A gripping and emotionally rich story about family, art, and the lasting impact of trauma. Nate’s quest to recover a lost painting intertwines history and personal obsession in a way that feels both intimate and suspenseful. The complex dynamic between Nate and Emily adds depth and tension, making this a compelling read from start to finish.

Emily works as an art buyer. After acquiring a Pissarro for $23 million on behalf of her anonymous sultan client, she meets Nate, who also works in the art field. While Nate is drawn to Emily, his primary interest is in the painting's potentially questionable provenance. His passion is tracking down artwork that might have been stolen during World War II. Nate's quest is a personal one, based on his family history. While there's a potential for romance, Nate struggles with deeply rooted generational trauma, which makes things complicated. 

Author Caroline Goldberg Igra is also an art scholar. Her new book, Pictures of My Desire, clearly reflects her knowledge and passion for art. Alongside the developing, intense romance between Emily and Nate, an LGBTQIAP+ connection also emerges. My favorite parts involved discussions about artwork and Emily's efforts to showcase the surviving works of Isaac Apfelbaum, whose studio was plundered by the Germans during the war. This character is inspired by the real-life artist J.D. Kirszenbaum, whose legacy the author has helped to restore and preserve. This book reinforces my interest in the pursuit of recovering stolen art and the hope that justice can be served for the families who have lost so much.