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Muse
Richly engaging historical adventure in the vein of The Winter Palace and The Malice of Fortune .
Muse is the story of the charismatic woman who was the inspiration behind Petrarch's sublime love poetry. Solange Le Blanc begins life in the tempestuous streets of 14th century Avignon, a city of men dominated by the Pope and his palace. When her mother, a harlot, dies in childbirth, Solange is raised by Benedictines who believe she has the gift of clairvoyance. Trained as a scribe, but troubled by disturbing visions and tempted by a more carnal life, she escapes to Avignon, where she becomes entangled in a love triangle with the poet Petrarch, becoming not only his muse but also his lover.
Later, when her gift for prophecy catches the Pope's ear, Solange becomes Pope Clement VI's mistress and confidante in the most celebrated court in Europe. When the plague kills a third of Avignon's population, Solange is accused of sorcery and is forced once again to reinvent herself and fight against a final, mortal conspiracy.
Muse is a sweeping historical epic that magically evokes the Renaissance, capturing a time and place caught between the shadows of the past and the promise of a new cultural awakening.
Muse is the story of the charismatic woman who was the inspiration behind Petrarch's sublime love poetry. Solange Le Blanc begins life in the tempestuous streets of 14th century Avignon, a city of men dominated by the Pope and his palace. When her mother, a harlot, dies in childbirth, Solange is raised by Benedictines who believe she has the gift of clairvoyance. Trained as a scribe, but troubled by disturbing visions and tempted by a more carnal life, she escapes to Avignon, where she becomes entangled in a love triangle with the poet Petrarch, becoming not only his muse but also his lover.
Later, when her gift for prophecy catches the Pope's ear, Solange becomes Pope Clement VI's mistress and confidante in the most celebrated court in Europe. When the plague kills a third of Avignon's population, Solange is accused of sorcery and is forced once again to reinvent herself and fight against a final, mortal conspiracy.
Muse is a sweeping historical epic that magically evokes the Renaissance, capturing a time and place caught between the shadows of the past and the promise of a new cultural awakening.
321 pages, Paperback
First published July 13, 2013
9 people are currently reading
1197 people want to read
About the author
Mary Novik
7 books92 followersHi Everybody,
My new novel Muse is set in 14th-century Avignon. Everyone on Goodreads has been so wonderfully supportive, I feel very blessed. I am especially happy to see that the group, The Imprinted Life, discussed Muse here https://www.goodreads.com/topic/group...
Muse is the first person story of Solange Le Blanc, who became entangled in a love triangle with Francesco Petrarch and Laura, and later caught the eye of Pope Clement VI in 14th century Avignon, when the popes lived there. Muse is available in Italian as L'amante del papa. Check out the prize-winning booktrailer, which I've uploaded to my Goodreads page. Muse is also available in French from Editions Hurtubise (February 2015).
My website is http://www.marynovik.com and contains an excerpt from Muse, highlights from reviews, and many backstories for the novel.
I've also posted lots about my first novel Conceit, which is the story of Pegge, the daughter of the English poet John Donne, a contemporary of Shakespeare. I was inspired to write Conceit when I visited St. Paul's Cathedral in London and discovered that John Donne's effigy was the only one that survived the Great Fire of 1666. Conceit was named one of The Top 40 Essential Canadian Novels of the Decade by Canada Reads. It was also longlisted for the Giller prize and won the Ethel Wilson Prize.
The Goodreads group, The Imprinted Life discussed Conceit at http://www.goodreads.com/topic/group_... What made this so amazing is that Asma, the moderator, did wonderful summaries of each chapter! The Book Haven group also read Conceit and that discussion is available, http://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/5....
My new novel Muse is set in 14th-century Avignon. Everyone on Goodreads has been so wonderfully supportive, I feel very blessed. I am especially happy to see that the group, The Imprinted Life, discussed Muse here https://www.goodreads.com/topic/group...
Muse is the first person story of Solange Le Blanc, who became entangled in a love triangle with Francesco Petrarch and Laura, and later caught the eye of Pope Clement VI in 14th century Avignon, when the popes lived there. Muse is available in Italian as L'amante del papa. Check out the prize-winning booktrailer, which I've uploaded to my Goodreads page. Muse is also available in French from Editions Hurtubise (February 2015).
My website is http://www.marynovik.com and contains an excerpt from Muse, highlights from reviews, and many backstories for the novel.
I've also posted lots about my first novel Conceit, which is the story of Pegge, the daughter of the English poet John Donne, a contemporary of Shakespeare. I was inspired to write Conceit when I visited St. Paul's Cathedral in London and discovered that John Donne's effigy was the only one that survived the Great Fire of 1666. Conceit was named one of The Top 40 Essential Canadian Novels of the Decade by Canada Reads. It was also longlisted for the Giller prize and won the Ethel Wilson Prize.
The Goodreads group, The Imprinted Life discussed Conceit at http://www.goodreads.com/topic/group_... What made this so amazing is that Asma, the moderator, did wonderful summaries of each chapter! The Book Haven group also read Conceit and that discussion is available, http://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/5....
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
December 14, 2014
Michael Bassey Johnson, a Nigerian Poet, Playwright, Novelist, Aphorist, Satirist, caricaturist and a Newspaper columnist, quoted remarkably about "carnal joy" as:
“Once you are defiled, you can't get back your purity by any means, instead, you will only look for ways to be defiled over and over again.”
Mary Novik, an Canadian award-winning author, spun a spectacular tale, called, Muse, tells us the life-story of a orphan girl, named, Solange Le Blanc, in the 14th century, anti-women society in Avignon in France.
Synopsis:
Solange Le Blanc begins life in the tempestuous streets of 14th century Avignon, a city of men dominated by the Pope and his palace. When her mother, a harlot, dies in childbirth, Solange is raised by Benedictines who believe she has the gift of clairvoyance. Trained as a scribe, but troubled by disturbing visions and tempted by a more carnal life, she escapes to Avignon, where she becomes entangled in a love triangle with the poet Petrarch, becoming not only his muse but also his lover.
