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The Art Collector of Le Marais
In the city of lights, Paris, the art capital of the world, how can one man stand above the rest?
Ever since young Sebastian heard of his grandfather’s chance meeting with the great Victor Hugo in 1877, he had been interested in literature, paintings, and poetry. Wandering around various libraries and museums at an early age only stirred that curiosity into an immense passion within him, a deep love and desire for art.
After realizing his dream of opening a gallery in the Le Marais district of Paris, Sebastian faces one hurdle after another. Bad luck, Betrayal, revenge, and fierce competition carry him to the verge of total collapse and failure, but through it all, one question remained: How much of his life would Sebastian sacrifice for art, his first true love?
Ever since young Sebastian heard of his grandfather’s chance meeting with the great Victor Hugo in 1877, he had been interested in literature, paintings, and poetry. Wandering around various libraries and museums at an early age only stirred that curiosity into an immense passion within him, a deep love and desire for art.
After realizing his dream of opening a gallery in the Le Marais district of Paris, Sebastian faces one hurdle after another. Bad luck, Betrayal, revenge, and fierce competition carry him to the verge of total collapse and failure, but through it all, one question remained: How much of his life would Sebastian sacrifice for art, his first true love?
288 pages, Paperback
Published January 15, 2019
10 people are currently reading
378 people want to read
About the author
Ahmad Ardalan
10 books417 followersAhmad Ardalan is an Iraqi author, and an ongoing cancer fighter. He was born in Baghdad in 1979. At the age of two, he moved with his parents to Vienna, Austria, where he spent most of his childhood and underwent his primary studies. After his father's diplomatic mission finished at the end of 1989, he returned to Iraq, where he continued his studies and graduated from the University of Dentistry. As a result of the unstable political, military, social, and economic conditions in his home country, Ahmad decided to leave Iraq and move to the UAE. After facing difficulties to pursue his career in dentistry, he opted to pursue employment in the business world. Since then, Ardalan has held several senior roles within the pharmaceutical and FMCG industries, throughout much of the Middle East. His early childhood in a mixed cultural environment, as well as his world travels, increased his passion for learning about cultures of the world and inspired him to pen The Clout of Gen, his first novel. After eleven years of being away, Ahmad returned to Baghdad in January 2013 on a visit that was full of mixed emotions. Inspired by his trip to Iraq, he wrote his second novel, The Gardener of Baghdad. He did not stop there, as "Matt" his latest Short Story Thriller Series became available 2015. The Gardener of Baghdad, opened readers’ eyes to a different picture of the city they had heard of. With hope and love as his message, Ardalan released Baghdad: The Final Gathering, and followed it by The Boy of the Mosque. A recent trip to Paris, strolling around the beautiful galleries of Le Marais inspired him to write his latest novel The Art Collector of Le Marais
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
March 18, 2024
This was not what I was expecting it has to be said, the cover looks quite dark, but the storyline however is actually quite bright.
This is almost like a fictional autobiography as this documents the life of an art collector in Le Marais, there are no huge plot conspiracies or twists, this is a nice sofa read that trots along at a gentle pace.
I will read the authors Baghdad stories at some stage as they look interesting.
Three stars.
This is almost like a fictional autobiography as this documents the life of an art collector in Le Marais, there are no huge plot conspiracies or twists, this is a nice sofa read that trots along at a gentle pace.
I will read the authors Baghdad stories at some stage as they look interesting.
Three stars.
February 3, 2019
To be perfectly blunt, this is kind of a nothing story.
I was bored a lot.
This is the story of Sebastian's life, but it's told rather than shown which makes for incredibly tedious reading.
A lot of research clearly went into writing this novel, because it feels like we get ALL of it. Rather than focusing on the most important/interesting facts to enrich the novel, we get walls of text on all kinds of mundane things. I was really interested in the art side of things, but with so many names and styles and preservation techniques etc. it all got so muddled and in the end nothing really made an impression. There were also some awkward spelling and grammar mistakes.
Honestly, I think what this story needs is just a heavy-handed editor. Someone who can tease out the interesting and help it form a much more eloquent story.
The story itself needs a little tough love, too - the amount of priceless art Sebastian is given for free just because he's nice to someone is absolutely ridiculous. Every person he interacts with is overwhelmingly generous and kind and I wasn't buying it. Not nearly enough struggle for my liking. It was also really hard to keep track of what year it was, how old everyone was, and just generally get a feel for where and when we were. It was really hard to immerse myself in it.
