The Caves of Périgord

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In a brilliant and ambitious thriller that weaves together elements of prehistoric art and modern intrigue, Martin Walker brings to life the creation of an extraordinary cave painting and the contemporary struggle to possess it. The narrative begins with a mysterious package arriving for a young American woman at a London auction house, delivered by a British officer. Inside is a 17,000-year-old fragment of cave art, left to him by his father, a WWII hero. This fragment not only captivates with its beauty but also hints at the existence of a previously unknown cave that may hold greater significance than the renowned Lascaux. As the young woman, the officer, and a French art historian delve into the origins of the painting, their journey unfolds against three compelling stories. One recounts the officer's father's efforts in Nazi-occupied France in 1944, as he organizes the Resistance and battles to thwart the SS Das Reich Panzer Division from reaching Normandy during D-Day. This leads to the discovery and subsequent cover-up of the lost cave. Another tale follows the young artist who created the paintings, the woman he loved, and the ancient culture that birthed humanity's first art, demanding sacrifices from its creators. Rich in historical detail and imaginative re-creations of prehistoric life, the narrative seamlessly blends romance, tragedy, and heroism across time.