Later, when her gift for prophecy catches the Pope's ear, Solange becomes Pope Clement VI's mistress and confidante in the most celebrated court in Europe. When the plague kills a third of Avignon's population, Solange is accused of sorcery and is forced once again to reinvent herself and fight against a final, mortal conspiracy.
Period: 14th century, Place: Avignon, France
This was the period when women were destined either to be an abbess of the church or someone's wife or everybody's harlot.
This was the only place in the world where seven successive popes resided other than Rome.
The author, Mary Novik, who is a truly remarkable author, painted the picture of this commune town so gorgeously and vividly. While reading this book, I can bet that you will feel like you are standing by the canal just outside the main town of Avignon and observing the people intently, moreover, you'll even time-travel back in the 14th century, when the streets of Avignon filled with poets and courtesans, nuns, benedicts, etc. In short, you will transport yourself to a culturally rich society.
Her protagonist, Solange, is vulnerable yet strong enough to challenge the norms of the society. However, Solange portrayed as an exemplary figure in the society, but because of her ability to stand up against the tide, made her an outcast in her own birth-land. The whole story, told from her perspective, made us realize how brave she was to handle all her hurdles in a men-dominated society. Another aspect of Solange that will strike you remarkably was her ability to enjoy her carnal pleasures freely without shame. She betrothed herself with her lover, Petrarch and later to claim power in the society, she became the mistress of Pope Clement VI. She was the only woman who wanted to earn her bread and butter by becoming a professional scribe, but the 14th century Avignon was not right place for her. Instead, she used her sexuality to claim back to power.
The author's emphatic prose will completely bewitch you. Moreover, the author unfolded Solange's life-story filled with mysteries, danger, challenges and many unexpected twists, thus making the plot very intriguing to read. The narration is easy, simple, and free flowing and that makes it easy to read the story. Moreover, the supporting characters, though portrayed as flawed, will still make an impression upon your minds. While reading the book, you cannot turn away your eyes from the vivid darkness surrounding the plot.
Verdict: A must read for all women of all ages, and for the historical fiction lovers, this historically-rich book will only allure your soul and mind.
Courtesy: I'm highly indebted to the author, Mary Novik, for giving me the opportunity to read and review her novel.
“Once you are defiled, you can't get back your purity by any means, instead, you will only look for ways to be defiled over and over again.”
Mary Novik, an Canadian award-winning author, spun a spectacular tale, called, Muse, tells us the life-story of a orphan girl, named, Solange Le Blanc, in the 14th century, anti-women society in Avignon in France.
Synopsis:
Solange Le Blanc begins life in the tempestuous streets of 14th century Avignon, a city of men dominated by the Pope and his palace. When her mother, a harlot, dies in childbirth, Solange is raised by Benedictines who believe she has the gift of clairvoyance. Trained as a scribe, but troubled by disturbing visions and tempted by a more carnal life, she escapes to Avignon, where she becomes entangled in a love triangle with the poet Petrarch, becoming not only his muse but also his lover.
Later, when her gift for prophecy catches the Pope's ear, Solange becomes Pope Clement VI's mistress and confidante in the most celebrated court in Europe. When the plague kills a third of Avignon's population, Solange is accused of sorcery and is forced once again to reinvent herself and fight against a final, mortal conspiracy.
Period: 14th century, Place: Avignon, France
This was the period when women were destined either to be an abbess of the church or someone's wife or everybody's harlot.
This was the only place in the world where seven successive popes resided other than Rome.
The author, Mary Novik, who is a truly remarkable author, painted the picture of this commune town so gorgeously and vividly. While reading this book, I can bet that you will feel like you are standing by the canal just outside the main town of Avignon and observing the people intently, moreover, you'll even time-travel back in the 14th century, when the streets of Avignon filled with poets and courtesans, nuns, benedicts, etc. In short, you will transport yourself to a culturally rich society.
Her protagonist, Solange, is vulnerable yet strong enough to challenge the norms of the society. However, Solange portrayed as an exemplary figure in the society, but because of her ability to stand up against the tide, made her an outcast in her own birth-land. The whole story, told from her perspective, made us realize how brave she was to handle all her hurdles in a men-dominated society. Another aspect of Solange that will strike you remarkably was her ability to enjoy her carnal pleasures freely without shame. She betrothed herself with her lover, Petrarch and later to claim power in the society, she became the mistress of Pope Clement VI. She was the only woman who wanted to earn her bread and butter by becoming a professional scribe, but the 14th century Avignon was not right place for her. Instead, she used her sexuality to claim back to power.
The author's emphatic prose will completely bewitch you. Moreover, the author unfolded Solange's life-story filled with mysteries, danger, challenges and many unexpected twists, thus making the plot very intriguing to read. The narration is easy, simple, and free flowing and that makes it easy to read the story. Moreover, the supporting characters, though portrayed as flawed, will still make an impression upon your minds. While reading the book, you cannot turn away your eyes from the vivid darkness surrounding the plot.
Verdict: A must read for all women of all ages, and for the historical fiction lovers, this historically-rich book will only allure your soul and mind.
Courtesy: I'm highly indebted to the author, Mary Novik, for giving me the opportunity to read and review her novel.
September 5, 2013
If I were to describe Muse in a single sentence, I would say it is about the pleasures of the sensual world, and the importance of choosing those pleasures, dangerous as such a road might be (particularly in an anti-female society like 14th Century Avignon).
In this novel, the entire kingdom of sensuality is personified in the gorgeous, wanton figure of Solange Le Blanc, who, after growing up in a Benedictine nunnery, flees to Avignon, where she becomes the lover of both Petrarch (enabling him to write his love sonnets) and of Pope Clement VI. Generous and deeply sexual, Solange is able to transition between these two men (one’s a sex god, the other’s like your aging grandfather) with remarkable sangfroid and ease. And there is something so comforting in this, so real. Solange is a woman of the world, and she takes pleasure where she can get it, drawing political power to herself along the way. How different this is from all the hard bodied sex we encounter in books like Fifty Shades of Grey, or The SECRET. And how much more interesting this is!
