The Brutal Art

I enjoyed The Brutal Art by Jesse Kellerman. Most of the story is told in the first person by Ethan Muller a wealthy art dealer and descendant of a very wealthy family. He is estranged from his father so his father's assistant, Tony, deals with Ethan. Tony shows Ethan some unusual and talented artwork which has been found in an abandoned apartment in one of the Muller's buildings. Ethan sees the potential value and exhibits the work, though little is known about the artist other than his name. The work is a great success and sells very well. A part of the work is published in the newspaper and Ethan is contacted by a former homicide policeman who recognises the faces of the children drawn on the piece. Ethan then sets out to discover the mystery behind the artwork and its artist. The book is well structured as it tells another part of the story in the form of third person "interludes" dating back to the 19th century where the reader learns the history of the Mullers. As the story draws to its conclusion the reader learns the truth and the current story and final interlude comes together. 41/2/5