Although one of the main protagonists is an absolute monster (so I had to suspend my disbelief in how he is tolerated), the trick behind scenes foisted by a young girl who's mostly been bullied and belittled all her life is kind of ingenious. I was wholly engaged, and keen to get back to it, holding myself back from jumping to the end .. but you should wait for it too! The artist and the young woman and an aspiring young journalist are in the house they share as virtual recluses. Very accomplished engagements, and we begin to understand the constraints and personal lives impact on the young people up to the big secret's exposure. Wonderful!!!

Not published until 2025 I suggest that you grab this exquisite historical novel when you can. Set in a remote farmhouse in France in 1920, it follows quiet, watchful Ettie, the niece of a legendary artist, and ambitious journalist Joseph. A story with depth, sensuous writing and near perfect pace.

Thank you to NetGalley and publishers John Murray for this advanced copy.

In post-WW1, Joseph Adelaide is a budding London journalist with an aspiration to write about the famous, reclusive French painter Tartuffe. The artist is not exactly welcoming his visitor even though he has sent him a note to come to the Provence. He suggests an arrangement where Joseph will be tolerated to stay and write in exchange for sitting for him. Tartuffe, his shy niece Ettie and Joseph are the only housemates in this household of awkward relationship. A languid, feverish and limpid, secretive little world.

You can smell the baking heat of Southern France, the turps and the olive trees, the crumbling plaster walls and the decaying mess of dusty artist props.

How much does artistic genius allow a person to control and maltreat those who are permitted to be within their perimeter? Are those people overawed by that sheer genius or just cowering before a moody, egotistic despot?

At first, this book shyly touches you, but soon scoops you up into its folds.
I found myself happily returning to Tata, Ettie and Josephe of an evening, savouring the book’s poetry: “The lonely church bell strikes three in the morning. Time is rolling onwards. Like an eye slowly closing, the night shortens by degrees.”

I wanted to shake up Ettie and tell her to finally stand up for herself. I wanted to shin-kick Tartuffe for his moodiness. I wanted Josephe to grow up. But I needn’t have worried about any of them.

This is a gentle story about a gentle young man, Joseph, who travels to rural France to write about the reclusive painter, Tartuffe. There he becomes a model for Tartuffe’s latest painting and falls in love with Ettie, the painter’s niece. Lucy Steeds immerses you in the heat and slow days of rural France in 1920 - you can feel the languor and taste and smell the food. Tartuffe is an odd, controlling genius who flies into rages and sulks at the slightest excuse. Ettie hides in plain sight, cooking and cleaning for her uncle and making sure that his art supplies are at hand for him to create his masterpieces , however she is hiding a secret and this is tantalisingly revealed throughout the novel. I really enjoyed this book and will definitely be looking out for Tartuffe’s paintings!

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.

But everyone has their secrets. And, under the cover of darkness, Ettie has spent years cultivating hers.

Over this sweltering summer, everyone's true colours will be revealed.

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I was drawn to this book first of all because of the Provence setting, but then also the premise. And it delivered! It's a really gripping novel and I'd recommend it.

This book is an absolute triumph. I was completely immersed in the setting and period. It reminded me of Maggie O'Farrell Joanne Harris or Tracy Chevalier. Just beautiful and so evocative. The use of language is skilful and felt naturalistic yet stylish.

The characterisation was really deft and accomplished with clever psychological insight. I especially loved the haunting references to the aftermath of WW1. The glimpses of artistic process and the workings of the art world were utterly convincing.

One of my favourite reads in a long time.

I was intrigued by the impressive reviews this debut has received, and I was not disappointed. The Artist is an astounding historical novel: vivid and compelling, the characters and imagery sing from the page.

The opening quote from John Berger's Ways of Seeing really sets the tone here: this is a story of creativity and power, artistry and ownership. But it is also a fantastic character study of the three central protagonists, and I found myself utterly immersed in their world. Steeds' prose is magnetic, perfectly rendering the heady summer atmosphere deep in the Provence countryside, which smoulders with passion, intrigue and tension.

A distinctive and memorable debut, The Artist is one to look out for in 2025.

This book is a slow burner, expressed in vivid colour and completed in layers like a classic in oils! Set just after the First World War in Provence, an aspiring journalist called Joseph is invited to visit a famous painter, Edouard Tartuffe who lives in isolation on the edge of a French village with only his niece, Ettie, for company.

The shockwaves of war are still felt. Joseph was a conscientious objector while his brother who was not survives as a shellshocked patient in an institution. Ettie, who already had problems with who she was, worked as a nurse in French hospital and carries the scars from there. Tartuffe is simply self-centred, blustering and focused on his work but is totally dependent on Ettie.

It makes for an interesting triangle. Joseph is an outsider while Ettie fears the outside world but, slowly, Joseph works himself into the dysfunctional family as he gains the confidence of Tartuffe and explores his creative processes. At the same time, there is a slow reveal about his and Ettie’s pasts, and things which are not what they seem about the present arrangements.

