Percival Davenport was a successful CEO, but when he decides to retire, he soon realises how much of a struggle life can be when you don’t have anything to do with your time. Percival, who once did a minor art degree, finds his escape through art and painting.
This escape through art leads him to an unhealthy obsession, particularly with Edvard Munch’s “The Scream”. But will Percival’s obsession lead to his own self-destruction?
If you know me, or frequently read my blog, then you will know that I have a huge love of art, and anything art related. So when Stealing The Scream became available to request on NetGalley, I jumped at the chance to give it a read.
Edvard Munch’s “The Scream” has been the target of multiple theft attempts in the past, and on more than one occasion, these attempts have actually been successful. Theodore Carter’s novel, Stealing The Scream, is based on the events of the 2004 theft, where masked gunmen entered the Munch Museum in Oslo, Norway, and stole 2 of the most valuable paintings in the museum: The Scream and Madonna. Little is known about the theft, and what happened to the paintings in the 2 years between them being taken and their recovery, but Carter’s novel gives an exciting fictional account of that time.
Stealing The Scream is packed full with historical accuracy, and it is obvious that the author did a lot of research on the not only the real life incident, but the painting itself, and many other works of art and galleries too. As an art enthusiast, I would have to say that this was probably one of my favourite things about the book.
All of the characters were very well developed, even the less important characters of the story. I thoroughly enjoyed seeing their personalities develop, and in some cases completely spiral and change, as the story progressed. I felt that this added more intensity and excitement to the story. Percival’s progression in particular was excellently written. It was both intriguing and heartbreaking to read, and Carter deserves a round of applause.
Stealing The Scream was a joy to read, and I struggled to put this book down, especially those last few intense chapters. It definitely lived up to my expectations.
Thank you to NetGalley and Run Amok Books for my copy, in exchange for an honest review.
I give Stealing The Scream a 4.5/5 rating!
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