But the deliciousness of the sensual world also shows up in the details Mary Novik uses to paint her world of 14th Century Avignon. The street scenes, the various guilds at work on the narrow streets, the smells, of baking and sewage. The scenes in the Benedictine scriptorium – where the illuminated manuscripts are created by nuns, and where Solange gets her early training as a scribe, copying Dante’s La Vita Nuova – are among the most fascinating. Novik takes great care to describe the slant of light (or lack of it -- amazing to think how all those illuminated manuscripts were created in dimly lit rooms), the feel of the paintbrushes, the delight in the expensive paints, made from gold or from iris root. It is a tribute to how good these scriptorium scenes are that, for sensual interest, they rivalled the sex scenes with Petrarch.
Ultimately this is a novel about female sexuality and power, in a society bent on erasing and sublimating both. There is a wonderful scene, mid book, where all the ‘wanton women’ and harlots of the town are rounded up during a ferocious lightning storm, Solange among them, and sent up to the towers of the many churches to ring the bells, in order to draw the lightning to them, as punishment, and to protect the city. Many are struck dead. But Solange survives, and she goes on to tell her tale – which ultimately is a bell-ringing for the joys of female desire, fully expressed.
In this novel, the entire kingdom of sensuality is personified in the gorgeous, wanton figure of Solange Le Blanc, who, after growing up in a Benedictine nunnery, flees to Avignon, where she becomes the lover of both Petrarch (enabling him to write his love sonnets) and of Pope Clement VI. Generous and deeply sexual, Solange is able to transition between these two men (one’s a sex god, the other’s like your aging grandfather) with remarkable sangfroid and ease. And there is something so comforting in this, so real. Solange is a woman of the world, and she takes pleasure where she can get it, drawing political power to herself along the way. How different this is from all the hard bodied sex we encounter in books like Fifty Shades of Grey, or The SECRET. And how much more interesting this is!
But the deliciousness of the sensual world also shows up in the details Mary Novik uses to paint her world of 14th Century Avignon. The street scenes, the various guilds at work on the narrow streets, the smells, of baking and sewage. The scenes in the Benedictine scriptorium – where the illuminated manuscripts are created by nuns, and where Solange gets her early training as a scribe, copying Dante’s La Vita Nuova – are among the most fascinating. Novik takes great care to describe the slant of light (or lack of it -- amazing to think how all those illuminated manuscripts were created in dimly lit rooms), the feel of the paintbrushes, the delight in the expensive paints, made from gold or from iris root. It is a tribute to how good these scriptorium scenes are that, for sensual interest, they rivalled the sex scenes with Petrarch.
Ultimately this is a novel about female sexuality and power, in a society bent on erasing and sublimating both. There is a wonderful scene, mid book, where all the ‘wanton women’ and harlots of the town are rounded up during a ferocious lightning storm, Solange among them, and sent up to the towers of the many churches to ring the bells, in order to draw the lightning to them, as punishment, and to protect the city. Many are struck dead. But Solange survives, and she goes on to tell her tale – which ultimately is a bell-ringing for the joys of female desire, fully expressed.
July 30, 2013
This review and others can be found on Cozy Up With A Good Read
I had this book on my Waiting on Wednesday post a few weeks ago, I had just finished reading CONCEIT by Mary Novik and I knew I wanted to read more from her. Lucky for me I ended up getting this in the mail a little while ago, it was a great surprise and I'm so happy to be able to feature a review for this book for Canadian Historical Fiction Month!
This book is very different from CONCEIT, and yet I loved it just as much (if not even more). This book is about Solange's journey growing up with the gift of clairvoyance and all the danger she is in throughout her life. Solange moves around a lot, but what I love about her is that she does things for herself, in a world that is dominated by men, Solange is the woman who tries to change things and be her own person.
The one thing that I absolutely love about Mary Novik's writing is that she brings her characters to life. She also really shows the dark and gritty parts of history. I love that she doesn't shy away from making her stories dark. Solange has good fortune every so often, but much of her life is difficult.
The book is intriguing, and readers are kept wondering about what Solange will deal with next. I definitely loved the love story between Solange and Petrarch and how it grows and changes over time. She finds herself in love with this man, who continually betrays her, Novik writes this love story beautifully and really makes readers feel for Solange (yet I also wanted to yell at her many times over as well).
I really enjoyed how this story is split into different sections, depending on where Solange is in her life. Solange becomes stronger and she continually fights for herself and what she believes she deserves. I believe that this book gives female readers a hero that they can root for. Solange picks herself up again and again, and continually fights.
I think it's great to see writers picking up female figures in historical fiction and bringing them to the forefront more often. I have fallen in love with Mary Novik's writing style and I hope she doesn't wait as long in between her stories!
I had this book on my Waiting on Wednesday post a few weeks ago, I had just finished reading CONCEIT by Mary Novik and I knew I wanted to read more from her. Lucky for me I ended up getting this in the mail a little while ago, it was a great surprise and I'm so happy to be able to feature a review for this book for Canadian Historical Fiction Month!
This book is very different from CONCEIT, and yet I loved it just as much (if not even more). This book is about Solange's journey growing up with the gift of clairvoyance and all the danger she is in throughout her life. Solange moves around a lot, but what I love about her is that she does things for herself, in a world that is dominated by men, Solange is the woman who tries to change things and be her own person.
The one thing that I absolutely love about Mary Novik's writing is that she brings her characters to life. She also really shows the dark and gritty parts of history. I love that she doesn't shy away from making her stories dark. Solange has good fortune every so often, but much of her life is difficult.
The book is intriguing, and readers are kept wondering about what Solange will deal with next. I definitely loved the love story between Solange and Petrarch and how it grows and changes over time. She finds herself in love with this man, who continually betrays her, Novik writes this love story beautifully and really makes readers feel for Solange (yet I also wanted to yell at her many times over as well).
I really enjoyed how this story is split into different sections, depending on where Solange is in her life. Solange becomes stronger and she continually fights for herself and what she believes she deserves. I believe that this book gives female readers a hero that they can root for. Solange picks herself up again and again, and continually fights.
