Thank you to NetGalley and to the publisher John Murray Press for the digital ARC, it has not affected my honest review.

TW: abuse, death, references to WW1, PTSD and mentions of attempted suicide

Provenance, France. 1920.
The reclusive artist and genius Edouard Tartuffe and his niece Ettie live in the rural countryside, and despite his fame, Tartuffe has never spoken about himself or his process. When Joseph, an eager British journalist hoping to write an article about his hero Tartuffe, is picked as the next model for Tartuffe’s next painting, he is shown a world and a life he could never have expected. Ettie, meanwhile, is always present but rarely noticed despite the fact that she prepares Tartuffe’s canvases, cooks and cleans for him and keeps the studio organised to his particular tastes. She has never been given the chance to study, travel or explore her desire to draw, despite knowing that she has a talent for it. Soon enough Ettie and Joseph become close, brought together by the complicated Tartuffe, and as the summer grows hotter, things become even more confusing when Joseph realises that maybe Tartuffe isn’t the genius he expected- but Ettie is.

This book pulled me in so swiftly, the next time I looked up I’d read over half. The writing and language used in ‘The Artist’ is just gorgeous, particularly in how Joseph and Ettie look at the isolated world of Tartuffe’s house and their lives. Joseph is an idealist at heart, his brother is in hospital with severe PTSD after the war which has thrown him, and he hopes that he can decipher the mysteries behind Tartuffe’s eccentric genius. The man he meets is nothing like the ‘Master of Light’ that he expected, and once he becomes Tartuffe’s sitter, it becomes more than just a job. Likewise, Ettie is quiet and brilliant, withdrawn and isolated; her story really resonated with me, her uncle feels threatened by the idea of her artistic talent and so has cut her off, but Effie still attempts to be an artist in secret. Throughout the whole book you feel the heat and weight of the French summer, the frustration Joseph feels as he tries to get answers from Tartuffe and Ettie and the taste of the food Tartuffe so faithfully paints even when people are trying to eat it. ‘The Artist’ was the perfect book for me as an art lover and art history student but I think this could be enjoyed by anyone, the story is so smoothly written and the themes of trauma, identity, family and love are managed really well. It really questions the idea of artists and their gifts, about who gets to have that title and why so often equally amazing women are pushed to the side. This was such a powerful debut and a book I’ll definitely come back to in the future, I loved it.

Rating: 4.5/5

"Here was the man who could create beauty from nothing. Here was an artist who had dined with Van Gogh and argued with Cezanne, Who had expanded the boundaries of paint and colour and light itself." This evocative quote sets the stage for Lucy Steeds' debut novel, "The Artist," a captivating historical fiction that transports readers to the scorching landscapes of 1920s Provence.

The novel centers around Edouard Tartuffe, a renowned but reclusive and excentric painter, who never gives interviews. Tartuffe's reclusion is disrupted by the arrival of Joseph, a young English journalist seeking to consolidate his career by interviewing the great painter. Soon Joseph understands this interview will come with a cost. Joseph will have to pose for Tartuffe as a model for what will become his most famous work of art. While Joseph pursues his professional ambitions, the true heart of the story lies in the awakening of Ettie, Tartuffe's niece and a young woman yearning for a life beyond the confines of her uncle's isolated world.

The romance between Joseph and Ettie unfolds slowly and deliberately, allowing for a nuanced exploration of their individual desires and the societal constraints they face. While some may find the pacing slow, it allows for a deeper immersion in the atmosphere and a more profound understanding of the characters' internal struggles. The story is never dull. Steed wastes no word.

"The Artist" is more than just a historical romance; it's a thoughtful exploration of artistic inspiration, the pressures of fame, and the search for one's own identity in a rapidly changing world. Steeds' prose is both elegant and evocative, capturing the details of 1920s Provence with vivid imagery. It is hard to fathom this is a debut and I will be reading more of her work.

I would highly recommend The Artist for readers who appreciate character-driven historical fiction, particularly those with an interest in art, the complexities of human relationships, and the enduring impact of historical events.

Failed artist Joseph writes a column for a new magazine and he has managed to get invited to the Provence home of legendary recluse Edouard Tartuffe. It is 1920 and Joseph is escaping the post-War malaise where his brother is suffering from shell-shock and he has been disowned by his father. Ettie is Tartuffe's niece, tied to her uncle she has found a way to express herself as an artist but longs to be free.
This novel is onethat, for a change, really lives up to the hype. The writing is very evocative of the dry, scented, hot provencal summer and the passion for art and what it really means comes through. It's not the sort of story I would rave about but this is a confident and powerful debut.

