The Forger by Paul Watkins

Ellen's comments:

"French Resistance" in World War II evokes images of trains derailed, bridges blown up and short-wave radio transmissions of German troop movements and strength...But another Resistance effort was going on--quieter, more subtle, but equally fatal if discovered.

In 1939, the hero of this novel, David Halifax, a 21-year-old American painter, is informed that he has been granted a scholarship, stipend and apartment to study in Paris for three months. His tutor is a strict and inscrutable taskmaster, Alexander Pankratov. David learns, however, that Pankratov, a White Russian, had barely escaped with his life from the Russian Revolution. As the war approaches Paris, David realizes that the real reason for his being brought to Paris is to determine whether he has the ability to forge copies of great masterpieces. 

The Germans have confiscated works of the masters from the Jewish families who have been "dealt with." Many of these works of art have been destroyed, but the French plan is to make forgeries of works that have been safely hidden away but that the Germans want, then trade the forgeries for confiscated pieces. 

With the help of a shady art dealer, contacts are made and exchanges completed. The authentic works are then spirited away to safety in clever hiding places, such as inside the walls of a chateau owned by one of Pankratov's former students. 

Friendly liaisons with German officers have to be formed, and, accused of being collaborators, David and those he works with are shunned by the French and in danger of being discovered, tortured and killed by the Germans. 

Every major character in this gripping story has a history that brings them to the center of the perilous operation. While those on the battlefield are indeed heroes, others risk careers, reputations and their very lives to do what is right and are truly heroes, also. 

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