I didn't particularly care for any of the characters, and so I just never really got attached. Even the Paris setting was a bit of a let down. There was just not enough detail in characters, setting or atmosphere; no emotions for me to feel. Very bland all up.
It's quite obvious that the author has been inspired by his own travels, and done plenty of research. The effort is there, it was just long and tedious and really needed some tough love to cut it down to an interesting story and include some emotion.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a review.
I was bored a lot.
This is the story of Sebastian's life, but it's told rather than shown which makes for incredibly tedious reading.
A lot of research clearly went into writing this novel, because it feels like we get ALL of it. Rather than focusing on the most important/interesting facts to enrich the novel, we get walls of text on all kinds of mundane things. I was really interested in the art side of things, but with so many names and styles and preservation techniques etc. it all got so muddled and in the end nothing really made an impression. There were also some awkward spelling and grammar mistakes.
Honestly, I think what this story needs is just a heavy-handed editor. Someone who can tease out the interesting and help it form a much more eloquent story.
The story itself needs a little tough love, too - the amount of priceless art Sebastian is given for free just because he's nice to someone is absolutely ridiculous. Every person he interacts with is overwhelmingly generous and kind and I wasn't buying it. Not nearly enough struggle for my liking. It was also really hard to keep track of what year it was, how old everyone was, and just generally get a feel for where and when we were. It was really hard to immerse myself in it.
I didn't particularly care for any of the characters, and so I just never really got attached. Even the Paris setting was a bit of a let down. There was just not enough detail in characters, setting or atmosphere; no emotions for me to feel. Very bland all up.
It's quite obvious that the author has been inspired by his own travels, and done plenty of research. The effort is there, it was just long and tedious and really needed some tough love to cut it down to an interesting story and include some emotion.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a review.
February 18, 2019
What a lovely surprise. I found this novel after finishing The Alice network. A great mix of emotions and art. The author manages to mix fiction with non fiction in a engaging lovely way.
I learned a lot about an Era of painters, and add to that set in my favorite city in the world.... Paris.
Highly recommend it.
I learned a lot about an Era of painters, and add to that set in my favorite city in the world.... Paris.
Highly recommend it.
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March 31, 2019I was inspired to write this novel after spending a week in Paris, and enjoying its artistic culture and art history. Soon after my return, I started studying the influence of Paris on the impressionist era, and all the artists who left their lives and settled in this beautiful city despite living in poverty, just to showcase their art to the world, some even dying before achieving the success that followed
It will be released January 15th. The Art Collector of Le Marais is a fictional drama set amongst the galleries of Paris. Paintings, artists and romance within the city of lights.
You can add it now on your goodreads list.
Thank you all!
It will be released January 15th. The Art Collector of Le Marais is a fictional drama set amongst the galleries of Paris. Paintings, artists and romance within the city of lights.
You can add it now on your goodreads list.
Thank you all!
January 4, 2019
A story rich in arts set in Paris. Engaging with its colorful characters, and artistic environments . I enjoyed living between galleries of the Marais area through this beautifully told novel.
A good read.
A good read.
March 30, 2019
I won this book in the goodreads giveway.. I did enjoy this book especially the passion of our art collector and the love he has for Ana. This book definitely takes you on a journey into the art world . Thanks to goodreads for letting me read this great book
January 16, 2019
Art is love and love is Paris and this tale explores one man's devotion to the beauty of art in the City of Light in the area known as The Marsh. Sebastian suffers and grows and the reader becomes a viable part of his life. I truly loved it.
Whether you explore the area online before or after reading The Art Collector, it will definitely enhance your appreciation of it.
www.airbnb.com/locations/paris/le-marais
Whether you explore the area online before or after reading The Art Collector, it will definitely enhance your appreciation of it.
www.airbnb.com/locations/paris/le-marais
January 31, 2019
The art collector of Le Marais is a fictional drama set in Paris where artists and paintings are inspired, romance is in the air and the city never sleeps. The story begins with Sebastian and his passion for paintings, poetry, and Paris. He opens an art gallery in Le Marais, which is where the story picks up following many downfalls and fiascoes.
