Customer Reviews

Masterclass

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The story of an art hisorian's personal growth and transformation into a better person than he was previously. Masterful development of characters, and a moderately interesting story, but I never felt like I couldn't put the book down. The ending was realistic, and moderately satisfying. A well-written book, but not as good as some of his other books.

Morris West's "Master Class" paints a vivid, if not overworn, plot of an American concubine Max Mathers living in Italy under the shadow of Pia, his elder lover. Upon her death, her will gives him access to any 2 of her antiquities. His knowledge of art finds him 2 rare Rafaels. After that, the plot becomes watered-down to its lowest common denominator. Writer Morris West, however, is incredibly well-knowledgeable and versed in international history and geography. His brush paints vivid charecters within concise arenas. His 'Gisella Mund' is a perfect charecter with incredible insight and depth. Kudos to his genuinity in writing. I only wish the plot equaled his charecters!

Master Class is an intriguing exploration of law and morality, set in an exotic Italian/New york venue. It begins with a sweet relationship in Italy, but swiftly moves into a world of art, art intrigue, and finally, what it means to be faithful to an ideal.

I have passed this book to many other people, and all enjoyed it very much. I have reread it at least three times, and I plan to do it at least one more. The subtle changes come without warning, and the words that convey them are most artful. Of all of Morris West's books, this is my favorite.

At first the book is interesting and will keep you reading, but it is to technical in the explanation of the law for the paints, that is really boring, and at the end, is like you never read this book, you will have absolutely nothing, everybody did what he wants no matter if it was against the law, and everybody win, could be that possible?