Rating: 
Summary: A Good Piece of Fiction and a Worthy Debut Novel
Review: "When we call something an object of virtue, it means two things: that each piece of the whole object is perfect ... And it means that the person who made it could show their ability in a variety of skills in one object," explained the character Nina Ozerovsky in the opening chapter of OBJECT OF VIRTUE.Sasha Ozerovsky, son of Nina, has been raised to recognize such objects when he sees them. His mother had given him the rare gift of her educated eye as well as her exquisite taste. Sasha turns all he has learned from his mother into a career at Leighton's, an auction house that vies for only the best objects and the best clientele with New York's better known Sotheby's and Christie's. What started out as Nicholson's attempt at a tell-all story about the privileged world of these exclusive houses became instead a novel of some suspense. A "new rich" dealer from Russia presents Sasha with what appears to be a rare Fabergé figurine for commission at Leighton's, and Sasha must determine its provenance. His career on the line, Sasha travels to Russia to uncover the truth about the piece and, unbeknownst to him beforehand, the truth about his family. Does Nicholas B.A. Nicholson's debut novel OBJECT OF VIRTUE live up to his own two-part definition of an object of virtue? Yes and no. While not a perfect novel, OBJECT OF VIRTUE is a good first piece of fiction. The characters are well drawn. The backdrops --- New York and Russia, their culture, their history, their society --- are as much characters as the men and women who grace the pages, and sometimes the facts are more interesting than the people, well drawn or not. The writing is good and clean, but does not stand out as exceptional by any means. So each piece is not perfect but good nonetheless. OBJECT OF VIRTUE does give Nicholson the opportunity to share his knowledge in a variety of ways. Nicholson's own career as an expert of Russian decorative arts is on full display, in the present-day dealings Sasha has with owners and collectors and in the historical flashbacks to the craftsmen who worked on rare Fabergé pieces. These peeks at the past are steeped in Russian history and art history, and there's no denying Nicholson's expertise here. Nicholson also gives us a unique look at the upper echelons of New York society, or how the other half lives, as the expression goes. And finally, he provides us the insider's perspective on the auction world that we commonplace ebay-ers can only dream of. Nicholson's familiarity with all these areas is evidenced in his story and becomes the backbone that keeps the fiction together. So while I liked OBJECT OF VIRTUE, looking back at Nina's definition, I am left with one question at the end: does Nicholson have another story in him, or has he tapped all his resources? --- Reviewed by Roberta O'Hara
Rating:
Summary: A Good Piece of Fiction and a Worthy Debut Novel
Review: "When we call something an object of virtue, it means two things: that each piece of the whole object is perfect ... And it means that the person who made it could show their ability in a variety of skills in one object," explained the character Nina Ozerovsky in the opening chapter of OBJECT OF VIRTUE. Sasha Ozerovsky, son of Nina, has been raised to recognize such objects when he sees them. His mother had given him the rare gift of her educated eye as well as her exquisite taste. Sasha turns all he has learned from his mother into a career at Leighton's, an auction house that vies for only the best objects and the best clientele with New York's better known Sotheby's and Christie's. What started out as Nicholson's attempt at a tell-all story about the privileged world of these exclusive houses became instead a novel of some suspense. A "new rich" dealer from Russia presents Sasha with what appears to be a rare Fabergé figurine for commission at Leighton's, and Sasha must determine its provenance. His career on the line, Sasha travels to Russia to uncover the truth about the piece and, unbeknownst to him beforehand, the truth about his family. Does Nicholas B.A. Nicholson's debut novel OBJECT OF VIRTUE live up to his own two-part definition of an object of virtue? Yes and no. While not a perfect novel, OBJECT OF VIRTUE is a good first piece of fiction. The characters are well drawn. The backdrops --- New York and Russia, their culture, their history, their society --- are as much characters as the men and women who grace the pages, and sometimes the facts are more interesting than the people, well drawn or not. The writing is good and clean, but does not stand out as exceptional by any means. So each piece is not perfect but good nonetheless. OBJECT OF VIRTUE does give Nicholson the opportunity to share his knowledge in a variety of ways. Nicholson's own career as an expert of Russian decorative arts is on full display, in the present-day dealings Sasha has with owners and collectors and in the historical flashbacks to the craftsmen who worked on rare Fabergé pieces. These peeks at the past are steeped in Russian history and art history, and there's no denying Nicholson's expertise here. Nicholson also gives us a unique look at the upper echelons of New York society, or how the other half lives, as the expression goes. And finally, he provides us the insider's perspective on the auction world that we commonplace ebay-ers can only dream of. Nicholson's familiarity with all these areas is evidenced in his story and becomes the backbone that keeps the fiction together. So while I liked OBJECT OF VIRTUE, looking back at Nina's definition, I am left with one question at the end: does Nicholson have another story in him, or has he tapped all his resources? --- Reviewed by Roberta O'Hara
Rating: 
Summary: If you liked Red Violin...