I think it's great to see writers picking up female figures in historical fiction and bringing them to the forefront more often. I have fallen in love with Mary Novik's writing style and I hope she doesn't wait as long in between her stories!
July 26, 2013
Mary's writing always bowls me over, both in its precision and in its ability to unflinchingly expose what is gritty and beautiful. Muse is a thrilling, page-turning read, but it's also an exploration on poetry and how historical women, seen and unseen, shape the careers and lives of the men they love.
July 23, 2013
This was a goodreads win!
Very well written throughout and an interesting story!
(Read and reviewed by my mother as whe was very keen to read it!)
Very well written throughout and an interesting story!
(Read and reviewed by my mother as whe was very keen to read it!)
July 21, 2013
Muse is a 14th century historical narrative about a clairvoyant woman trying to survive during the Renaissance.
Throughout her endeavors she is accused of being a harlot, a witch and even a saint but she refuses to give up and fights to survive for the sake of her illegitimate children.
I truly enjoyed this book as it is beautifully written in my opinion. I loved the challenging language used and the raw but yet delicate way that all of Solange's perverse ordeals are described. Mary Novik really gives an inside perspective of what went on behind the closed doors of the Papacy in France.
I was admittedly able to connect with Solange and truly felt for her during all of her ordeals. I cried with her losses and smiled with her victories and ingenuity. She is undoubtedly a wonderful mother that would do anything for the sake of her children and surely a true heroin in my opinion.
The storyline was just charming and I absolutely loved how it all tied together throughout and especially in the end. Those of you that did not finish the book really missed out on the glory of it.
Mary Novik managed to transport me into the Renaissance and I was not able to put this book down until it was done. My only regret is that I would have liked to find out the stories of her children afterwords.
Assuredly, this is one of the finest pieces of literature I have come across and it is truly a masterpiece of the written word! Thank you so much for the opportunity to have read such a magnificent piece of art!
I received a free ARC copy of this book via Goodreads First Reads.
Throughout her endeavors she is accused of being a harlot, a witch and even a saint but she refuses to give up and fights to survive for the sake of her illegitimate children.
I truly enjoyed this book as it is beautifully written in my opinion. I loved the challenging language used and the raw but yet delicate way that all of Solange's perverse ordeals are described. Mary Novik really gives an inside perspective of what went on behind the closed doors of the Papacy in France.
I was admittedly able to connect with Solange and truly felt for her during all of her ordeals. I cried with her losses and smiled with her victories and ingenuity. She is undoubtedly a wonderful mother that would do anything for the sake of her children and surely a true heroin in my opinion.
The storyline was just charming and I absolutely loved how it all tied together throughout and especially in the end. Those of you that did not finish the book really missed out on the glory of it.
Mary Novik managed to transport me into the Renaissance and I was not able to put this book down until it was done. My only regret is that I would have liked to find out the stories of her children afterwords.
Assuredly, this is one of the finest pieces of literature I have come across and it is truly a masterpiece of the written word! Thank you so much for the opportunity to have read such a magnificent piece of art!
I received a free ARC copy of this book via Goodreads First Reads.
July 19, 2013
Muse is the story of Solange LeBlanc who was a scribe, muse and lover of poet Francesco Petrarch. It takes place in the 14th century in France when popes lived in Avignon instead of Rome. Solange is raised by Benedictine nuns who believe her to be clairvoyant and she is trained to be a scribe, an unusual career for a woman of her time. She meets Petrarch as a teenager and becomes his scribe, later his muse, and then mother of his children. The story of her life is filled with betrayal and suffering but she is strong and always finds a way to rise above after her many falls.
Novik says she based her story on this woman whom little is known about, other than her being the mother of Petrarch's children, but she marvelously fills in the blanks with her descriptions of life in the 1300's. Solange may be a fictional character but her story comes alive on the pages. That is what I love about good historical fiction, though the story may be an invention of the author's imagination, the details of every day life are real and it is obvious Novik did a lot of research to make this time period become real. I loved her descriptions of the scriptorium. I could almost smell the oak-gall and wormwood which was used to make ink. Her attention to the details allows the reader to step back in time.
If you like historical fiction I recommend this book. I gave it 5 out of 5 stars. Now I want to read Novik's first book titled 'Conceit' which is about 17th century London.
Novik says she based her story on this woman whom little is known about, other than her being the mother of Petrarch's children, but she marvelously fills in the blanks with her descriptions of life in the 1300's. Solange may be a fictional character but her story comes alive on the pages. That is what I love about good historical fiction, though the story may be an invention of the author's imagination, the details of every day life are real and it is obvious Novik did a lot of research to make this time period become real. I loved her descriptions of the scriptorium. I could almost smell the oak-gall and wormwood which was used to make ink. Her attention to the details allows the reader to step back in time.
If you like historical fiction I recommend this book. I gave it 5 out of 5 stars. Now I want to read Novik's first book titled 'Conceit' which is about 17th century London.
July 10, 2013
I really enjoyed Muse. I was "with" Solange from the opening pages and enjoyed all her ups and downs immensely, finding her adventures both exciting from a modern readers point of view and realistic for the time and setting, which is fourteenth century Avignon, France. The characters and their relationships are very believable, especially the "fatal attraction" between Solange and Petrarch, who writes the most incredible poetry (to another woman, the famous Laura) because of her help. Novik hit the right note for me, not too modern and not too historical, believable yet authentic, a really good read from start to finish.
July 30, 2013
I won this book from the first read program and I loved it! The writing and story was engaging and in was drawn into solange's story after a few pages. I did find that the years did pass quickly but I was so interested in solange's story and fight for her survival and her children. This is an excellent choice for anybody who loves historical fiction. Thanks to good reads, doubleday publishing and the first reads program for this book!
July 15, 2013
I read Mary Novik’s Muse in manuscript form some time ago, and am pleased that the finished product retains the power of language that initially captivated me. Too often I have begun novels only to put them down, unfinished, but, line-by-line, Muse drew me in, and kept me enthralled to the last page. Bravo, Mary! I wish more writers shared your love of words.
