ARTIFICE

Saskia Maarleveld's precise narration captures Nazi-controlled Amsterdam in 1943. There, this audiobook's heroine must move with caution and pretend confidence when she's rescuing Jewish babies and selling art forgeries to the Germans. Maarleveld's pacing is exact whether she is imbuing a suspenseful scene with tense emotions, increasing speed when rapid action demands it, or slowing down for descriptions of art. She builds the relationship between Isa and art lover Michael with care. Maarleveld depicts Isa's complex character--sometimes shrewd, other times empathetic, and always awed by art. She gives the many minor characters their full due, as well. Sharon Cameron delivers her author's note, which is filled with her passion for turning history into story. S.W. © AudioFile 2023, Portland, Maine [Published: NOVEMBER 2023]