The Collector

The novel sets its stage in New York City, where we meet our central character, Claire, a hardworking and independent young woman, striving to make ends meet by working as a barista at a local café. Life has been far from kind to Claire, and the routine monotony of her existence paints her world in shades of grey until she stumbles upon an abandoned piece of artwork. The lost painting she encounters is not just a canvas and paint; it’s a reservoir of secrets that’s about to unsettle Claire’s uneventful life.

This painting, a forgotten masterpiece, thrusts Claire into the hitherto unknown world of art collectors, auction houses, and museums. This delicate balance between her ordinary life and the secretive, often dangerous world of art becomes a source of tension and suspense that keeps you on the edge throughout the narrative.

Yet, the brilliance of “The Collector” lies not only in its meticulously crafted suspense but also in its vivid character portrayals. William, an eccentric, reclusive art collector who becomes entwined in Claire’s life, is a character to be remembered. His obsession with art, coupled with his mysterious past, adds another layer to the story. The dynamic between William and Claire, filled with emotional struggles and intellectual debates, truly brings out the complexities of human relationships.

And then there’s Lucia, a determined art investigator, haunted by her own past, who becomes fixated on the painting Claire has discovered. The narrative skilfully intertwines the lives of these three central characters, each one adding a different hue to the overall palette of the tale. Narrated by the remarkable Julia Whelan, the story takes on a life of its own. Her voice becomes the lifeline of these characters, adding depth and nuance to their experiences, transforming the novel into an immersive auditory experience. Identity and The Witness got garnished with the same kind of voice and this book also possess a wonderful narration indeed.