All is most decidedly not as it first appears in Lucy Steeds’ secrets-laden novel in which a final revelation, with the extra spin it puts on the title, raises a provocative question about genuineness in art.
Not the weighty tome that that might suggest, though, Steeds’ novel is an eminently readable affair which takes readers back to the period of the First World War, which is over by the time of the book but still very much casting its shadow, most notably on its protagonist, Joseph, who is still coping with his brother having enlisted while Joseph incurred his father’s wrath by declaring himself a conscientious objector.
So put out with him, indeed, was his father – milksop! shirker! he hurled at him – as to have sent him fleeing to art school in Paris, where, for all his love of art, his agitation is severe enough to get him removed. But providence steps in with the offer of a job writing for an art magazine, which has him journeying to France to interview a notoriously reclusive artist, Edouard Tartuffe, after Joseph is surprised to receive an affirmative response to his request for an interview.
“Come,” the summons said simply, which would seem inviting enough, though upon Joseph’s arrival, in one of the novel’s myriad mysteries, the artist denies any knowledge of the summons, though he does propose that Joseph be the model for a new painting he envisions.
It’s a proposition Joseph initially resists but finally accedes to in no small part because of Tartuffe’s appealing young niece, Ettie, who has secrets of her own including how she came to be living with her uncle and what exactly happened to her mother, who we're told left for America only to come back in a coffin. And there’s the question of the identity of Ettie’s father as well as what made for Tartuffe ending up in such a remote place after making a name for himself in Paris.
A host of mysteries, as I say, the novel poses, with perhaps the most intriguing one coming in its prologue, which immediately engages a reader with the question of how a woman in a gallery could be looking at a picture of Tartuffe’s which we're told was consumed in a fire over 30 years before.
Seemingly inexplicable, the mystery, but one which, like the others in the novel, is satisfactorily resolved in a book which, for all its seriousness of purpose, is eminently readable and of interest both to readers specifically interested in art as well as those simply looking for a good story.

I loved, loved, loved The Artist! A beautifully written story of a young woman, Ettie, wanting to escape from her uncle's dominance, and a young man, Joseph, who wants to know all there is to learn from the uncle, Tartuffe, a well-known artist who is also a recluse. The setting is a remote farmhouse in Provence in 1920, with the repercussions of WW1 playing its part. The action takes place during the summer months and the heat and building of tension leaps off the page. What happened to Ettie's mother, Tartuffe's sister? Why has he secluded himself and Ettie away from everyone else, with the exception of his Parisian agent? Why has he invited Joseph to visit him? The Artist is a truly wonderful read and much more than the usual historical novel. I look forward to rereading it as soon as possible. Right up there with my books of the year, already. Many thanks to NetGalley and John MUrray Press for the opportunity to read and review this book.

I've spent nearly seven hours in this meeting room today. As the light outside fades, my thoughts drift once again to Tata and Ettie’s world. I can almost feel the sun’s warmth on my neck, breathe in the heady scent of Provence’s summers, and taste the honey clinging to my fingers. Crickets hum, and sunflowers glow with golden light. Oh, how I wish I had taken that donkey track instead of Joseph.
When Joseph receives a single-word letter from Tata, he believes he is finally on the verge of revealing the brilliance of this elusive painter to the world. But as he steps into Tata’s stifling, unpredictable world, he quickly realises how difficult it will be to even scratch the surface. That is, until the quiet words of Tata’s timid niece begin to show him that true vision goes beyond what the eyes can see.

If there's only one book you read this year, make it this one. It's a delightful, captivating experience that will engage all your senses. Thanks to Netgalley for an advance copy and Lucy Steeds for an absolutely stunning debut!

It’s 1920 in Provence, Joseph a young journalist has travelled from London to meet his obsession, the reclusive artist Tartuffe.
And so begins Lucy Steed debut novel in the steaming heat of the summer. She uses only three characters, giving the novel a concentrated, claustrophobic feel.
There is Etta, Tartuffe’s granddaughter, closed off the everyone, her sole person in life to serve her grandfather.
Tartuffe is the gruff, self-absorbed artist, prone to violent outbursts, a man who demands everything.
Joseph is her catalyst the one who infiltrates the house, who ignites the flame of simmering tensions and bad feelings
As the heat rises, feelings of claustrophobia intensify, their pasts unravel, secrets rise to the surface and truths are confronted.
It was a melting pot of emotion, and Steed put me right there in the middle, the intensity almost unbearable as the three wrestled with their futures, of an outcome you desperately hoped for.
It is rare that a novel captures my emotions, makes me fall so intensely in love with the characters, with the sublime imagery, with a narrative that I relished yet Lucy Steeds has succeeded where others have failed.
The Artist is a novel I will never forget, bravo Lucy Steeds.