July 23, 2016
The author makes use of historical facts, showing how the characters act in those circumstances. For the main character Solange, an introspective ingredient is added. Parallel to chronology of fourteenth-century Avignon and real figures is Solange's life story which is entwined with those happenings and with those of Laura, Petrarch, and Pope Clement. Novik fleshes out those once vital beings as they live again in the Avignonnaise years of the Babylonian Captivity, guilds, plague, society, etc. Novik's scenes have dramatic contrasts, taking the reader to the brink of the worst or best experience. Her characters and their relationships are nuanced, ever changing and surprising. Poetry and figurative language run throughout; period objects are named as such. The created character of Solange seems quite real in her motivations at different times of her life.
Previous review: Muse is Mary Novik's second novel. The first, Conceit is the fictional biography of the English poet John Donne's daughter Pegge. Her amazing feat is to rescue her father's effigy from St Paul's with Izaak Walton during the Great Fire of London in 1666. The current book is relative to the fourteenth-century Renaissance poet Petrarch. Novik imbues scanty historical facts with imaginative narrative, teasing life out of what now in the twenty-first century is a mystery surrounding the great poets. The fictional and factual nicely merge with Novik's sense of storytelling. Competent, realist, determined female protagonists prove beneficial to the poets, as in Muse Solange edits Petrarch's poetry which Laura inspires. A distinct appreciation of Solange's role as Petrarch's amour and muse comes through the printed text. -- Jan. 2014
Previous review: Muse is Mary Novik's second novel. The first, Conceit is the fictional biography of the English poet John Donne's daughter Pegge. Her amazing feat is to rescue her father's effigy from St Paul's with Izaak Walton during the Great Fire of London in 1666. The current book is relative to the fourteenth-century Renaissance poet Petrarch. Novik imbues scanty historical facts with imaginative narrative, teasing life out of what now in the twenty-first century is a mystery surrounding the great poets. The fictional and factual nicely merge with Novik's sense of storytelling. Competent, realist, determined female protagonists prove beneficial to the poets, as in Muse Solange edits Petrarch's poetry which Laura inspires. A distinct appreciation of Solange's role as Petrarch's amour and muse comes through the printed text. -- Jan. 2014
September 13, 2013
Muse is the story of a Solange, the daughter of a whore who is taken in as a little girl by Benedictine nuns as a charity case. She proves herself to be a dab hand at writing, re-copying manuscripts in the scriptorium. She becomes a novitiate and is on her way to becoming a nun. She has a special gift, which sometimes deserts her, clairvoyance, a potent gift to have in 14th century Avignon where life for poor girls is hard and the opportunities few. When a visiting artist rapes her, Solange leaves the convent to seek her fortune elsewhere. Soon she embarks on a love affair with the poet Petrarch. Clairvoyance is not her only gift. She is a poetess and serves as Petrarch's inspiration and scribe.
Fans of Novik’s last novel, Conceit, have a treat in store. Muse is beautifully crafted, the writing skilful. But it is the character of Solange that entrances. She is a woman who eventually finds contentment but what a hard, bitter and unhappy, and interesting road she travels before finding peace.
Fans of Novik’s last novel, Conceit, have a treat in store. Muse is beautifully crafted, the writing skilful. But it is the character of Solange that entrances. She is a woman who eventually finds contentment but what a hard, bitter and unhappy, and interesting road she travels before finding peace.
April 18, 2015
Although it's summer, I'm not especially fond of beach books and Muse offered a lot more than the usual historical novel. It was extremely enjoyable, but also I learned a lot about human nature and what the people of the time believed, for instance about prophecy, saints, prostitutes, and so on. There's a lot of fascinating history of Avignon in this book, and interesting glimpses of the poet Petrarch and other people of the time, like Pope Clement. I could see taking the book with me on a trip to Avignon to check out some of the locations. I haven't read a book about the city before, and this one is a real treat.
May 7, 2021
I love it when a book is informative as well as entertaining. I had never heard the legends of the fourteenth-century poet Petrarch and Laura. Nor had I heard about the Babylonian captivity, when the popes made their residence in Avignon instead of Rome. I also love it when I find another author that I enjoy. 5+ stars.
July 7, 2013
I won this book as part of the Goodreads First Reads program, and I really hate to give mediocre reviews to books that I received for free, but unfortunately I didn't love this one.
My main complaint, I think, was that this book really didn't draw me in at all. The timeline is ridiculously rushed, to the point where years pass in just a couple of pages. Normally when time passes this quickly, it is because the story is building to a point where there will be a lot more detail, and usually that quick pace ends fairly early on. However, in this case the story races on for the duration of the book without ever really expanding any particular points in Solange's life. Instead, her whole life is jammed into 320 pages, making it hard to ever really connect with her or her story.
Also, I had a hard time relating to the Solange/Petrarch storyline. He treated her so terribly and yet Solange always seems to refer to him in positive terms. She will note several ways in which Francesco has screwed her over, and then talk about how strong her love for him is. Meanwhile, my resentment of him was getting stronger all the time. Because that storyline was so central to the book, it hindered my enjoyment of it. I think if he had shown a nicer side more often, it would have been easier to feel something for them, but really I just wanted Solange to either stand up for herself or (preferably) kick him to the curb.
Despite my criticisms, I'm giving this one a second star because Solange is an intriguing character, and her story had a lot of potential. I was interested in knowing what happened to her, but the rushed pace applied to hearing about her made it a bit more dull than it should have been. Also, the 14th Century is a time period that I rarely read about, and Mary Novik does a good job bringing that to life, even though it felt more modern than the 14th Century. Anyway, not my favourite ARC.
My main complaint, I think, was that this book really didn't draw me in at all. The timeline is ridiculously rushed, to the point where years pass in just a couple of pages. Normally when time passes this quickly, it is because the story is building to a point where there will be a lot more detail, and usually that quick pace ends fairly early on. However, in this case the story races on for the duration of the book without ever really expanding any particular points in Solange's life. Instead, her whole life is jammed into 320 pages, making it hard to ever really connect with her or her story.