The story felt dark and twisted even though I was expecting a softer and more romantic story. Lies, betrayals, and problems take over Sebastian’s life and he has to make serious decisions about what direction he wishes to take. How much can one truly sacrifice for a dream?
I loved how Sebastian’s personality grew with the story. This did fit well with the plot and made it more enjoyable. The character was bright and emotional. I particularly enjoyed the descriptive nature of the setting.
While I felt that art was the love aspect of the story, the concept of the approach could have added a little more complexity. The literature was standard and intriguing until the end.
The story felt dark and twisted even though I was expecting a softer and more romantic story. Lies, betrayals, and problems take over Sebastian’s life and he has to make serious decisions about what direction he wishes to take. How much can one truly sacrifice for a dream?
I loved how Sebastian’s personality grew with the story. This did fit well with the plot and made it more enjoyable. The character was bright and emotional. I particularly enjoyed the descriptive nature of the setting.
While I felt that art was the love aspect of the story, the concept of the approach could have added a little more complexity. The literature was standard and intriguing until the end.
February 6, 2019
Inspirational story: love of art & people
As I have njoyed two other books by Ahmad Ardalan I bought this the day it was released. Plus being a fan of the author’s novels I love The Marais area of Paris and am becoming more interested in art: perfect fit for this novel.
I’m very happy to say I’ve loved this story and kept at it with more intensity than is normal for me in the digital age. It is a love story featuring all three components people,art and Paris with enough twists in the tale to keep the reader’s interest throughout. Easy for me, and a pleasure, to recommend this book to others.
As I have njoyed two other books by Ahmad Ardalan I bought this the day it was released. Plus being a fan of the author’s novels I love The Marais area of Paris and am becoming more interested in art: perfect fit for this novel.
I’m very happy to say I’ve loved this story and kept at it with more intensity than is normal for me in the digital age. It is a love story featuring all three components people,art and Paris with enough twists in the tale to keep the reader’s interest throughout. Easy for me, and a pleasure, to recommend this book to others.
February 15, 2019
Beautiful story
Wonderful story that got my immersed in the art world while showing me so much about friendship, love and perseverance. Beautiful!
Wonderful story that got my immersed in the art world while showing me so much about friendship, love and perseverance. Beautiful!
February 28, 2019
Beautiful and Heartwarming
I loved following this amazing journey of Sebastian as both a student of art and, later, a gallery owner. His passion for both art and learning is a joy. He is a real, raw, and powerful character that continually draws you in. You will fall in love with his kindness, passion, generosity, and love.
The book is a well written and easy read. Through Sebastian’s story you will learn about art, art history, and human kindness. I highly recommend this book!
I loved following this amazing journey of Sebastian as both a student of art and, later, a gallery owner. His passion for both art and learning is a joy. He is a real, raw, and powerful character that continually draws you in. You will fall in love with his kindness, passion, generosity, and love.
The book is a well written and easy read. Through Sebastian’s story you will learn about art, art history, and human kindness. I highly recommend this book!
January 17, 2019
Romance, drama, a bit of suspense... all come together in this majestically painted tale of a young man`s life journey. Reading about the artwork is like stepping into a painting yourself.
Sebastian is a protagonist you will genuinely like and will be pulling for. Life does not give him anything without extreme effort. Is his dream strong enough to help him survive the required sacrifice?
Sebastian is a protagonist you will genuinely like and will be pulling for. Life does not give him anything without extreme effort. Is his dream strong enough to help him survive the required sacrifice?
March 9, 2019
Compelling
I love all your compassion, your loving characters. It's a delight to the reader.
Thank you and please continue giving us your best.
I love all your compassion, your loving characters. It's a delight to the reader.
Thank you and please continue giving us your best.
March 3, 2019
I received this book as a Goodreads Giveaway. It was a light and quick read, but as that was what I was in the mood for, I thoroughly enjoyed this story. It's not literary fiction, so the reader can't take it too seriously; it is more of a time period piece/fictional autobiography. In fact, it almost reads as if it is a journal/diary of the main character. While there wasn't much depth in the characters and relationships, enough of the personalities came through to keep me engaged and interested. It would benefit from having a good editor go through it; if typos and grammar mistakes are a pet peeve, then it may be one to skip. If you can overlook those, though, I would recommend it as a sort of light snack before or after a heavy meal.
