The Portrait

I read Antoine Laurain's "Vintage 1954" and loved it. Thats why I decided to give this author another go and acquired his first novel "The Portrait". I have to say I was more than a little let down in doing so. You could say it just didn't grab me, and you'd be right, it didn't. Perhaps I was looking for another Dorian Gray and be assured, I never found one. I also think the book ended too soon or rather it could have introduced much more life into our protagonist "Pierre-Francois Chaumont" with a few more chapters. Not for me this one.

I’ll just write one review to go with all of the books I have read by this author. Unique and mysterious and fun.

To reading this book. I loved the sweet story and likeable characters in The Red Notebook, but not so the characters in this one. I thought the main character was dishonest (maybe that was intentional; he is a lawyer) and I didn't like that he was able to change his life through deception.I also thought he threw in scenes that I couldn't see as relevant to the story, like his dreams (beheading, really?), Or the imagined "conspiracy" among his wife and their friends to deny he looked like the man in the portrait.I understand this was Laurain`s first novel. I'll try one more - French Rhapsody and hope I'm not as disappointed as I am in this one.

I preordered this book and got a notice that it would be delayed. That raised a red flag. Then it did come but...it was a major disappointment to me. I truly loved Laurain's other books but this is obviously a case of a greedy publisher cashing in on an author's success by releasing his first ever book—one that was never published before. Disappointed in the wonderful Gallic Books for this tactic. Barely three stars for this one.

This is the 4th book we’ve read by the amazing author Antoine Laurain. Each book transports you to another world ! Beautiful descriptions, strong characters and of course the streets of Paris call you!! We’ve ordered two more of Lorain’s books and will be awaiting his latest this Fall.

I really enjoyed, this, my third Laurain story. He is a superb storyteller. The pace and style seem of another time, in the best of ways.

Ive read this author a couple times, i like art related stories.

Liked The Red Notebook and The President's Hat better than The Portrait. President's Hat was the best. All are quick reads... like extended short stories.

What a remarkable little book, I thoroughly enjoyed it! The author Antoine Laurain breathes life into yet another inanimate object, intent on wreaking havoc on an unsuspecting Parisian. This time a picture paints really does paint a thousand words, none of which will delight a wife uninterested by her husband’s passion… for antiques.Pierre-Francois Chaumont might be an obsessive procurer of beautiful bygone objects, but he’s also an effective collector of insults from the easily irritated Charlotte. She tolerates each new purchase with less relish than if he had brought roadkill back for tea.He welcomes each artefact for the heady anticipation of the story it can tell. Every object’s personality speaks to him and restores the thrill in his life, even if his wife is unappreciative of the newest addition to his collection, an item that would take him on a journey no one could anticipate.So, Chaumont is the proud owner of this intriguing gentleman’s portrait, which he believes exhibits an uncanny resemblance to him. He immerses himself into researching its history and as his curiosity grows he neglects his wife further. As he gazes at the portrait as one would see their reflection in a mirror, any understanding they previously had regarding his hobby abruptly splutters to a halt."The Portrait" prompts a catalyst of impulsive behaviour, if somewhat humorously unethical at times, to offer a lesson of how our destiny is not shaped by our name alone, and that contentment can be found if only we have the courage to set ourselves free.Warning: There is every possibility that you will inhale this book in one brief and wonderful sitting. My copy arrived today and I couldn't resist!

i enjoy reading Antoine's books as i can visualise the characters and places he writes about so well. The portrait book makes you wonder what you would do if you found a painting that looked just like you, would you buy it or would you be reluctant to do so? if you did buy it would you too go on an adventure to trace who the person was and would it be worth the journey? Thought provoking book. Looking forward to reading of Antoine's books.

Despite being the fourth book published in the UK, it was actually the first written by Antoine Laurain. Having read and thouroughly enjoyed the first three books (The President's Hat, The Red Notebook and French Rhapsody) I was expecting another well written and well constructed story. I was a little disappointed though only with the ending. Despite it being obvious this was not the latest from a talented writer, it was still thoroughly imaginative and entertaining.

Slightly disappointing. I read "The Red Notebook" and found it charming and a most enjoyable read. This is not really in the same class. OK, but not something to remember

I have really enjoyed his other 3 books, but not this one so much. I found it a bit too confusing to follow and not such a good story. I think it may be his first book.