"The Artist" by Lucy Steeds is a captivating exploration of creativity, passion, and the sacrifices that art demands. Steeds crafts a deeply introspective narrative, drawing readers into the inner turmoil and triumphs of her protagonist. The prose is lyrical and evocative, painting vivid emotional and visual landscapes that resonate long after the final page.

While the story is beautifully told, its slower pacing and focus on introspection may not appeal to readers seeking more action or drama. Nonetheless, the emotional depth and poignant themes make it a rewarding experience.

A compelling read for those who enjoy thought-provoking literary fiction centered on art and identity.

I received an ARC of this book via netgalley and am grateful for the opportunity to read it. It negootiates the life of Ettie (Sylvette) Tartouffe as she lives with and looks after her uncle, a famous artiste. Trapped in alife less lived than endured many things change when an English journalist, Joseph Adelaide comes to visit and write about the enigmatic artist.

It is a very well written book and I was soon drawn into the lives of the main protaganists. The characters are well created and although I can't say I was drawn to any one in particular I had empathy with them all. For all his faults Edouard needs Ettie and this need essentially smothers all her needs - until Joseph that is.

I was a bit disappointed in the ending

Lucy Steeds’ debut novel, The Artist, is a richly evocative exploration of the lingering effects of the Great War, the constrained roles of women in early 20th-century society, and the artistic ferment of 1920s Provence. The story centres on Ettie, the niece and caretaker of the reclusive and celebrated painter Edouard Tartuffe, as she reflects on her life and burgeoning identity as an artist. While the novel has much to commend it, including a vivid setting and beautifully rendered prose, it ultimately falls short of achieving the emotional resonance and authenticity to which it surely aspires.

The novel opens in 1957 at a London exhibition of Ettie’s own paintings, establishing her eventual artistic success. From there, the narrative transports readers back to 1920s rural Provence, where Ettie lives a cloistered life under the domineering shadow of her uncle. Tartuffe, once a protégé of Cézanne and now a mythic figure in the art world, exiles himself from Paris after a scandal involving Ettie’s mother. Ettie serves as Tartuffe’s indispensable assistant, managing his affairs and the household while suppressing her own artistic ambitions at his behest. Her life takes a turn with the arrival of Joseph Adelaide, a young British man who becomes a model for Tartuffe’s painting Young Man with an Orange. Over the course of a long, languid summer, Joseph’s presence acts as a catalyst for Ettie’s self-discovery.

Steeds excels at capturing the sensual beauty of Provence, its golden light and rippling heat, and the intoxicating world of still-life painting. Her prose is often lyrical and evocative, particularly when describing Tartuffe’s artistic process. However, these descriptions also highlight one of the novel’s key flaws: a tendency toward over-exposition. The reader is frequently told how characters feel or why events matter rather than being allowed to infer meaning through action or dialogue. This, combined with the slow narrative pace, detracts from the immediacy and emotional impact of the story.

The characters’ inner lives, particularly Ettie’s, are richly detailed but not always convincingly portrayed. Tartuffe’s dependence on Ettie, symbolized by his illiteracy, adds an intriguing dimension to their relationship but raises questions that are left frustratingly unanswered. Similarly, Ettie’s and Joseph’s backstories unfold with a deliberateness that at times feels stifling. While these backstories offer glimpses into their pasts, they fail to significantly enhance the narrative. They neither illuminate the characters' motivations nor add meaningful context to their evolving relationship, making them feel more like detours than essential elements of the story. The gradual development of their attraction, intended to parallel Ettie’s awakening as an artist, lacks the subtlety and emotional nuance needed to fully engage the reader.

An interesting dimension to the novel is the use of the name "Tartuffe," which may be a deliberate reference to Molière’s play Tartuffe, or The Impostor. This choice raises provocative questions about the nature of imposture and authenticity in the story. Is Tartuffe, with his grand reputation and dependence on Ettie, the true impostor? Or is it Ettie, who, despite her talent and eventual success, lives much of her life in deference to another’s vision? This thematic parallel adds depth to the novel but feels underexplored, leaving readers to ponder its implications without sufficient guidance from the narrative.

Finally, the lack of subtlety, referred to above, stands in contrast to works like R.C. Sherriff’s Journey’s End or Vera Brittain’s Testament of Youth, which powerfully convey the despair and resilience of the Lost Generation through restraint and context. By comparison, The Artist often feels overly deliberate, its layers of description leaving little room for the reader’s imagination to complete the picture.

That said, the novel’s setting, subject matter, and thematic concerns remain compelling. Steeds’ depiction of early 20th-century Provence is atmospheric and immersive, and her exploration of women’s constrained roles within the art world resonates with contemporary discussions about gender and creative freedom. These qualities, along with Steeds’ evident talent for prose, suggest that she is a writer to watch, even if The Artist doesn’t fully succeed in its ambitions.

Ultimately, while The Artist has its moments of beauty and insight, it lacks the authenticity and emotional heft of truly memorable historical fiction. For readers drawn to the period or the themes of art and self-discovery, it may still hold appeal. However, for those seeking a deeply engaging and thought-provoking narrative, it may fall short of expectations. Like a painting that captures the surface but misses the soul, The Artist intrigues but doesn’t linger long in the mind.

Having said all of that, expect either the film, or streaming channel adaptation some time in the next few years!

What is art? Is it a copy of what your eyes see? Is it the depiction of a feeling, something that’s deep inside your heart? And can love have different faces but still be love? Where do life’s paths change direction almost imperceptibly?

Lucy’s novel is the story of the well respected but reclusive artist called Edouard Tartuffe (‘Tata’), his niece, Ettie and Joseph, a visitor to their home in 1920s Provence.

Tata and Ettie live cut off from the world, Ettie serving Tata’s every need from cooking, cleaning to helping him out in his studio. She has done this pretty much from the day her mother left, when she was just seven and Tata has been her source of knowledge for everything. Tata feels he has been good to Ettie, taking care of her but he is also volatile and obsessive. And where would one be without the other?

Still, Ettie dreams of being seen for who she is but every time she has ever tried to gain any form of recognition, she has been rebuffed. But can a flame burning in your heart ever be put out? Because Ettie “wants to run. To erupt, shimmering, into the world, to feel all its glorious textures under her fingertips. To grab it, to hold it in the plan of her hand and never let it go. She wants to taste life and bite it.”

So when Ettie reads Joseph’s letter asking if he can come and observe the famous Tartuffe in action and write about the unseen artistic genius, she senses something in Joseph’s words and replies just with one word: ‘Come’. And this one word starts the story of three hot summer months set in Provence, a story that will change everything.

A beautiful character driven novel filled with love, with secrets, with questions about who we are and where life can take us. The book just felt alive in my hands if that makes sense! I cannot quite put into words how much I love this book! I know now that it will be one of my favourites of 2025 and I am so grateful for my digital ARC but will need to order this in hard copy as it is a book I want to hold in my hand and keep!

A stunning look at 3 incredible humans in Provence. Not a genre I’d usually choose but I was swept away by every page and every character. A book I won’t easily forget. Incredibly immersive writing, evocative, emotional - at times, almost suffocating. But, so very beautiful.

Thank you to Netgalley, the author and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.

PROVENCE, 1920.
Ettie moves through the remote farmhouse, silently creating the conditions that make her uncle’s artistic genius possible.
Joseph, an aspiring journalist, has been invited to the house. He believes he’ll make his name by interviewing the reclusive painter, the great Edouard Tartuffe.

I wasn’t sure what to expect from this but enjoyed it enormously. It’s different but the characters come alive on the page. It’s written which such skill that the places, people and the era become real. Brilliant and totally immersive.

‘The Artist’ by Lucy Steeds

‘The Artist’ is a beautiful, evocative read. The initial pace is relatively slow, but once I became intrigued and absorbed by the characters, I soon became fully immersed and the pages turned themselves.

It is very much a character driven novel and at first, as suggested by the title, we are led to believe that the novel will be largely about Tartuffe, a cantankerous reclusive, but very successful artist, whom lives for his art and his art alone. His quiet, unassuming obedient niece, Ettie, answers to his every whim, from buying his art materials, writing all his correspondence, feeding him and looking after the home, to carefully selecting the still life objects which he paints. She is intrinsic in enabling Tata to focus purely on ‘his’ art.

When a young English writer, Joseph arrives in provincial France, desperately seeking an opportunity to interview Tata to secure his place in the journalistic field (and avoid his haunting past), it becomes clear he arrived on false pretences. Despite receiving a invite ‘Come’ signed by Tata, in response to his written request for an interview, on arrival there seems little hope that Tata will in reality agree to such an arrangement. Somehow, by sheer opportunistic good fortune, Tata agrees that Joseph can model for him, and so the door is opened for Joseph to learn about the artist through experience.

That being said, we soon come to realise that ‘The Artist’ is less focused on Tartuffe, and very much on Ettie. We are drawn to Ettie’s ‘staring’ eye and her observations, indicating to the reader that it’s her point of view, which is most significant to the novel. Through Ettie’s growing fondness of Joseph, she is led to imagine a world where she might escape the chains of servitude to her uncle and experience life beyond the four walls of their cottage life.

This a book about art, but most importantly a woman’s place in the art world, which is dominated by the culture of men. Through the characters direction we are led to question the meaning of art.

god i just loved this. i didn't know what to expect but every chapter surprised me. extraordinary.

The Artist is set in the remote French countryside in 1920. a young English journalist visits the home of an elusive artist, hoping to secure an interview. yet in their weeks together, he witness the control and abuse that enables the artist's work, and becomes intrigued by Ettie, the quiet niece who bears the brunt of the painter's ire. the novel beautifully, heartbreakingly explores the cost of creativity, who controls it, and how it can endure even in terrible conditions. at times i wanted to scream at the characters but that's how you know it was a great book.

thank you NetGalley for this review copy.

What a treat awaits readers who haven’t read “The Artist” yet. The book tells the story of a young man, Joseph, who comes to Provence on the invitation of a reclusive artist, Tartuffe (Tata). During the sweltering summer months, he comes under the household’s strange influence, as he tries to understand the imposing man and his mysterious niece, Ettie, who moves through the house like a quiet, invisible ghost. As the tension grows, the stifling atmosphere described by the author becomes more oppressive and threatens to burn everything in its way. The way Lucy Steeds writes about the weather, food, paintings is so vivid and descriptive that I was transported into the book every time I read a chapter – into the studio, with its smells of turpentine and paints, into the fields full of flowers and olive trees, to the dining table, where the food is chosen for its unusual shape and colour not for its taste, where peaches burst with juice, ripe tomatoes and slippery fish serve as props. I was transported into the world of Tata and Ettie, where Tata is the ruler of the house, and all need to bend under his tyranny. But the book also tells the story of Ettie, and the struggle of women to be recognised and celebrated as artists in their own right. What starts as a story of two men, becomes – subversively – a story of a woman. Lucy Steeds paints a beautiful, evocative story of three characters, who move within the frames of a confined space so clearly visualised it can be almost smelt, touched, heard. And through the book, the passion that cannot be confined and that burns bright enough to catch fire.

I wasn't sure what to expect from this book. What I did get was a lovely surprise. A beautifully written book about three people who's characters were so well formed they almost jumped off the page. The descriptions of food, colours, pictures, photographs and scenery were amazing. I don't often visualise books I'm reading but this one was in glorious technicolour all the way through. I was there in Provence with Tata, Ellie and Joseph 100%. I can't recommend The Artist strongly enough if you want an exceptional and immersive read.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read an advance copy. All opinions are my own.

I think this might be the best book I've read this year. It was so beautiful and moving, I loved every high and low of this wonderfully crafted book. The pace is wonderfully unhurried, as Steeds expertly weaves together art and the long shadow cast by the First World War.

Steeds' writing is so transporting I could feel the paint under my fingers and the dust in the air. This book is so confidently written that even those with the most basic knowledge of art will feel completely emersed this story. Steeds delves expertly into what it means to be an artist, how our relationships with the people around us shape our perspectives of ourselves and of the world. She has completely captured a moment, I feel as if I have seen the paintings, the photographs, the farmhouse, the food.

Honestly I just loved this book so much. I think it is wonderful and I am so immensely grateful to NetGalley, John Murray Press and Lucy Steeds for the free ebook ARC of this novel. I highly recommend it to everyone when it comes out on the 30th January 2025.

Oh this book is so special! The characters lift off the page and come to life within the first few opening pages! This is a story of everything that life can throw at you and how you can or cannot deal with it.

This book will heighten every emotion you have ever felt, good and bad. It will crush them all and keep pulling them back again and again.

This is a historical novel cleverly written and incorporating our more modern ideas.

The setting and the story itself is described in such perfect detail that it almost feels like you are watching it happen and living through it.

Stunning!

What a debut! I can’t wait for Lucy’s next book!

A former Provence resident, I have a deep and abiding love for this little part of the world. As soon as I heard about The Artist, I knew I needed to read this novel, which quickly became one of the most enjoyable and immersive reading experiences I've had this year - a real treat while a huge Cornish storm was raging outside. That I read it cover to cover within 24 hours is a testament to this.

Joseph, a former art student turned journalist, travels to Provence at the invitation of hermit and artist Edouard Tartuffe. Tartuffe, written as a contemporary of Cezanne, takes inspiration from the natural and gastronomic delights of the world around him as (sometimes literal) food for his artwork. He is, however, intolerant of other people, and quick to anger, as Joseph is dismayed to learn. The worshipful Joseph yet is mystified and awed by cantankerous Tartuffe, his devotion almost irritating at times. The presence of a third character - the aloof Ettie - acts at first as a welcome antidote to Joseph's fervour, before developing into her own storyline.

This being not the first, but the second novel I've read set in Provence about one of the great art maitres named Tartuffe, I made the mistake of entirely believing that this was a real, though little-known, historical figure. Thankfully, I'm not the only one who has been tricked by Lucy Steeds' realistic portrayal of the characters.

Steeds' setting creates the perfect environment for a pressurised character study and is a masterclass in building tension, as cracks start to show and secrets are revealed. The Artist is a novel that relishes in the pleasures of the senses, ideal for anyone with an appreciation for the landscape and food of Provence. At times dark, utterly gripping, and immensely satisfying, this is a great book with which to escape the wintry cold.

Pure artistry: the characters and story drive the reader on, on, on, caught up in the tactile imagery and relationships. A feast of possession, passion, denial, secrets – and food, the decaying images of which reflect both the artist’s talent and view of life. But which artist? The enigmatic and cryptic Ettie is fascinating; the self-effacing Joseph, so eager to please and unravel the mystery surrounding Tartuffe; Tartuffe, The Master of Light, disagreeable, selfish, fearful. Each with demons to secrete. A wonderful read, scintillating and absorbing, unputtable down.

So convincing.
The portrayal of Tartuffe (Tata) is so convincing I looked him up only to find no trace of him.
The book is about a young disillusioned artist Joseph, who attends the Slade art school, refuses to fight in the war and has a nervous breakdown. His Father is disappointed that he is a conscientious objector, his brother Rupert is badly wounded and silent after returning from the war and his sister flora is trying to hold the family together.
Henry who publishes an Art magazine comes to Joseph's rescue and sends him to France to interview a reclusive artist who he thinks has agreed to an interview. When Joseph arrives at the isolated farmhouse he finds Tartuffe and his niece Etta, unwilling to talk to him. Tata uses him as a model for a painting, and addresses the odd comment to him. Etta is a puzzle, she cooks, cleans and assists Tata with his painting supplies. The next art work is going to be a feast so Tata seizes unfinished meals, rotting fruit, fish and meat to paint.
A group of uninvited visitors arrive, an arty set they get drunk and one of the group defends women artists, she is Peggy Guggenheim, who gives Etta her card.
There is a mystery about Etta which Joseph uncovers, this leads to fulfilment for Etta, but what will happen to Tata?
Thank you Lucy, NetGalley and John Murray for this well written and unusual book.