March 7, 2019
Thank you for giving me the opportunity to review this book - very much appreciate it.
This is a well-written and interesting book. Very enjoyable. I look forward to reading other books by this author.
I use my local library frequently. I checked for other books by this author and couldn't find so I requested that they purchase the electronic books. Hopefully, they won't wait too long.
This is a well-written and interesting book. Very enjoyable. I look forward to reading other books by this author.
I use my local library frequently. I checked for other books by this author and couldn't find so I requested that they purchase the electronic books. Hopefully, they won't wait too long.
February 28, 2024
Riveting and full of surprises
I read the Gardener of Bagdad two years ago. It was an excellent read. What took me so long to come back to this author? His writing and storytelling are inspiring.
I read the Gardener of Bagdad two years ago. It was an excellent read. What took me so long to come back to this author? His writing and storytelling are inspiring.
February 19, 2019
I'm not much of an art person but I thought there would be more to this than art. There isn't. It was a pretty dull book but it was a fairly quick read. I didn't really care for Sebastian, he seemed pretty pompous and self-absorbed. Must be an art thing! I liked Professor Schmidt and Ivan and Idris! I didn't care for Ana either. I don't think I'll be reading anymore of this author's work. I also found quite a few grammatical errors; typos, phrasing, etc.
March 1, 2019
I’ve always enjoyed non-fiction books over fiction ones. I feel you learn something reading a non-fiction book. The last book I read was Walter Isaacson’s Leonardo da Vinci. When I came across Ahmad Ardalan’s new book titled “Art Collector of Le Marais” and read the synopsis, therefore, I was intrigued and decided to pick a copy.
I finished the book in two days, not only because it is an easy read, but because I didn’t want leave the world it’s set in; a world of art that exists around us but I, and maybe a lot us, have failed to admire and appreciate. I also couldn’t let the book down before completing Sebastian’s journey from art student to collector to philanthroper, facing life’s ups and downs with resilience boosted by the many equally interesting characters he comes across; some of whom are based on real life figures.
I loved this book and will likely read it again. I feel that this fiction book has taught me so much about the appreciation of art. If the author’s goal was to write an enjoyable and memorable story he succeeded. Whether it was his intention to inspire his readers or not, I feel he has achieved that as well. The first thing I did after turning the last page was make arrangements to attend a modern art gallery exhibition in Melbourne. I may not end up being an art collector or philanthroper, but I look forward to being a student of art appreciating it more and enriching my life with this new found love. Thank you Ahmed Ardalan.
I finished the book in two days, not only because it is an easy read, but because I didn’t want leave the world it’s set in; a world of art that exists around us but I, and maybe a lot us, have failed to admire and appreciate. I also couldn’t let the book down before completing Sebastian’s journey from art student to collector to philanthroper, facing life’s ups and downs with resilience boosted by the many equally interesting characters he comes across; some of whom are based on real life figures.
I loved this book and will likely read it again. I feel that this fiction book has taught me so much about the appreciation of art. If the author’s goal was to write an enjoyable and memorable story he succeeded. Whether it was his intention to inspire his readers or not, I feel he has achieved that as well. The first thing I did after turning the last page was make arrangements to attend a modern art gallery exhibition in Melbourne. I may not end up being an art collector or philanthroper, but I look forward to being a student of art appreciating it more and enriching my life with this new found love. Thank you Ahmed Ardalan.
March 3, 2019
I won a Kindle Edition of this title from Goodreads. I enjoyed it very much. I like the characters, the setting, the discussion of art history. I want to run off to Paris and visit the art museums and galleries!
July 25, 2019
I received this book for free in exchange of a honest review as part of the Read It and Reap program ongoin in the Shut up & Read Group
This turned out being a nice reading. Non an extremely touching story, but I was glad to know Sebastian’s story.
I don’t know neither Le Marais or Paris and I’m not art lover, but I could appreciate the research that it’s clear the author did in order to describe everything so well (i.e. art pieces, techniques)
I wasn’t emotionally touched by the events and didn’t get the feeling that there were really huge turning point except for a couple, but this remembered me of Thomas Mann’s The Buddenbrocks which I appreciated a lot.
The only thing that’s not very realistic is that Sebastian received as a gift a lot or art works only by impressing their owners with his passion, but it’s a fiction work so I guess it’s something the reader can accept.
