Totally unexpectedly, this book swept me away. The variety of settings, one totally unique and unexpected POV character, the troubled heroine, the peek at post-war Europeans adjusting in various ways - both legit and not-so-very. The painting as a central figure, with a history of wildly variegated milieus, was an engaging conceit and one that surprised and delighted me. I was astonished to find I count The Improbability of Love as one of my 10 favorites from the last 5 years, amongst such treasures as the amber-eyed hare, warmer other suns, a paper garden, and the strangely immortal Ms Lacks.