Also, I had a hard time relating to the Solange/Petrarch storyline. He treated her so terribly and yet Solange always seems to refer to him in positive terms. She will note several ways in which Francesco has screwed her over, and then talk about how strong her love for him is. Meanwhile, my resentment of him was getting stronger all the time. Because that storyline was so central to the book, it hindered my enjoyment of it. I think if he had shown a nicer side more often, it would have been easier to feel something for them, but really I just wanted Solange to either stand up for herself or (preferably) kick him to the curb.
Despite my criticisms, I'm giving this one a second star because Solange is an intriguing character, and her story had a lot of potential. I was interested in knowing what happened to her, but the rushed pace applied to hearing about her made it a bit more dull than it should have been. Also, the 14th Century is a time period that I rarely read about, and Mary Novik does a good job bringing that to life, even though it felt more modern than the 14th Century. Anyway, not my favourite ARC.
February 16, 2016
Muse is Mary Novik’s second novel; a story about a young woman named Solange LeBlanc who was born to a harlot in 14th century. She becomes orphaned and sent into a Benedictine convent. There, the nuns believe her to be gifted as a visionary. Her clairvoyant dreams raise her status while also bringing danger from those who are superstitious. After an attack, Solange escapes the confines of religious life, and sets out on her own to make a living copying books with her beautiful penmanship. It is then that she meets Petrarch and becomes the inspiration behind many of his poems. Petrarch, however, is obsessed with his growing fame and leaves her behind with limited funds to pursue his career among the rich and noble. Unmarried and pregnant with Petrarch’s son, Solange gives birth in diminishing circumstances. When Petrarch learns about his son, he kidnaps him, spurning a desperate search by Solange to find him.
Muse is an epic story with a powerful, resilient heroine at its centre. The author excels at bringing to life the political and social atmosphere of the times, including those pertaining to the French Pope to whom Solange becomes an advisor. Written with a compelling voice, this is a gripping story of a young woman who rises above the hardships of her time.
Muse is an epic story with a powerful, resilient heroine at its centre. The author excels at bringing to life the political and social atmosphere of the times, including those pertaining to the French Pope to whom Solange becomes an advisor. Written with a compelling voice, this is a gripping story of a young woman who rises above the hardships of her time.
December 28, 2013
Muse is my introduction to Mary Novik. An excellent read which kept me enthralled, sitting at the kitchen island long after I finished lunch (when I always read) to finish a chapter.
Novik's prose draws you into the era, evoking the glorious and, more often, inglorious times. Muse highlights how helpless a woman was about her destiny; the Church and men bore absolute authority over her life and death.
I will definitely seek out Novik's debut novel, Conceit.
Novik's prose draws you into the era, evoking the glorious and, more often, inglorious times. Muse highlights how helpless a woman was about her destiny; the Church and men bore absolute authority over her life and death.
I will definitely seek out Novik's debut novel, Conceit.
September 9, 2013
Reading Muse I found immense pleasure in just "being there" in this amazing re-creation of early-Renaissance Italy and France. The writing itself was a joy, truly literary in the best sense.
did-not-finish
July 12, 2024So, I made it 50% of the way through this one. Then, my digital library copy expired. I don’t think I will finish it, simply because there were many things that were making me frustrated with it. That said, I did like parts of it: the beginning was interesting (Solange’s origin story) and I really, really liked the historical setting (Avignon during the time of the papacy there). Having just returned from Avignon, fresh from exploring the Popes’ Palace historical site, I was eager to read a book set in the city and set at such an interesting time period.
However, there was a lot that drove me batty about it. I don’t doubt for a minute that life was nasty, brutish and short for a lot of people at that place and time, and especially so for women. But after a while, this just seemed like the misery Olympics. There are multiple sexual assaults, stillbirths, and tortured deaths at the hands of the Catholic Church. MULTIPLE. And I didn’t even make it past the first half of the book!
The other thing that I hated was Solange’s relationship with Petrarch, who is a selfish man-child. Literally at multiple times I was like GIRL RUN.
The positive is that my ennui with this book caused me to pounce on the audiobook of North Woods which suddenly came available. So I was able to pick it back up where I had left off after I had trudged through the first couple chapters and then had to return it. Good news—that book got better and better and I am thoroughly enchanted by it now and on track to finish it soon.
Life is too short and in the final competition, North Woods won out over Muse.
However, there was a lot that drove me batty about it. I don’t doubt for a minute that life was nasty, brutish and short for a lot of people at that place and time, and especially so for women. But after a while, this just seemed like the misery Olympics. There are multiple sexual assaults, stillbirths, and tortured deaths at the hands of the Catholic Church. MULTIPLE. And I didn’t even make it past the first half of the book!
The other thing that I hated was Solange’s relationship with Petrarch, who is a selfish man-child. Literally at multiple times I was like GIRL RUN.
The positive is that my ennui with this book caused me to pounce on the audiobook of North Woods which suddenly came available. So I was able to pick it back up where I had left off after I had trudged through the first couple chapters and then had to return it. Good news—that book got better and better and I am thoroughly enchanted by it now and on track to finish it soon.
Life is too short and in the final competition, North Woods won out over Muse.
November 19, 2017
It's pretty bad when you know absolutely ON THE FIRST PAGE that you aren't going to be able to finish a book. But that is what happened here, sadly.
The very first thing we are told about our main character is that her first psychic vision was IN HER MOTHER'S WOMB. And that she remembers it in clear detail years later?? REALLY?! Fiction is one thing, but this was just way too much for me to even hope to be able to buy. Sorry, but no.
The very first thing we are told about our main character is that her first psychic vision was IN HER MOTHER'S WOMB. And that she remembers it in clear detail years later?? REALLY?! Fiction is one thing, but this was just way too much for me to even hope to be able to buy. Sorry, but no.
July 3, 2013
I received an advanced copy of this book from Goodreads.
I have to admit, it took several pages before I was drawn into this novel, possibly because the writing style was slightly different than I was use to and I was just finishing up another historical fiction.
Although this is set in the 14th century, the actions and emotions of Solange mimics those in recent times. The best times that Solange experiences, albeit slightly dull and filled with daily rituals, is her time at the abbey. However, that peace is torn away and she is thrown back into the world that she grew up in.