More that a suspense story, this looks more like a love letter to art and a story about passion, believing in yourself and having the courage to start an activity from scratch pursuing your own dream.
This turned out being a nice reading. Non an extremely touching story, but I was glad to know Sebastian’s story.
I don’t know neither Le Marais or Paris and I’m not art lover, but I could appreciate the research that it’s clear the author did in order to describe everything so well (i.e. art pieces, techniques)
I wasn’t emotionally touched by the events and didn’t get the feeling that there were really huge turning point except for a couple, but this remembered me of Thomas Mann’s The Buddenbrocks which I appreciated a lot.
The only thing that’s not very realistic is that Sebastian received as a gift a lot or art works only by impressing their owners with his passion, but it’s a fiction work so I guess it’s something the reader can accept.
More that a suspense story, this looks more like a love letter to art and a story about passion, believing in yourself and having the courage to start an activity from scratch pursuing your own dream.
February 11, 2019
I received this book for free in exchange of a honest review as part of the Read It and Reap program ongoin in the Shut up & Read Group
This turned out being a nice reading. Non an extremely touching story, but I was glad to know Sebastian’s story.
I don’t know neither Le Marais or Paris and I’m not art lover, but I could appreciate the research that it’s clear the author did in order to describe everything so well (i.e. art pieces, techniques)
I wasn’t emotionally touched by the events and didn’t get the feeling that there were really huge turning point except for a couple, but this remembered me of Thomas Mann’s The Buddenbrocks which I appreciated a lot.
The only thing that’s not very realistic is that Sebastian received as a gift a lot or art works only by impressing their owners with his passion, but it’s a fiction work so I guess it’s something the reader can accept.
More that a suspense story, this looks more like a love letter to art and a story about passion, believing in yourself and having the courage to start an activity from scratch pursuing your own dream.
This turned out being a nice reading. Non an extremely touching story, but I was glad to know Sebastian’s story.
I don’t know neither Le Marais or Paris and I’m not art lover, but I could appreciate the research that it’s clear the author did in order to describe everything so well (i.e. art pieces, techniques)
I wasn’t emotionally touched by the events and didn’t get the feeling that there were really huge turning point except for a couple, but this remembered me of Thomas Mann’s The Buddenbrocks which I appreciated a lot.
The only thing that’s not very realistic is that Sebastian received as a gift a lot or art works only by impressing their owners with his passion, but it’s a fiction work so I guess it’s something the reader can accept.
More that a suspense story, this looks more like a love letter to art and a story about passion, believing in yourself and having the courage to start an activity from scratch pursuing your own dream.
April 14, 2019
An easy read for a lazy afternoon. Ahmad Ardalan's unique way of writing will transport you to Paris in a time long passed as Sebastian sets out to achieve his dream of owning an Art Gallery in Le Marais. His love of art leads to him devising unique methods of obtaining pieces for his collection. This is the story of one man's struggle to achieve and his loves and losses.
October 7, 2019
It's a really short, easy read. However it was too perfect. Sure there were events in this character's life that were rough or terrible, but everything was handled smoothly and all tied up in a neat little bow. Not so much of a story to entertain as what you would expect to hear at a dinner given in the character's honor.
January 9, 2022
Brilliant storytelling from Ahmad Ardaian (The Gardener of Baghdad) with an Art History theme
Page turning joy I hated to see end! More brilliant storytelling with an Art History theme told from the charismatic protagonist Sebastian with a finely developed circle of characters I grew to adore and one, not so much!
Page turning joy I hated to see end! More brilliant storytelling with an Art History theme told from the charismatic protagonist Sebastian with a finely developed circle of characters I grew to adore and one, not so much!
January 27, 2022
After reading few books of Ardalan, THE GARDNER OF BAGHDAD and THE ART COLLECTOR OF LE MARAIS are my favourite so far.
I felt that this book is slightly different than Ardalan way of writing -in a good way-
Very easy to read, beautiful mix between romance and art specially painting. Highly recommend those two books and can’t wait to read more from the author.
Ibaa Alfityan
I felt that this book is slightly different than Ardalan way of writing -in a good way-
Very easy to read, beautiful mix between romance and art specially painting. Highly recommend those two books and can’t wait to read more from the author.
Ibaa Alfityan
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews