The Muse by Jesse Burton
Published by Picador (Pan MacMillan)
Paperback RRP $34.99
Released July, 2016
Reviewed by Paul Brooks
First of all, recognition must go to Lisa Perrin and Ami Smithson of the Picador Art Dept for the outstanding book cover design.
As for the story inside the cover - superb, riveting, really interesting, and
lots more positive adjectives. Jesse Burton, who also wrote The Miniaturist, has crafted a fine tale.
There are two stories here, each related to the other, obviously, separated by 30 years and a small piece of continent.
In 1936, in Spain, an English family is confronted with the beginnings of the Spanish Civil War. Their protected lives include a young painter, his 16-year-old sister, a rebellious daughter with a hidden talent, a couple of affairs and a thriving cottage industry in art.
In London in 1967, Odelle, a young girl from Trinidad, changes jobs from a shoe shop to the Skelton gallery where the story starts. Written in first person by Odelle, the story is about the discovery of a painting, the investigation into its provenance and the people involved, some of whom have strong links to Spain in 1936.
I'll not spoil the story except to say that at some point later in the book there's a chance you'll think you've guessed the ending ... and you'll probably be wrong or half right. The fun of the story is reading on to see how right (or wrong) you are.
Jesse Burton's language is original and exciting, but it does not detract from what is a very good yarn.
This is a story of discovery set in two pivotal eras, with real, believable people speaking credible dialogue and living interesting lives.
Start this book and you'll have to finish it.
Highly recommended.