It’s exquisitely written in its description of the colours, the aromas and the shimmering heat of Provence and there is an inevitability about the eventual coming together of Joseph and Ettie.

A lot else happens in the book and even Peggy Guggenheim pops up one point. Ettie has to carry a great deal of the plot baggage and there are some unexpected twists and turns but the author just about holds it all together and it is a fascinating and entertaining read with several unexpected endings. It is highly recommended!

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this story - each character was beautifully written and felt like a unique person. I felt as if I was also in the French countryside, sitting on the farmhouse terrace or in the studio.

I was completely hooked from the moment I started reading the book. I want to express my gratitude to the author, publisher, and netgalley for providing me with access to this advanced reader copy. As a fan of 20th-century art, I knew I had to read this book as soon as I read the synopsis. The characters are beautifully complex, and the pacing of the book is perfect. Although the book starts off a bit slowly, it quickly picks up and becomes even more captivating after a couple of chapters. I particularly enjoyed the appearances of famous authors and personalities in the story. This book truly excels in character development, making it a brilliant and engaging read. It's definitely one of the best books I've read this year.

Stunning book. A story that slowly evolves, drawing you into the lives of Joseph and Ettie. One could feel the heat and suffocation of both their respective situations and the southern France summer. Somehow, the author pulls off the feat of developing the story slowly but intensely. Masterfully done!

Such a beautifully written book. The descriptive language is mesmerising. You are completely immersed in the world of Ettie, Joseph and Tata. I highly recommend this book.

Thanks to Netgalley for sending me an Arc in return for an honest review.

1920, England
Joseph's life choices have never been good enough for his father. Joseph is opposed to violence and is a conscientious objector. He avoided the Great war, unlike his brother Rupert who fought bravely. Joseph attended a prestigious art school before becoming an art critique, and writing columns for an art magazine.
Joseph finally receives a reply to his letter requesting to interview the famous, reclusive artist, Edouard Tartuffe. A friend of Van Gogh and mentored by Cézanne, he is Joseph's favourite artist. The letter says one word "come" and the artist's signature. He immediately packs a few essential items, and some clothes, and begins the journey from his home in London to France to interview Tartuffe. Nobody has been given permission to do this before.

1920 France
Tartuffe, or Tata as he is known by her, is Ettie's tyrant uncle whom she both loves, but at times, hates. He is selfish, bossy, and can be grumpy if she doesn't have his wine ready. The misanthrope is notorious in his small French village, living in a rambling farmhouse with his niece. The artist's temperament is something Ettie has learned to manage. She does everything for him, from cooking and cleaning, shopping and feeding him, and preparing his studio ready for his next masterpiece. She has been doing this since she was seven years old, when her mother left her behind. But Ettie has been keeping something hidden, at night, she lives in a world of her own making.

I loved the slow pace of the writing echoing the Summer of Provence. It is a peaceful setting which takes the reader to the open fields, the artists studio and the home that the main characters share. But sometimes the peace is shattered, and this is well represented.

Each of the characters in this book are wonderful, but I especially loved Ettie's calmness balancing with Tata's storminess. There is so much more to Ettie than we first realise. As the story goes on, we begin to see how this little mouse of a girl has developed into someone strong and in some ways, independent.

Although Tata is brash, rude, and hard to understand, there is also an underlying insecurity to him which explains his mood swings. He is the quintessential artist, and I found him interesting to read.

Joseph and Ettie's friendship is frustrating at times. They skirt around each other with their feelings just visible under the surface. But this is the 1920's, and etiquette is followed, which makes them resistant to their emotions. They have an underlying bond through art but also through the difficult relationship Joseph has with his father, and Ettie with her Uncle.

For me, one of the most touching parts of this book are the stories Ettie and Joseph recall of their experiences during WW1. They are both incredibly honest and heart wrenching.

Raimondi, the artist's agent and Harry, the magazine's editor, are wonderfully depicted. In their own ways, they are important to the story and this is presented well.

I will be looking out for more from this author in the future, she has captured me with this debut novel. I would recommend this book to art lovers and those who enjoy historical fiction.

The Artist is a beautifully crafted novel set in 1920s Provence, exploring the lives of three deeply connected individuals—Ettie, the niece and caretaker of reclusive artist Edouard Tartuffe, and Joseph, an ambitious journalist seeking to write about the famous painter.
As the story unfolds, it becomes less about Edouard Tartuffe’s art and more about the emotional journeys of those living under his roof.

This novel is ideal for readers who appreciate literary fiction in particular, those with character-driven stories. I found it to be a rich, immersive read and look forward to reading more by this author.

A clever study of three people living under the same roof; Tata the elderly famous artist, now far removed from the bustling art world of Paris, his niece Ettie looking after all his needs, and Joseph, the summer visitor there to write articles about the great artist. It’s an evocative novel uncovering the background to their individual lives and experiences, releasing emotions and secrets. The storyline is unique and makes compelling reading, emitting tenderness and love, revealing the desires for freedom to be at peace with one’s self and unleashing the hold imposed by others.

My thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, John Murray Press, for this ARC in return for an independent review.