The Artist is a remarkable piece of work. Rich, descriptive prose, 3 dimensional characters who evolve across the pages and the stunning backdrop of southern France - a dream!

I loved the impact Joseph and Ettie had on each others lives, the way they tiptoed around one another in an elaborate dance as the try developed, and the secrets they shared? Wow!

The descriptive manner she captured nature, food, smells and texture was intoxicating and it drew me in, I felt it right through my bones.

I'm generous with book ratings, and have offered a few 5 stars already but it makes me want to rethink that - so I'm giving this 10 stars out of 5!

Simply breathtaking - this is going to stay with me for quite some time.

Thank you so much to the publishers for my advanced copy and congratulations to Lucy, what an achievement coming up with this story and then painting it so beautifully with your words.

Thank you NetGalley and John Murray Press for this eCopy to review

I recently had the pleasure of reading "The Artist" by Lucy Steeds, set in the year 1920, the novel transported me to a remote farmhouse in Provence, home to the reclusive painter Edouard Tartuffe and his niece, Ettie.

The story begins with Joseph, a young journalist, arriving at the farmhouse with the intention of writing an article about Tartuffe. As he becomes entangled in the peculiar household, he discovers the complexities of Ettie's life. Ettie, who meticulously manages her uncle's studio and household, has never ventured beyond the local village. Her cool exterior hides a simmering intensity that Joseph is keen to uncover.

What I found most compelling about this book was the rich, atmospheric setting. Steeds' descriptions of the Provençal landscape and the silent, almost eerie farmhouse create a vivid backdrop for the unfolding drama. The tension between the characters is palpable, and the slow-burning romance between Joseph and Ettie is beautifully portrayed.

Ettie is a fascinating character. Her internal struggle and desire for freedom are portrayed with great sensitivity. Joseph's curiosity and determination to understand her world add depth to the narrative. The dynamic between Ettie, Joseph, and Tartuffe kept me engaged.

The Artist by Lucy Steeds was a beautifully written book filled with love, and secrets throughout, that will have you surprised. I ended up reading in one sitting as it was so good, I found it hard to put it down. The cover was excellent for this book - very thoughtful and eye catching.

Set in the year 1920, in the isolation of a rural home in Provence, France, This was a home of a reclusive painter Edouard Tartuffe and his niece, Ettie. Into this strange, silent house walks a young journalist hoping to write an article about Tartuffe. But the more he entangles himself in the peculiar household, the more Joseph's curiosity grows . . . . .

Ettie cooks and cleans for her uncle. She prepares his studio, scrubs his paintbrushes, and creates the perfect environment for him to work. She has never gone further than the local village. She is sharp-eyed and watchful.
But beneath her cool exterior, Joseph senses something simmering. Ettie, Joseph and Tartuffe circle each other throughout the hot, crackling summer, until finally they collide.

I highly recommend The Artist by Lucy Steeds a great book from start to finish.

Big Thank you to NetGalley and John Murray Press for my ARC.

A beautiful, intense and atmospherical read.
The opening chapter hooks you in and the story unfolds in Provence in the summer of 1920 as Joseph, a young art journalist arrives at the home of the famous, reclusive artist Edouard Tartuffe (Tata) and his niece Ettie to write an article on the artist. You feel the heat of the summer on the pages and the tension, the characters are cleverly written.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for allowing me to read The Artist.

Woah. I'm not typically a romance person, usually avoiding this genre, but when i heard the reviews about this book i decided i wanted to give it a go.

The Artist, is a historical romance laced with heartache and loss. Each character is bubbling with emotions, their uniqueness and blurred morality is compelling, the beat of the book picking up like a twister throughout, mirroring the turmoil within Ettie.

The writing style is superb, with the switch off expertly crafted and the timelines woven with immense story telling power. The environment, the dialogue and the plot is immersive - we're shown striking metaphors that pulse with rage, loss and confusion, each one adding a new element to the tale.

I typically do like all the books John Murray come out with and have read some amazing books recently by them, however, The Artist by Lucy Steeds is one of the best books i've read in a really long time.

Some of my favourite quotes that really reflect the themes within:
"Ettie has given herself a place at the table"
"His mother's death leans back and looks around the candlelit dinner table."
"..every word a ghost in his mouth."
"..sometimes she feels like an echo of a person. Insubstantial as air."

