What do you think?
Rate this book
The Paris Muse
'Living with him was like living at the centre of the universe. It was electrifying and humbling, blissful and destructive, all at the same time.'
Paris, 1936. When Dora Maar, a talented French photographer, painter and poet, is introduced to Pablo Picasso, she is mesmerized by his dark and intense stare. Drawn to his volcanic creativity, it isn't long before she embarks on a passionate relationship with the Spanish artist that sometimes includes sadism and masochism, and ultimately pushes her to the edge.
The Paris Muse is the fictionalized retelling of this disturbing love story, as we follow Dora on her journey of self-discovery and expression. Set in Paris and the French Riviera, where Dora and Pablo spent their holidays with their glamorous artist friends, it provides a fascinating insight into how Picasso was a genius who side-stepped the rules in his human relationships as he did in his art. Much to Dora's torment, he refused to divorce his wife and conducted affairs with Dora's friends. The Spanish Civil War made him depressed and violent, an angst that culminated in his acclaimed painting 'Guernica', which Dora documented as he painted.
As the encroaching darkness suffocates their relationship - a darkness that escalates once the Second World War begins and the Nazis invade the country - Dora has a nervous breakdown and is hospitalized.
Atmospheric, intense and moving, The Paris Muse is an astonishing read that ensures that this talented, often overlooked woman who gave her life to Picasso is no longer a footnote.
Praise for The Paris Muse:
'An accomplished literary novel, and also an absolute page turner. Raw sexual charisma and its descent into toxic cruelty which is set – and artfully echoed – in times of peace and war.' Essie Fox, author of the Sunday Times bestseller The Fascination
'Dora Maar, “The Weeping Woman" of Picasso's famous paintings, steps out of the canvas in Louisa Treger's unforgettable new novel. Dora's passionate, obsessive relationship with the artist came close to destroying her, and Treger's beautifully written first-person narrative takes us deep inside her grief and torment. Picasso emerges as a controlling, sadistic man, who is single-minded in pursuit of his art first, his pleasure second. This is a powerful, absorbing read about a woman who was a talented artist in her own right, and it illustrates very graphically who was responsible for making the 'Weeping Woman' weep.' Gill Paul, internationally bestselling author of A Beautiful Rival
'Gifted photographer and painter - and muse of Picasso - Dora Marr comes vibrantly to life in Treger's new novel, THE PARIS MUSE. A fascinating and heartfelt portrait of a female artist striving to succeed in the male-dominated Parisian art world, readers won't be able to resist rooting for Dora, or relishing every page until The End. A compelling and absorbing read!' Heather Webb, USA Today and International bestselling author of Queens of London
Paris, 1936. When Dora Maar, a talented French photographer, painter and poet, is introduced to Pablo Picasso, she is mesmerized by his dark and intense stare. Drawn to his volcanic creativity, it isn't long before she embarks on a passionate relationship with the Spanish artist that sometimes includes sadism and masochism, and ultimately pushes her to the edge.
The Paris Muse is the fictionalized retelling of this disturbing love story, as we follow Dora on her journey of self-discovery and expression. Set in Paris and the French Riviera, where Dora and Pablo spent their holidays with their glamorous artist friends, it provides a fascinating insight into how Picasso was a genius who side-stepped the rules in his human relationships as he did in his art. Much to Dora's torment, he refused to divorce his wife and conducted affairs with Dora's friends. The Spanish Civil War made him depressed and violent, an angst that culminated in his acclaimed painting 'Guernica', which Dora documented as he painted.
As the encroaching darkness suffocates their relationship - a darkness that escalates once the Second World War begins and the Nazis invade the country - Dora has a nervous breakdown and is hospitalized.
Atmospheric, intense and moving, The Paris Muse is an astonishing read that ensures that this talented, often overlooked woman who gave her life to Picasso is no longer a footnote.
