For Immediate Release:
Filled with danger, romance and half-century secrets, Linda Frank’s new novel
takes you on one woman’s globe-trotting quest to recover a piece of family art
stolen by the Nazis during World War II
“The injustice of the unreturned looted art, real estate, and bank accounts perpetuates Nazi treachery
for countless families six decades after the end of World War II. It's an aspect of Holocaust history
that has intrigued me for years,” says author Linda Frank.
That intrigue led Frank to write her newest novel, After the Auction, a story replete with danger,
romance, and a half-century of secrets.
Set in 1990 before the surge of publications and publicity about lingering injustices of unreturned art
fostered museum policy shifts and the establishment of global registries, After the Auction plunges
readers into the quagmire journalist Lily Kovner faces after she catches a glimpse of the antique
Seder plate she hasn't seen since it was stolen by the Nazis fifty-two years earlier. Lily's quest to
reclaim the Seder plate takes her on a geographic journey from New York City to London and Israel,
as well as a journey back to historic but tumultuous times in her own life and in the life of the Jewish
people. Persevering despite threats and the murder of an important source, she ultimately uncovers
a shocking tale of betrayal and duplicity. Along the way her budding romance with Simon Rieger
provides more than a pleasant diversion, as Simon proves to be a critical ally.
Making its debut at Book Expo America, After the Auction was also selected to be featured as part
of the Jewish Book Council’s Jewish Book Network.
"Linda Frank has written a well-researched historical mystery. Transporting the reader from a New
York auction house to Europe and Israel, as the protagonist hunts her family's property looted by
the Nazis, Frank captures not only the thrill of the chase, but also the challenges that often surround
Holocaust-era cultural property. She shows the moral complexities, the business side of restitution,
and also the tremendous difficulties present in researching objects stolen over sixty years ago.
By penetrating the minds of her subjects, Linda Frank also captures the strong emotions so often
associated with family property taken during the Holocaust."
-- Jonathan Petropoulos, John V.
Croul Professor of European History, Claremont McKenna College
“After the Auction is an engrossing read. The art world and the theft of cultural treasures by the Nazis
during WWII are well researched and accurately portrayed. There’s suspense, a well thought out plot,
plenty of mystery, and captivating characters. You won’t be able to put it down!”
- Audrey Friedman
Marcus, author of Survival in Shanghai:The Journals of Fred Marcus 1939-49
After the Auction is the first novel by Linda Frank, a prolific columnist, blogger, and book reviewer.
For more information please visit www.lindafrankbooks.com. After the Auction is available for
purchase on Linda’s web site, Amazon.com, Barnesandnoble.com and by order at independent book
stores through the Ingram or Baker & Taylor catalogues.
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