A beautifully written novel that immediately transports the reader to a different time and place. It was a real treat for the senses, I could feel the heat of the sun, smell the luxurious food and paint supplies as well as feel the rising tension within the small house. Steeds really paints a picture with her words, I was totally immersed in the world that she has created. I really felt for the young, shy Joseph as he tried to find his way in a world changed by the grief of losing his mother, the horror of the first world war and the rejection of his father. Ettie is a wonderful character, like a shadow always around working behind the scenes but without feeling seen or appreciated. A passionate love story that explores the importance of 'art’ and being true to yourself, wrapped in a mystery. A wonderful novel that really captured my imagination.

A beautiful book which had me hooked right from the first page. I'm not that interested in art but, this was so interesting and compelling it made me forget that it was about art. A very good story. My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.

I absolutely devoured this book! I loved the storyline and the characters were so well drawn it was a joy to read. Thank you for an arc in exchange for an honest review.

With thanks to the publishers and NetGalley for an advance review copy.

The story is set in Provence in 1920. A young English man, a budding art journalist who has failed in his own attempts to become an artist, turns up at the remote farmhouse where the reclusive painter Tartuffe lives and creates his masterpieces. He is there to interview the artist and write an article about his creative process, but Tartuffe will only let him stay while he models for a painting, Boy with an Orange, and he will not agree to a formal interview but will allow Joseph to observe. Silent in the shadows is Tartuffe's niece Ettie, enabling the great man's art by taking care of the house, serving up meals whose primary purpose is to provide subject mater for paintings, and cleaning the studio when the day's work is done. As Joseph's stay lengthens, he has time to also observe Ettie, and to start to discover some very interesting secrets.

This was an enjoyable read, if not especially profound. More could have been made of the power of art to heal deep trauma, for instance, in the case of Joseph's shell-shocked brother. The relationship between Tartuffe and Ettie was interesting - one of coercive control, or protection? Over all though I found the writing rather pedestrian, and as a whole there were no great insights into the creative process or indeed very much character development. This will do as a light holiday read but it won't remain with me.

I don’t read very much historical fiction, but this was so highly rated by a friend that I had to pick it up. And I’m so glad I did!

I was completely enamoured by this book from
page one, drawn in by the atmospheric remote farmhouse, vividly descriptive passages about art, and captivating characters who had me immediately engaged. Joseph is likeable but flawed, unable to see past his obsession with Tartuffe, an enigmatic but volatile man who mistreats his niece. It’s both a criticism of renown and gender roles, at a time when women were unable to be recognised in male spheres, even if they were more talented.

I loved how Ettie challenged expectations in a way that felt wholly realistic, defying her uncle to quietly prove herself. There was so much to think about here, which was built upon through the introduction of various supporting characters, and family revelations that jolted your perspective. Lucy Steeds weaves such a layered and complex narrative, paired with evocative descriptions of art that create a beautiful sensory reading experience.

Absolutely loved this one! Thank you so much to @johnmurrays for the NetGalley arc 😊

*ad-pr: I was gifted a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*

WOW! WOW! WOW! One of the best debut's I've ever read. What a completely gripping, immersive story. Mesmerising characters & a plot so well written. Ettie is my favourite character, you get so wrapped up in her story, you block out the world. The final chapters make your heart race & they leave you with a warm hearted feeling of happiness. I simply cannot express how much I loved this book. LOVED, LOVED, LOVED, LOVED, LOVED, LOVED IT.

Absolutely Brilliant, full of colour, smells due to the wonderful descriptions, larger than life characters of times not so that long past. This was a wonderful & delightful read in so many different ways. #NetGalley, #GoodReads, #FB, #Instagram, #Amazon.co.uk, #<img src="https://www.netgalley.com/badge/8a5b541512e66ae64954bdaab137035a5b2a89d2" width="80" height="80" alt="200 Book Reviews" title="200 Book Reviews"/>, #<img src="https://www.netgalley.com/badge/ef856e6ce35e6d2d729539aa1808a5fb4326a415" width="80" height="80" alt="Reviews Published" title="Reviews Published"/>, #<img src="https://www.netgalley.com/badge/aa60c7e77cc330186f26ea1f647542df8af8326a" width="80" height="80" alt="Professional Reader" title="Professional Reader"/>. I will be highly recommending this Book .

The Artist really took me to 1920s France, something about the prose just captivated me. It is slow and character driven and the characters are well rounded. I appreciated the WW1 parts and found them emotional and loved Ettie's yearning for a life more lived.