Praise for The Paris Muse:
'An accomplished literary novel, and also an absolute page turner. Raw sexual charisma and its descent into toxic cruelty which is set – and artfully echoed – in times of peace and war.' Essie Fox, author of the Sunday Times bestseller The Fascination
'Dora Maar, “The Weeping Woman" of Picasso's famous paintings, steps out of the canvas in Louisa Treger's unforgettable new novel. Dora's passionate, obsessive relationship with the artist came close to destroying her, and Treger's beautifully written first-person narrative takes us deep inside her grief and torment. Picasso emerges as a controlling, sadistic man, who is single-minded in pursuit of his art first, his pleasure second. This is a powerful, absorbing read about a woman who was a talented artist in her own right, and it illustrates very graphically who was responsible for making the 'Weeping Woman' weep.' Gill Paul, internationally bestselling author of A Beautiful Rival
'Gifted photographer and painter - and muse of Picasso - Dora Marr comes vibrantly to life in Treger's new novel, THE PARIS MUSE. A fascinating and heartfelt portrait of a female artist striving to succeed in the male-dominated Parisian art world, readers won't be able to resist rooting for Dora, or relishing every page until The End. A compelling and absorbing read!' Heather Webb, USA Today and International bestselling author of Queens of London
252 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 4, 2024
27 people are currently reading
324 people want to read
About the author
Louisa Treger
6 books106 followersBorn in London, Louisa Treger began her career as a classical violinist. She studied at the Royal College of Music and the Guildhall School of Music, and worked as a freelance orchestral player and teacher.
Louisa subsequently turned to literature, gaining a First Class degree and a PhD in English at University College London, where she focused on early twentieth century women’s writing.
Married with three children, she lives in London.
Louisa subsequently turned to literature, gaining a First Class degree and a PhD in English at University College London, where she focused on early twentieth century women’s writing.
Married with three children, she lives in London.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
July 1, 2024
The fictionalised life of Dora Maar and her relationship with Pablo Picasso.
The Paris Muse is an intense, beautifully written and compulsive narrative. Louisa Treger’s prose is as artistic as those she is writing about so that she creates an almost painful relationship between the reader and the narrative. There were moments in this meticulously researched and convincingly conveyed story when I wanted to rage against Picasso and historical events and to yell my opinions at Dora to protect her, to berate her or comfort her. The plot is creatively embedded in historical events so that it feels thoroughly authentic. Reading The Paris Muse is to experience a dramatic era vicariously. It also sent me off researching people, artifacts and events because I found the story so stimulating. There’s nothing anodyne about Louisa Treger’s prose, but rather there’s a spellbinding intensity too powerful to break free from.
I am entirely ignorant about art, and confess I didn’t even know of Dora Maar’s existence before reading The Paris Muse. Now she is a vivid, dynamic person whom I admire, respect and, had I known her in real life, a woman I may well have feared. Her first person voice is utterly convincing so that it feels as if one is reading her personal diaries rather than a work of fiction. There’s a stunning intimacy in how the book conveys Dora, who is such a mercurial individual that she created extremes of response in me as a reader. This is testament to the quality of Louisa Treger’s writing.
Picasso too is a rounded, complex and layered individual. The more I read, the more he took shape and the more negative my feelings towards him became. Within his relationship with Dora the lines between who is more sinned against than sinning become blurred and opaque. I thought Louisa Treger portrayed his explosive, bordering unhealthy, coercive and cruel relationship with Dora to perfection, but Dora is most certainly not just a victim of this toxic partnership and there are moments of great tenderness as well as selfishness from both characters. This is a portrait of a very real relationship.
If it doesn’t sound ridiculous, I wouldn’t classify The Paris Muse as a novel. It is more a living, breathing entity that has autonomy and life beyond the confines of its covers. I am not sure it’s accurate to say I always enjoyed it as it was so uncomfortably impactful. I was, however, both mesmerised and fascinated. At times it is exquisitely brutal and on occasion shocking and disturbing. It taught me so much about art, history, society, geography and, most importantly, about Dora Maar, and it lives on in my mind even now I’ve finished reading it. The Paris Muse is intelligent, interesting, intense and, often, unsettling. I thought it was itself a work of art every bit as valuable as one by Maar, Picasso or any other creative mentioned in the story. It’s a magnificent book, written with stunning skill and authority. Don’t miss it.
