Rating: 
Summary: Delicious
Review: Object of Virtue is a delicious ride on Faberge, the world of emigree Russians, Tzarist Russia and the new Russia. The author knows his material and is generous in imparting it to the reader. The cast of characters is at times wonderfully funny, despicable, avaricious and in some cases even likeable. The mystery at its core moves along swiftly. It's hard to put down. Mr. Nicholson, I thank you for this treat.
Rating: 
Summary: fine look at Russia through its art, past and present
Review: Russian art expert His Highness Prince Alexander "Sasha" Ozerovsky learned about the art of his family's native country from his mother while growing up in New York. Currently he works at New York's premier small auction house, Leighton, hoping to find that rare item preferably a Faberge egg or at least a major Romanov piece.Dimitri Durakov insists on meeting with the "Prince" because he claims to have a Faberge original that has ties to Sasha's family. As Sasha tries to authenticate the item that is either a brilliant find or an incredible fake, his family sues alleging ownership. Sasha's boss Dr. Anne Holton places him on a leave of absence to avoid any hint of conflict of interest while the courts resolve the legal issue. Sasha journeys to Russia to see more of this private collection not realizing that he will run afoul of the Russian mob when he begins to determine that some of the items are brilliant forgeries. Though the details into the Faberge eggs and other Russian art are intriguing, entertaining and educational, this depth at times overwhelms the prime plot. Still OBJECT OF VIRTUE is an enjoyable art thriller that portrays a deep morality drama played on two stages. The key individuals such as the hero and his father struggle with personal desires vs. doing the right thing. On a greater scale they represent the country-wide trauma of the Old Russia and its heritage vs. the new Russia seeking a better place for its people. Insightful and well written, readers will appreciate this fine look at Russia through its art, past and present. Harriet Klausner
Rating:
Summary: fine look at Russia through its art, past and present
Review: Russian art expert His Highness Prince Alexander "Sasha" Ozerovsky learned about the art of his family's native country from his mother while growing up in New York. Currently he works at New York's premier small auction house, Leighton, hoping to find that rare item preferably a Faberge egg or at least a major Romanov piece. Dimitri Durakov insists on meeting with the "Prince" because he claims to have a Faberge original that has ties to Sasha's family. As Sasha tries to authenticate the item that is either a brilliant find or an incredible fake, his family sues alleging ownership. Sasha's boss Dr. Anne Holton places him on a leave of absence to avoid any hint of conflict of interest while the courts resolve the legal issue. Sasha journeys to Russia to see more of this private collection not realizing that he will run afoul of the Russian mob when he begins to determine that some of the items are brilliant forgeries. Though the details into the Faberge eggs and other Russian art are intriguing, entertaining and educational, this depth at times overwhelms the prime plot. Still OBJECT OF VIRTUE is an enjoyable art thriller that portrays a deep morality drama played on two stages. The key individuals such as the hero and his father struggle with personal desires vs. doing the right thing. On a greater scale they represent the country-wide trauma of the Old Russia and its heritage vs. the new Russia seeking a better place for its people. Insightful and well written, readers will appreciate this fine look at Russia through its art, past and present. Harriet Klausner
Rating:
Summary: An exciting debut for m a new young writer
Review: This book is a great read , and is complicated and interesting as a Faberge Egg. Like those eggs, this book contains unexpected surprises. Nicholson has a talent for showing the inner workings of the art world , and is equally at home describing the lost word of Imperial Russia. Well -written,
atmospheric, and full of mystery, this is a must read. You'll love it!
Rating:
Summary: Object of Virtue by Nicholas B A Nicholson
Review: This book is a truly wonderful read. The plot is fast paced and totally gripping, set in a decadent and atmospheric world that will stay with you long after you put it down. The glamour and tensions of the New York auction house scene is evoked with tremendous wit and insight.
I am just about to start it all over again. More books please Mr Nicholson; you are set to become a permanent feature in every library.
Rating:
Summary: Fabulous read
Review: This book is rich with historical detail, fun to read, and the perfect balance of glamour and good writing. I recommend it!
Rating:
Summary: A Wonderful Afternoon Read
Review: What a delightful read! It was one of those books that is so thoroughly engaging, that I didn't want to put it down until I finished it. I thoroughly enjoyed being transported into the world of NY auction houses, Russian emigrees, and the new Russia. In a way, it reminded me of "The Da Vinci Code", in that Nicholson combines art and mystery in such an enjoyable way. His insider knowledge makes it all the more enjoyable. I hope this will not be the last we hear of Mr. Nicholson.
Rating:
Summary: Wonderfully elegant
Review: What's not to like? Object of Virtue has it all...intrigue, glamour, money, beauty, and above all, great storytelling. It's not often that a new author bursts onto the scene with the kind of talent Mr. Nicholson shows in this, his first novel. His characters are sensitively drawn, his story line is gripping, and his ability to bring a particular social scene and its trappings to life is impeccable. Although he succeeds with this book in so many ways, it's in his ability to breathe life into the physical world that he creates for his characters that Mr. Nicholson really shines. I fell in love with Faberge, Moscow, Paris , New York and St. Petersburg all over again thanks to Mr. Nicholson's beautiful book. DO NOT MISS THIS!!!!
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