While this novel is a fairly good read, it certainly was not an instant hit with me due to the heroine being the way she is for a good chunk of the book. There were also moments where it felt like the author was trying to make the novel more than it really is by using lots of fancy words. However, it might just be the author's writing style that I am not an instant fan of. Some characters could be fleshed out more instead of being one dimensional characters. Also the use of these 'visions' are a decent touch, adding a certain element to the story, however it becomes too predictable and pointless when it occurs at the most crucial time. I have to say, Mary Novik, the author, does in succeed in developing and portraying 14th century Avignon in both lights (through prosperous times and plague times). Also how she portrayed some of the characters (Pope Clement, Francesco, Laura, etc), made me want to read and discover more about these historical figures. The incorporation of Francesco's poetry throughout the novel was wonderfully weaved and stitched together.
I have to admit, it took several pages before I was drawn into this novel, possibly because the writing style was slightly different than I was use to and I was just finishing up another historical fiction.
Although this is set in the 14th century, the actions and emotions of Solange mimics those in recent times. The best times that Solange experiences, albeit slightly dull and filled with daily rituals, is her time at the abbey. However, that peace is torn away and she is thrown back into the world that she grew up in.
While this novel is a fairly good read, it certainly was not an instant hit with me due to the heroine being the way she is for a good chunk of the book. There were also moments where it felt like the author was trying to make the novel more than it really is by using lots of fancy words. However, it might just be the author's writing style that I am not an instant fan of. Some characters could be fleshed out more instead of being one dimensional characters. Also the use of these 'visions' are a decent touch, adding a certain element to the story, however it becomes too predictable and pointless when it occurs at the most crucial time. I have to say, Mary Novik, the author, does in succeed in developing and portraying 14th century Avignon in both lights (through prosperous times and plague times). Also how she portrayed some of the characters (Pope Clement, Francesco, Laura, etc), made me want to read and discover more about these historical figures. The incorporation of Francesco's poetry throughout the novel was wonderfully weaved and stitched together.
April 18, 2015
I found this book at BLACK BOND BOOKS on Broadway, only to discover the author was scheduled to appear at a reading the evening I was there. Couldn't make it as I had to catch a ferry home, but I was intrigued. I've been to Avignon, I've been a catholic, my book A THEORY OF EXPANDED LOVE is another very different take on Catholicism. I have enjoyed Historical Fiction in the past.
I was thrilled that this Vancouver writer I had never heard of was reviewed by BC Bookworld, The Globe & Mail, Vancouver Sun, Saint John Telegraph Journal, Quill & Quire and more. Her debut novel Conceit was chosen as book of the year by Quill & Quire and Globe & Mail and won The Ethel Wilson Fiction Prize. Canada Reads named Conceit one of top 40 Essential Canadian Novels of the Decade. And here was her second book.
So I waded in. The book begins in 1309 and goes to 1348, the time when the papacy of the Catholic Church was situated in Avignon, southern France. So many details of the time were woven into the story, including words in use at the time, many whose meaning had to be hunted down. It was a brutal time for women and paupers, and the events tumbled out so effortlessly in the narrative that sometimes I was forced to watch a rape, a brutal death by torture or a burning at the stake, or a skull smashing, but it added up to a fascination for the time, the people and their fear-based beliefs. Solange Le Blanc (who in this fiction became the Muse to the poet, Petrarch) was orphaned and then raised by the Benedictine nuns and taught to be a skilled scribe. An intelligent girl, she was also known to have prophetic visions.
At first I had a bit of trouble with the voice as things unfolded so quickly (the narrative was quite spare) and sometimes I found myself confused as to what exactly was happening, only to go back and read more slowly to understand, but soon the pace picked up as I began to inwardly cheer on the heroine.
The novel left me with a sense of pride for women who have come before me; in this novel their mistreatment and disrespect was not unfamiliar, but distressing. Solange was a beautiful woman, independent to the core. She was not officially connected to a man (as she was sired by a priest) and therefore was subject to the tides of favor, gossip, jealousy and whim. She was seen as a visionary, a whore or alternately, a witch. The tension in the novel stemmed from our understanding that her fortunes could change at any second. Although she became one of the most powerful women in Avignon at the time, as consort ('niece' of the Pope) Solange was constantly betrayed by others jealous of her closeness to power, and her life was in danger numerous times. And yet she loved generously. Her observations painted a picture of a corrupt and gluttonous church, and the teeming masses of peasants who survived in a filthy, mucky, cold world. The historical events of the time - including the plague - were well int,egrated, as was knowledge of the lives and work of craftsmen, artisans scribes, artists, poets, guildsmen, clergy - a wonderful vision of a complete and pulsing world.
(I was thrilled to recognize the ending - Novik ends her work as I ended mine - with the woman, the writer determined to tell her own story in her own way!)
Thought-provoking, rich and compelling MUSE is a brilliantly feminist take on life in the early Renaissance.
I was thrilled that this Vancouver writer I had never heard of was reviewed by BC Bookworld, The Globe & Mail, Vancouver Sun, Saint John Telegraph Journal, Quill & Quire and more. Her debut novel Conceit was chosen as book of the year by Quill & Quire and Globe & Mail and won The Ethel Wilson Fiction Prize. Canada Reads named Conceit one of top 40 Essential Canadian Novels of the Decade. And here was her second book.
So I waded in. The book begins in 1309 and goes to 1348, the time when the papacy of the Catholic Church was situated in Avignon, southern France. So many details of the time were woven into the story, including words in use at the time, many whose meaning had to be hunted down. It was a brutal time for women and paupers, and the events tumbled out so effortlessly in the narrative that sometimes I was forced to watch a rape, a brutal death by torture or a burning at the stake, or a skull smashing, but it added up to a fascination for the time, the people and their fear-based beliefs. Solange Le Blanc (who in this fiction became the Muse to the poet, Petrarch) was orphaned and then raised by the Benedictine nuns and taught to be a skilled scribe. An intelligent girl, she was also known to have prophetic visions.