Review: ...or Beethoven's Hair, this book will be a swell read for you. The plot weaves a lot of history alongside a thriller ride through a story filled with surprises. Hard to put down once you've started!
Rating:
Summary: If you liked Red Violin...
Review: ...or Beethoven's Hair, this book will be a swell read for you. The plot weaves a lot of history alongside a thriller ride through a story filled with surprises. Hard to put down once you've started!
Rating: 
Summary: a set piece
Review: A cleverly conceived and executed novel from an expert in his field. There is far more mystery in this work than meets the eye.
Rating:
Summary: a set piece
Review: A cleverly conceived and executed novel from an expert in his field. There is far more mystery in this work than meets the eye.
Rating:
Summary: A splendid read!
Review: Every page of Object of Virtue is a beautifully written treat for anyone who appreciates a sophisticated, intelligent society mystery. If Dominick Dunne were a Russian aristocrat, you'd have "Object of Virtue". I'm recommending this book to everyone. It's fabulous. Run - don't walk to buy this book now!
Rating:
Summary: suspense, society, history and art
Review: I loved Nicholson's book and couldn't put it down. As an ex-New Yorker living in Europe I found the intertwining of European and American culture, history and heritage fascinating. Nicholson artfully moved us from contemporary New York to imperial Russia and back. His book seems very well researched. And to top it off is the suspense that he magnificently handles! I can't wait for his next book.
Rating:
Summary: A Bit of Fluff
Review: Mr. Nicholson, who at one time worked for the Russian Department at Christies, has written an imaginative novel about the rarified world of the auction market. The novel is no way a "roman a clef". Over they past quarter century there has only been one Russian aristocrat who has played a significant role in the Russian Departments of Sotheby's or Christies' either in London or New York and the hero of this novel bears little resemblance to him. That said, the novel is a fun read and the story he spins keeps one's attention until the ending where I did get the feeling that the author was getting bored and wrapped the story up rather quickly. The use of flashbacks in describing pre-Revolutionary Russia worked well and the comparison to the moneyed people in present day Russia is amusing. I do have three reservations: one never learns what happened to the real "Object of Virtue"; with so many beautiful young people running around there is a complete absence of sex and most grievously, the beau monde knows that the "Petroushka Ball" is by far the premier social White Russian event in New York City. The list of acknowledgments is amazing for the vast amount of people mentioned. Even I am in it for some unknown reason.
Rating:
Summary: A Jewel of a novel and great story!
Review: Nicholson has written a story with the same beauty, craftsmanship and fine detail and resources worthy of Faberge quality work. He makes the world of antiques and auctions come alive with the interest and twists like a Grisham novel. His accurate details are equal to Tom Clancy. His historical detail is spot on accurate and his wit and humor keep pace with the drama. I simply could not put it down; just when I was ready to finish one chapter, I was compelled to keep reading. This is a perfect book for summertime vacation reading or a quiet Sunday at home. Thoroughly enjoyable. I highly recommend it, even if you think Russian antiques aren't your "thing" you will enjoy this story!
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