Thank you NetGalley and John Murray Press for an e-arc of this book.

I had not heard of this author nor am I an 'art' fan, it is different from my usual genre - however I was really intrigued by the description.

What an absolute delight this book was to read. We follow aspiring writer Joseph, as he manages to secure an exclusive invitation to the home of reclusive artist Edouard Tartuffe. Joseph intends to write an article and be on his way, however, he ends up drawn into the life Edouard shares with his niece, Ettie, and soon the crackling tension brings out the best and the worst of everybody.

This book had wonderful pacing, with the dual POV and three distinct sections we are taken on a journey that blends the past and present exquisitely. The way the author describes the paintings and and their subject matter is beautiful - in particular the food.

The character development we witness - in particular of Ettie - felt incredibly genuine and there is such a vast and heartbreaking demonstration of human feeling. Yet at the same time we get real moments of joy and freedom.

This book is not necessarily one for us to figure out the plot and feel satisfied with 'knowing' but, more about the journey we go on with the Ettie, Joseph and Edouard to get there.

Would recommend putting this one your TBR!

This is an interesting story and Lucy Steeds writes well. It is an easy read.

A young male journalist, Joseph, secures an interview with a famous French artist who notably does not go out into the world. Tartuffe, the artist, lives secluded with his neice, Ettie, who does everything for him, including all the preparation for his acclaimed canvases. He does not speak with anyone else.

The story gradually unfolds to reveal secrets and lies, love and loss.

The descriptions of the painting process are particularly fine. The landscape also comes to life.

I would recommend this novel and hope to read more by this author. I read a proof copy provided by NetGalley and the publishers.

It's been over two days since I've finished "The Artist" by Lucy Steeds and I'm still lost for words... This book is a masterpiece and have raised my standards so high that I'm afraid to start another book (and that ladies and gentlemen was never a problem). I'm not going to share a blurb, as if you are looking at my review, you've probably saw it and would scroll down anyway, and if you haven't I hope what I have to say will make you to look it up for yourself.
Main characters are Ettie, Tata(Eduard) and Joseph. Everything takes place in 1920s Provence. Let me stop here for a moment. The writing style and language used, takes you, my dear reader, to France, whether you want it or not. Descriptions of meadows, streams, wind in your hair along with smells of flowers or rotten food are so perfect, that you can feel it as if you would stand beside any character or look at everything through their eyes.
Let's move to Ettie or Sylvette if you wish. She represents, for me anyway, every woman that had dreams squished or pushed into a corner by a family member or society in general but despite it, she still keeps the flame going and slowly builds it up into a roaring fire.
I feel like no matter what words I'm going to use, they'll never be enough and won't give this book a justice. It's impeccably crafted, epic in every sense of the word and one that you'll lose yourself in.
Massive thanks to Netgalley to provide me the early copy in exchange for an honest review

I was consumed by this novel from the first few pages. Set in the isolation of a rural home in Provence, France, the characters of Tata, Ettie and Joseph are so convincingly depicted.

Beautiful atmospheric and brimming with life and light and energy, the author's writing is vivid and polished.

Perfectly plotted, from beginning to end there was never a relief to the relentless pace.

I highly recommend The Artist.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC.

A fantastic book—layered, deep, and beautifully written. A must-read for 2025. The Artist is a story set in 1920s France, told from two perspectives: Joseph, a young British journalist who arrives in a Provençal village to write an article about a renowned yet enigmatic painter, Eduard Tartuffe, and Effie, the painter’s niece, who has spent her entire life serving both his work and Tartuffe himself. Effie is quiet and withdrawn, unfamiliar with the world, and has never received a formal education. Yet, over time, Joseph begins to realize that the greatest mystery of the small Provençal cottage isn't really the reclusive painter but a woman living under the same roof.

I must start by saying that this book is a must-read not only for art lovers but also for those seeking a deep sensory experience—you can literally feel the scent of the Provençal summer, see the colors of the paintings, taste the food, and experience the emotions the characters are going through. This is truly the fantastic value of this novel.

The book includes a mystery element, but the author doesn't aim to shock the reader—we can guess what’s really happening from the early pages. The real goal is to accompany the characters as they discover themselves, learn what art means to them, and understand how much they are willing to sacrifice to feel free and break away from the hardships of the past. Getting to know the characters and following their growth is really the essence of this story, with everything else serving as a tool to achieve this goal. That being said, it doesn't mean that the book can't surprise you. When I first picked up this novel, I expected a well-written but fairly simple story about an artist and a young man admiring his work, with the rest being secondary details. However, the author took the plot in a less obvious direction. With each page, I became more convinced that this is, above all, Effie’s story.

What particularly moved me in this book was the depiction of the experience of the Great War—so different for Effie and Joseph, yet deeply traumatic for both. The psychological trauma following this conflict is a topic of interest to me, and I greatly appreciate how the shadow of war added an additional layer to the already complex experiences of the main characters.

I highly recommend this book and eagerly anticipate the author’s future works, as she shows great potential in the historical fiction genre.