Alternating between London in 1960s and Andalusia in the late 1930s, The Muse by Jessie Burton is the story of art, love and betrayal.
In Brief
Having enjoyed an art world story centred around a single painting in The Improbability of Love by Hannah Rothschild, I was very curious about Jessie Burton’s second novel also revolving around an acclaimed painting. My expectations were high since the former was on my list of Favourite Books of 2016. Both the books are very different in their ways of approaching the basic plot line. While Rothschild pens down a rollicking, movie-like plot with amazing food descriptions and unscrupulous art dealers, Burton tells her story focusing on friendships, love and women with dreams.
Odelle, a young, educated girl originally from Trinidad lives in London and dreams to be a published writer. She gets a job as a typist for the Skelton Institute of Art where she meets the mysterious Marjorie Quick. The other plot line follows the Schloss family in rural Spain in the 1960s on the brink of a civil war. Harold Schloss is an Austrian art dealer, Sarah is his slightly lonely wife and Olive is his daughter who paints in secret. When two locals, Issac Robles and his half sister, Teresa, join the Schloss household for work, Olive finds a friend in Teresa and a lover in Issac. Issac gets closer to the family when Sarah asks him to do a painting to gift her husband. Issac Robles links both the time periods and the art enthusiasts in the present- day (1960s) London try to piece the puzzle of the acclaimed painting by Robles.
Looking for your summer read? The Muse is sure to leave you satisfied. Click To Tweet
Jessie Burton’s debut, The Miniaturist is an atmospheric read with great descriptions. It convinced me that she is a writer with a lot of potential, but left me extremely disappointed with the climax and ending. So I was prepared for a similar let-down while reading The Muse. However, I was in for a pleasant surprise. The book has a great story and engaging plot line. You can guess the way the story is headed. And what is more, my guess of the climax was wrong; so that compensated for my disappointment with The Miniaturist. The ending was slightly ambiguous, so the book does not end with the final chapter and the reader can spin more theories with the characters. Also I liked how realistic Odelle’s life turned out to be instead of a fairy tale romance. The writing is moderately paced and does not give you nail biting thrills, nor bogs you down with dreary descriptions; it just gives you a wonderful and relaxing read. As I read the book I was able to appreciate the cover art more. This extremely beautiful cover speaks volumes about the story. The Muse is very symmetrical with the happenings in both the plot lines and you keep seeing a pattern in the past and the present as you read, which is exactly what the cover is.
One of the prettiest books on the inside and outside. Symmetry in the cover reflects in the plot Click To Tweet
Final Verdict
Overall, The Muse was an enjoyable read. The story is predictable, but it is worthy of a place on your night stand. Thanks Gemma (The Travelling Bibliophile) for piquing my interest with her post and for the gift. I would recommend the book for a relaxing read.
Title : The Muse
Author : Jessie Burton
Publisher : Picador
Published : 2016
Language : English
Pages : 464
Rating : 4/5
This copy with the red pages is lit! And I agree with your thoughts that it is a good relaxing read, slightly predictable
Yes, I was so surprised that I enjoyed the read inspite of the plot being predictable. I am glad you did too
I am more attracted to this book than to The Miniaturist, as even a predictable plot can be saved by great writing.
That is so true Marina. By the end I was not sure what I liked the most – pacing? that was moderate only. plot? that was predictable. So ultimately I was not really sure what made me enjoy the book. I too liked it more than the Miniaturist
Huh, this sounds really interesting! For some reason I had never really been interested in this book. Definitely going to think about reading it!
It is a nice book to relax with if you know what I mean. No big thrills, nothing too symbolic. just a nice read.
I don’t typically mind predictable narratives as long as the writing is engaging and this sounds wonderful. I appreciate that the storyline is kept fresh and not weighed down by unnecessary lyrical prose. I love books infused with art, two classically creative worlds combining. I haven’t read anything by Jessie Burton before but will certainly be picking up a copy of this one. Wonderful review sweetheart, really enjoyed it <3
I would not call the writing lyrical, but it is certainly good. I am glad I spiked your interest in the book.
Love the cover! I am unsure however if it really is my kind of book.
The cover is utterly gorgeous. The pics do not do justice to its actual beauty at all.
This sounds like an ideal summer read for me 🙂 Would you recommend skipping the Miniaturist altogether and just reading the Muse?
Both are very different in their styles. The Miniaturist is gothic in style, atmospheric with a disappointing ending. The Muse is predictable, less atmospheric but moderately paced. Overall I would say if you are looking for a good read go for The muse, if you want to explore descriptive styles of writing, go for The Miniaturist
I am actually tempted to check out the Miniaturist now 😉
I hope you will like it in that case. 🙂
Did you say FOOD DESCRIPTIONS? I’ve seen this book around, but I haven’t really read about what it’s about until now. Although it’s predictable, it sounds like it was a worthwhile read. Lovely review Resh!
Oops. This one does not have food descriptions. The Improbability of Love has amazing food descriptions and its story revolves around a painting, much like this book
Wow– it sounds like this was a great novel. I love books which show how present and past intersect, in particular. But it can be such a challenge to write it well. It sounds like Burton did very well with this. Plus, you weren’t able to guess the ending! That’s a big deal, in my opinion. Lately, I’ve been finding that it’s getting easier and easier for me to see where books are going in the future. It will be nice to read something which takes me by surprise! Finally, this book also sounds great because it focuses on female relationships. I need more of that in my literature, for sure. Great review– you’ve really sold me!
Thank you. I hope you will enjoy the read if you decide to pick it up.
OOH! I haven’t read The Muse or The Miniaturist, but I have seen them around. They sound even more interesting now that I’ve seen your review of it. I’ll be sure to put in on my wishlist.
Thanks for the amazing review.
I hope you will love the read when you pick it up. Thanks for dropping by, Aditi
I enjoyed The Muse a lot more than I did The Miniaturist, but I still thought it was a great read. I hope the author comes out with a new book soon – I really enjoy her writing style.
I hope so too. Burton’s books are perfect reads to relax with