At first I had a bit of trouble with the voice as things unfolded so quickly (the narrative was quite spare) and sometimes I found myself confused as to what exactly was happening, only to go back and read more slowly to understand, but soon the pace picked up as I began to inwardly cheer on the heroine.
The novel left me with a sense of pride for women who have come before me; in this novel their mistreatment and disrespect was not unfamiliar, but distressing. Solange was a beautiful woman, independent to the core. She was not officially connected to a man (as she was sired by a priest) and therefore was subject to the tides of favor, gossip, jealousy and whim. She was seen as a visionary, a whore or alternately, a witch. The tension in the novel stemmed from our understanding that her fortunes could change at any second. Although she became one of the most powerful women in Avignon at the time, as consort ('niece' of the Pope) Solange was constantly betrayed by others jealous of her closeness to power, and her life was in danger numerous times. And yet she loved generously. Her observations painted a picture of a corrupt and gluttonous church, and the teeming masses of peasants who survived in a filthy, mucky, cold world. The historical events of the time - including the plague - were well int,egrated, as was knowledge of the lives and work of craftsmen, artisans scribes, artists, poets, guildsmen, clergy - a wonderful vision of a complete and pulsing world.
(I was thrilled to recognize the ending - Novik ends her work as I ended mine - with the woman, the writer determined to tell her own story in her own way!)
Thought-provoking, rich and compelling MUSE is a brilliantly feminist take on life in the early Renaissance.
July 11, 2013
I got this ARC curtesy of Random House and Goodreads first reads program.
Muse had all the markings for an enthralling tale set in 14th century France but somewhere along the way Mary Novik seemed to have lost me.
Muse is the story of how Solange, a you g girl sent to an abbey after the death of her mother. Having the ability to "prophesize", Solange quickly earns the abess's love and respect.
Eventually Solange runs away to Avignon and meets Francesco, an Italian courtier and writer.
What I can't empathize with at all is how Solange schemed her way from bed to bed to survive and all that she did to try and keep a man. From getting pregnant to facilitating her ex-lover's lover suicide, it's not something I really cared to read.
Not to say that this is not worth reading, Novik has a wonderful way of describing the era and piecing together lives to bring it all together. It just wasn't my cup of tea.
Muse had all the markings for an enthralling tale set in 14th century France but somewhere along the way Mary Novik seemed to have lost me.
Muse is the story of how Solange, a you g girl sent to an abbey after the death of her mother. Having the ability to "prophesize", Solange quickly earns the abess's love and respect.
Eventually Solange runs away to Avignon and meets Francesco, an Italian courtier and writer.
What I can't empathize with at all is how Solange schemed her way from bed to bed to survive and all that she did to try and keep a man. From getting pregnant to facilitating her ex-lover's lover suicide, it's not something I really cared to read.
Not to say that this is not worth reading, Novik has a wonderful way of describing the era and piecing together lives to bring it all together. It just wasn't my cup of tea.
September 7, 2013
I love historical fiction, so I really liked Muse. This novel is not for everyone-the reading is not easy going, and the author writes in a way that assumes the reader knows a lot about the time period. It is not different in that way from others of the genre, but those expecting a fully fleshed historical fiction novel, will not feel satisfied. I did enjoy learning about that time period in history, but would have liked to know more. I found the main character of Solange to be well-developed, as was Petrarch, but there were gaps in information that my imagination had trouble filling with many of the other scenes and characters. As some other reviewers noted, the time did jump a little too fast. Novik could easily have made the novel a bit longer.
All in all, though, if you like books that imagine the realities of real historical figures, you will really enjoy Muse.
All in all, though, if you like books that imagine the realities of real historical figures, you will really enjoy Muse.
December 27, 2014
I'm in awe of Mary Novik's talent. What I love about her work is that through her active prose, she immerses the reader in the experience of the times.
In Muse, through the eyes of Solange, a young girl who has already witnessed too much for her age, I was taken back to the 14th century, to Avignon. As she grows up and becomes a scribe, I learn about the poet Petrarch, and how she comes to love him. Through their encounters, many lessons of love emerge. As I followed her story, I witnessed the life of the poor, the devotion of nuns and the extravagance of the reigning Pope.
I was especially pleased with this read as I had visited Avignon a decade ago and toured the former Papal Palace. After I had heard some of its stories, I wanted to know more. This book satisfied some of that curiosity and gave me an entertaining read as well.
In Muse, through the eyes of Solange, a young girl who has already witnessed too much for her age, I was taken back to the 14th century, to Avignon. As she grows up and becomes a scribe, I learn about the poet Petrarch, and how she comes to love him. Through their encounters, many lessons of love emerge. As I followed her story, I witnessed the life of the poor, the devotion of nuns and the extravagance of the reigning Pope.
I was especially pleased with this read as I had visited Avignon a decade ago and toured the former Papal Palace. After I had heard some of its stories, I wanted to know more. This book satisfied some of that curiosity and gave me an entertaining read as well.
March 7, 2017
This is not my usual genre (far from fantasy). Given to me for a book club reading, I was skeptical that I could finish it on time for the discussion. I flew through it! I can honestly say I was blown away by the beauty and poetry of the author's prose.
The story, characters and writing are all so rich and colorful - at times it felt Shakespearian.
Such a strong, honest female character.
The ending was brilliant , real, and satisfying.
The story, characters and writing are all so rich and colorful - at times it felt Shakespearian.
Such a strong, honest female character.
The ending was brilliant , real, and satisfying.
February 16, 2014
This novel takes place in the 14th century. The story is about Solange, her choices and her love of a poet who she had children by but he would never marry her. Her struggles to stay alive. A surprising ending but a satisfying one. I immensely enjoyed this novel.
I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads.
I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads.
October 25, 2013
Good historical fiction from the 14th century. The author kept to that period with her writing and descriptions which made it a bit of a challenge in the beginning. A one-sided love story between Petrarch and his muse, who suffers more than she should because she loves him so much.
August 19, 2013
Just on sale and already a great review in the Globe and Mail!
January 21, 2014
An enjoyable historical fiction read. The main character is a bit enigmatic and you will find yourself debating just what her intentions are. Would prompt some good discussions for book clubs.
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