I find that as I read more, I have a lot less patience with mediocre fiction. Either a novel has to grab me immediately or I have to feel that I am reading good fiction. So, I had only about 50 pages of patience for The Collector’s Apprentice.
Vivienne has taken on an alias after her fiancé, George, scammed her father and other investors of their money. Even though she doesn’t believe George was guilty (he told her a Swiss banker cheated everyone), she has been blamed for it and ostracized from her family. She finds herself with no means of support in 1922 Paris.
She has to put up with about five pages of hardship before being hired as a translator for Edwin, a collector of fine art from the United States. As her ambition was to curate her father’s collection, this job is perfect for her.
I was willing to put up with the chick-lit-like features of this novel because of my interest in the art world it seemed to be approaching. However, soon it became clear that we were going to get entangled with George again, and I found that not at all interesting. So, I quit reading.
What? Me Read? 
Good for you. There’s too many mediocre books. I like more in my books than just ‘whatever’.
I’m with you and will give this a miss. Funny, tho, Shapiro’s previous book, The Art Forger, was pretty good…
Didn’t read that one.
Good for you. Don’t waste your time on novels you aren’t enjoying! Life is too short and there are so many excellent books out there!