Book Review: The Caves of Perigord

Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner

The Caves of Perigord    
Martin Walker
Class/Genre:   Mystery
Simon & Schuster, March 2002, $25.00, 394 pp.

In 1500 BC in the Vezere valley (what is now La Ferrassie in the south of France), only the true artisans are allowed to paint. These artists are a brotherhood that is considered holy and each man is only allowed to paint one animal. The Keeper of the Bulls tries to defy tradition by becoming the leader, thus forcing the keeper of the deer and his mate to run away. They find a cave far from their people and begin painting inside it.

In occupied France in 1944, murder occurs in that same cave. American Captain Manners sent to help the resistance and Francois Malrand, a leader of the French Resistance, agree to hide the caves. In the present day, Manners’ son goes to an auction house in England with a rock painting from that cave, wondering how much it is worth. Lydia Dean knows it’s priceless but before any decisions can be made about what to do with it, the painted rock goes missing. Since all roads lead to France, Lydia and Manners cross the Channel to try and find the rock and the cave where it belongs.

THE CAVES OF PERIGORD is a fascinating look into the prehistory of man, the French Resistance just prior to D-day, and the politics involved in the modern art world. The three tales are told in alternating chapters and Martin Walker is so talented the reader never loses interest when jumping from one era to another. Although there is plenty of action, this novel will be a literary success because the audience will care about the characters and hope everything turns out all right for them.

Harriet Klausner

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Harriet Klausner