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Title: An engaging story on two tracks - present and past
Review: This novel runs on two tracks: the life of a London academic couple and their infant daughter on an early Spring sojourn to their second home in England's rural hinterlands; and a highly speculative and evolving narrative on the meaning and context of Pieter Breughel's 16th century paintings.On the latter track, the protagonist's personal quest eventually seems to get woven in with his art historical musings.The novel turns into a sort of "Keystone Kops" story for intellectuals as the action reaches its frightening crescendo. But all ends well. I was pleasantly surprised by the life decision of Martin's wife that enabled her to overcome the conseqences of his headlong fall into reckless adventure and financial shennanigans.A smart and entertaining book with an out of the ordinary structure, plus very well-crafted use of language and situations. A cerebral thriller of sorts that can be enjoyed at the beach.
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