Book Description
Alexander York’s plot revolves around a stolen prized Munkácsy Mihály painting, with all the leading characters involved in the saga for entirely different reasons. One wants possession of it, one apprehends it and one – who actually had no part – takes the blame. Obsessed by the artistic spirit of the painting, they all realise they have taken on a venture beyond their grasp. Sir Edward finally realises this as he loses his mind over a desire he must fulfil. Can he afford to abandon his societal position for what he really wants? Will the less fortunate Ruby Rouge surrender her love for the painting and move on from Sir Edward and her peaked singing career? Finally, after being left with no choice, good faith takes her to “Munkácsy territory” in Ukraine. The once privileged Percy Lloyd, a champagne socialist and small-time criminal, discovers he is Europe’s most wanted man and needs a friend to bail him out. But there is one thing he must do before getting free from the Munkácsy affair, or so he hopes. The story swings from a Camford graduating ceremony to industrial Newcastle, then to art galleries in Paris and Budapest before rounding off in a Munkácsy exhibition in Talanok Castle, Ukraine, with its Shakespearian atmosphere. Eventually the painting returns to the same home as before. But what is no longer the same is all those involved. This prized illicit booty has changed their lives, some for better, some for worse. Who will succeed beyond this particular promenade?
