The Muse by Jessie Burton

The Muse

by Jessie Burton

The Sunday Times Number One Bestseller

A picture hides a thousand words . . .

On a hot July day in 1967, Odelle Bastien climbs the stone steps of the Skelton gallery in London, knowing that her life is about to change forever. Having struggled to find her place in the city since she arrived from Trinidad five years ago, she has been offered a job as a typist under the tutelage of the glamorous and enigmatic Marjorie Quick. But though Quick takes Odelle into her confidence, and unlocks a potential she didn't know she had, she...Read more

Reviewed by clementine on

5 of 5 stars

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I mean, it was probably a given that I was going to love this book because it's made up of two intersecting narratives and it's about art-related intrigue. I actually figured out both big twists ahead of time, but that didn't take away from my enjoyment at all - the plot was great, the writing was lovely, the characters were very interesting. I loved Olive especially; her resignation at (show spoiler) was heartbreaking. The backdrop of the Spanish Civil War and the rise of fascism in Europe was also great and totally enriched the book. Overall, a fascinating and readable novel. Definitely going to pick up The Miniaturist one of these days, too.

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Reading updates

  • Started reading
  • 29 January, 2018: Finished reading
  • 29 January, 2018: Reviewed