Set in 1920, Joseph, failed art student and now art journalist travels to the south of France to visit Eduard Tartuffe. Joseph was despised by his father for being a Conscientiously Objector, and has a brother so unwell with shell shock that he is still hospitalised and unable to speak or work two years after the war. Tartuffe (or Tata), is brilliant, difficult and reclusive, his every need taken care of by his niece Ettie. Joseph, at first, finds both Tata and Ettie completely closed to him, but gradually, things change. The Artist is a lyrical novel about creativity, the aftermath of war, and how we can stifle those we love.

Set in 1920s Provence, The Artist is a beautifully crafted exploration of self-discovery, art, and the lingering effects of war, told through the perspectives of two captivating characters: Joseph, a young British journalist, and Ettie, the reclusive niece of a renowned painter, Edouard Tartuffe.

Joseph arrives at the farmhouse to write an article about the elusive artist, but quickly becomes fascinated by the strange dynamic between Ettie and her uncle. As the summer progresses, Joseph's curiosity about the household deepens, and he begins to unravel the layers of mystery surrounding Ettie, a woman who has spent her life in the shadows of Tartuffe’s fame. While she’s spent her years quietly serving her uncle, she remains distant from the world beyond the farmhouse.

This book is a sensory feast—through the author’s evocative writing, you can feel the heat of the Provençal sun, the scent of the air, and the vivid colours of the art. The setting itself is almost another character, immersing the reader fully into the lives of Joseph and Ettie.

Though a mystery unfolds throughout, the author doesn’t aim to shock the reader. Instead, the narrative focuses on the emotional growth of the characters, exploring themes of sacrifice, freedom, and what it means to truly live. As Joseph delves deeper into Ettie’s world, he realises that the real story isn’t about the artist, but the woman behind the scenes, whose life has been shaped by both art and the trauma of the Great War.

The psychological impact of war is a central theme, with Ettie and Joseph’s experiences of the conflict shaping their interactions and outlooks on life in strikingly different ways. This added layer of depth brings emotional weight to the story, elevating it beyond a simple historical fiction tale.

The Artist is a must-read for art lovers and those who enjoy rich, character-driven narratives. The author has shown great promise in the historical fiction genre, and I look forward to seeing what they create next.

Read more at The Secret Book Review.

Historical fiction at its best beautifully written characters that come alive.I was drawn in from the first page to the last .Historical fiction the world of art a gem of a book.an author to follow.#netgalley #johnmurray

This is an excellent debut novel by Lucy Steeds about (not) to be seen and women who have to fight for their dreams. The book is set in 1920. Ettie lives with her uncle, the reclusive painter Edouard Tartuffe on a farm in the Provence. One day Tati, as everbody calls Tartuffe, invites Joseph, a British journalist who wants to write an article about Tartuffe, to come and visit them.

A rare opportunity and Joseph seizes it with both hands. As the story unfolds, we get drawn into all of their pasts and you discover their deepest secrets. It's very hard to write about this book without too many spoilers.

Steeds tackles the issue of being seen and being able to make your own choices. There is Ettie who makes herself as invisible as possible, but goes her own way nonetheless. Joseph is being scorned by his family for the choices in the 1st World War which makes him doubt his choices, especially because his brother did go to the Great War.

Ettie is the one who is responsible for the props on the paintings that Tartuffe makes. You immediately see that she plays a far more important role than you would expect. There is more to her than meets the eye.

I loved how the food and the colours were described. It was like I was in the Provence. Steeds has a very vivid writing style that immerses you in the world of the book.

Thank you to NetGalley and John Murray Press for this ARC.

Oh how I loved this book! It took me through a rollercoaster of emotions, with characters so full-bodied I really felt I knew them. The cantankerous artist, the gentle journalist and the strong, feisty but reserved niece. I felt like I could see the paintings as they came together and smell the paint and food, everything was described so perfectly.