"A literary adventure"
In 1500 BC in the Vezere valley (what is now La
Ferrassie in the south of France), only the true artisans
are allowed to paint. These artists are a brotherhood that
is considered holy and each man is only allowed to paint
one animal. The Keeper of the Bulls tries to defy
tradition by becoming the leader, thus forcing the keeper
of the deer and his mate to run away. They find a cave far
from their people and begin painting inside it. In occupied France in 1944, murder occurs in that same
cave. American Captain Manners sent to help the resistance
and Francois Malrand, a leader of the French Resistance,
agree to hide the caves. In the present day, Manners' son
goes to an auction house in England with a rock painting
from that cave, wondering how much it is worth. Lydia Dean
knows it's priceless but before any decisions can be made
about what to do with it, the painted rock goes missing.
Since all roads lead to France, Lydia and Manners cross the
Channel to try and find the rock and the cave where it
belongs. THE CAVES OF PERIGORD is a fascinating look into the
prehistory of man, the French Resistance just prior to D-
day, and the politics involved in the modern art world.
The three tales are told in alternating chapters and Martin
Walker is so talented the reader never loses interest when
jumping from one era to another. Although there is plenty
of action, this novel will be a literary success because
the audience will care about the characters and hope
everything turns out all right for them. Harriet Klausner
Reviewed by PNR Group Member
Posted February 5, 2002
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