Pauline Baer de Perignon

Intriguée par l’histoire de la collection d’œuvres d’art de son arrière-grand-père juif qui a été vendue, ou volée dans les années 1940, les sources se contredisent, l’autrice mène l’enquête. Le récit du parcours chaotique, long, semé de fausses pistes, d’heureuses découvertes et de déceptions, d’une recherche de provenance. Un texte agréable à lire, qui se perd par moments dans les méandres des recherches et qui laisse un peu le lecteur sur sa faim, mais un thème, les restitutions d’œuvres spoliées par les nazis, on ne peut plus actuel et qui ne peut que bouleverser.… (mer)

I expected to like this book a lot more than I did. I think my problem had more to do with the fact I didn't care for the authorial voice, since I found the events both intriguing and at times heartbreaking.

The theft, or "appropriation," of artwork and not just the failure to return them but the seeming willingness of many to profit from such crimes because they could shift the responsibility for them onto an evil regime is angering.

While I didn't "enjoy" the book because of the voice, I am glad I read it and learned what I did. I also think my reaction is more personal than an objective reflection of the book, so I have no problem recommending this to readers with an interest in the aftermath of WWII, particularly anything having to do with Nazi atrocities. Those with an interest in art history or those who simply enjoy memoirs that are almost like a mystery will find plenty here to enjoy.

Reviewed from a copy made available by the publisher via Edelweiss.… (mer)

For anyone who has attempted to compile a personal family genealogy and then faced challenges even collecting any details about grandparents or great-grandparents, you will recognize some of the frustrations this author encounters and joy finding even the slightest piece of information. But since the author is also investigating art works stolen from her ancestors, the consequences may be greater, but the experience bears many similarities. That in no way minimizes the tragic events revealed in this story among the many Jewish families in Paris during the occupation. This was a quick read, and hard to put down. [A few internet searches show that now after publication, the beautiful Largilliere painting of Madame de Parabere is well described on the internet, and that it was recently sold.]… (mer)