The realism of this book, The Artist Who Never Was: AI on Trial by Jarek Tomszak, exposes art forgery through the protagonist, Mike Everhart. After the death of Mira, his aunt, Mike carries the burden of grief. His bitterness stems from his failed career as a writer. However, after he finds a forgotten painting, his calculating mind sees a window of opportunity.

This book unfolds at a slow pace. It requires patience that gets rewarded by a well-executed plot. Tomszak adds layers to this narrative by diving deep into what drives Mike. Is it simply his trained eye for beauty or his need for recognition? This book embodies the idea that what we believe affects our choices, whether consciously or unconsciously. Jarek’s storytelling and his knowledge of museums make this book believable.

From the start, the author’s world-building is done efficiently and described well. As a reader, picturing the art and the state of the museum wasn’t a challenge. Reading this book sets a lot into perspective. It shows how situations change people’s perception of events.

I highly recommend this book. It holds readers in a world of art, museums, and desperation. The book also relates closely to what artists are currently facing with the rise of AI.