommend to folks wanting a nice easy read that throws a bit of love, heartache and of course mystery your way. Suzie, WA, 4 Stars
I enjoyed The Gallerist by Michael Levitt. I enjoyed the novelty of the mystery and the ultimate tragic and sad circumstances behind it all. The characters were real and relatable, with all their flaws and baggage, which I feel added to the poignancy of this novel. I found some of the art descriptions a bit tedious but I am not really an art fan. I imagine those who are will relish in them. I recommend this book for any readers who enjoy crime fiction or mystery. Alice, NSW, 4 Stars
This is a quiet novel that doesn’t quite fit any genre, but which has distinct rewards for readers. It’s relatively short, but packs a fair bit in. It’s a mystery novel; it lacks the hallmarks of crime or thriller novels, but the central mystery motivates the characters and advances both the plot and the action. The stakes seem low: it’s hard to empathise with well off art collectors concerned with the value of their collections or a dishonest man worried about the consequences of his actions. These are what’s at stake here. While Mark feels strongly involved, there’s not much at stake for him, particularly in the early stages. I did enjoy this novel. The plot is well worked out and convincing. It’s well paced, and the relatively short length well judged for the material. The action is low key and believable, and both characterisation and relationships ring true. My only criticism was the extent to which Mark analyses his own feelings –particularly romantic and sexual feelings – and discusses them on a first date. This didn’t ring true. I found it absorbing and rewarding, entertaining and thoughtful. It should appeal to readers looking for a strong story. Lorraine, ACT, 4 Stars
The Gallerist by Michael Levitt is not your run of the mill mystery. I found it to be a very well researched and knowledgeable story centered around the Australian art scene. To begin with the story starts off slow moving but it is written in such a descriptive way that it draws you in and allows you to just cruise along as the mystery unfolds. Michael Levitt has a way of writing his character dialogue in such a way that captures your attention and helps you to get a real sense of who each character is and their personality which makes them feel so human, as if you know them personally. I found The Gallerist to be an enjoyable read. Jamye, VIC, 3 Stars
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. Chryssie, QLD, 3 Stars
Michael Levitt takes the reader into many aspects of being a gallerist. The details of paintings and their effect upon Mark Lewis, the main character, reveal the depth of emotions which art can evoke. The various ways that a painting’s provenance can be authenticated show how much is involved in maintaining reputations and prices! The devious means, by which some collectors and sellers manipulate the market, are also enlightening. The mystery surrounding Charlie’s painting takes The Gallerist in the direction of an intriguing crime fiction novel with Mark and his friends becoming detectives and risking danger as a result. The novel is less successful with the internal and external thoughts and explanations regarding Mark’s reluctance to become involved with Linda. Mark was fortunate that Linda was also intrigued by the story behind Charlie’s painting so that she was prepared to get to know Mark better. James Devlin gradually becomes the focus of the novel, revealing a fascinating family tale of sadness, success and guilt. The ending comes as quite a surprise showing how our perceptions of people can be too quickly formed. Frances, NSW, 3 Stars
To be honest this wouldn’t have been a novel I would originally be drawn to, but I am so glad I had the opportunity to read this creation by Michael Levitt. It is full of romance, mystery and deceit. From the very beginning I was wanting to know more, who created this art that has been brought into the gallery, how can it look like another famous work but created a decade before with an added will they or won’t they. I would recommend this book to any art lovers who might understand a bit more than myself. Overall, I enjoyed the book. Nicole, VIC, 3 Stars
A good mystery with a few twists and turns along the way. A painting is discovered that looks like it was done by a famous artist but the person in possession of it has a different story. What follows is an exciting adventure with some great detective work, a bit of romance, some intrigue and an outcome I didn’t see coming. Christina, NSW, 3 Stars
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. Renee, QLD, 3 Stars
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. Monique, QLD, 3 Stars
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. Ali, TAS, 3 Stars
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. 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. Gill, WA, 2 Stars
This book was not for me. It was well written, and had well rounded characters, but I found the art talk a bit exhausting, and the end was obvious from only a few chapters in. I think this book might be more for someone who loves that world. Tracey, NSW, 2 Stars
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 to 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. Ally, TAS, 1 Star
I am sorry to say that I did not enjoy reading The Gallerist by Michael Levitt. It was quite self indulgent and took a while to get into and much longer to read than usual for a book of its length. That being said I did finish it, but only to confirm what I thought all along. Janelle, NSW, 1 Star
The Gallerist at the core has a great premise, but unfortunately that is where it ends. For such a small book Michael Levitt has put in so much detail that the reader starts to be bogged down in the mundane and the true story is lost. Anne, NSW, 1 Star
The premise of this novel was an interesting one, and it will appeal to people with a curiosity for the detail of art collecting and trading. For the locals of Melbourne and Perth, you can expect to enjoy recognition of many of the locations featured within the book. Kim, VIC, 1 Star
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