The Paris Muse is an intense, beautifully written and compulsive narrative. Louisa Treger’s prose is as artistic as those she is writing about so that she creates an almost painful relationship between the reader and the narrative. There were moments in this meticulously researched and convincingly conveyed story when I wanted to rage against Picasso and historical events and to yell my opinions at Dora to protect her, to berate her or comfort her. The plot is creatively embedded in historical events so that it feels thoroughly authentic. Reading The Paris Muse is to experience a dramatic era vicariously. It also sent me off researching people, artifacts and events because I found the story so stimulating. There’s nothing anodyne about Louisa Treger’s prose, but rather there’s a spellbinding intensity too powerful to break free from.
I am entirely ignorant about art, and confess I didn’t even know of Dora Maar’s existence before reading The Paris Muse. Now she is a vivid, dynamic person whom I admire, respect and, had I known her in real life, a woman I may well have feared. Her first person voice is utterly convincing so that it feels as if one is reading her personal diaries rather than a work of fiction. There’s a stunning intimacy in how the book conveys Dora, who is such a mercurial individual that she created extremes of response in me as a reader. This is testament to the quality of Louisa Treger’s writing.
Picasso too is a rounded, complex and layered individual. The more I read, the more he took shape and the more negative my feelings towards him became. Within his relationship with Dora the lines between who is more sinned against than sinning become blurred and opaque. I thought Louisa Treger portrayed his explosive, bordering unhealthy, coercive and cruel relationship with Dora to perfection, but Dora is most certainly not just a victim of this toxic partnership and there are moments of great tenderness as well as selfishness from both characters. This is a portrait of a very real relationship.
If it doesn’t sound ridiculous, I wouldn’t classify The Paris Muse as a novel. It is more a living, breathing entity that has autonomy and life beyond the confines of its covers. I am not sure it’s accurate to say I always enjoyed it as it was so uncomfortably impactful. I was, however, both mesmerised and fascinated. At times it is exquisitely brutal and on occasion shocking and disturbing. It taught me so much about art, history, society, geography and, most importantly, about Dora Maar, and it lives on in my mind even now I’ve finished reading it. The Paris Muse is intelligent, interesting, intense and, often, unsettling. I thought it was itself a work of art every bit as valuable as one by Maar, Picasso or any other creative mentioned in the story. It’s a magnificent book, written with stunning skill and authority. Don’t miss it.
April 21, 2024
The Paris Muse by Louisa Treger publishes July 4th with Bloomsbury and is described as ‘atmospheric, intense and moving.’
Recently I travelled to Málaga city for a break. It was my first time spending time there as, like many folk, I had previously flown into and out of its airport, never exploring the delights that the city has to offer. I brought The Paris Muse with me on this trip knowing that being in Málaga would add to the overall experience when reading Louisa Treger’s beautiful account of the alluring relationship between Pablo Picasso and Dora Maar. One of the first places I visited was Museo Casa Natal Picasso. This is where Picasso spent the first ten years of his life, until 1891 when the family moved to La Coruña and later to Barcelona.
The work of Picasso is known across the world but how many of us have seen the famous image of The Weeping Woman (1937), not realising that the muse behind this work was photographer and artist Dora Maar. Born in Buenos Aires, Henriette Theodora Markovitch was the daughter of a French mother and a Croatian father. Her father was a struggling architect with dreams of making it big but it wasn’t until 1926, many years after the First World War, that the family were able to relocate to Paris. Dora’s mother was thrilled to be back and Dora was all too ready to explore the delights of Parisienne culture. Dora had a creative flair and her father encouraged her to investigate all her options. Dora signed up to an art college but eventually fell in love with photography, using it as an artform that allowed her to express her unique vision and styling.
Dora had an intense relationship with Georges Bataille. He was a writer and a philosopher, one who explored some very dark themes. Dora was fascinated with his mind and their erotic relationship, though brief, introduced Dora to surrealism and those who mingled in that circle.
In 1935 Dora met Pablo Picasso and she embarked on a journey that would change her life forever. Dora Maar was successful in her own right but her work was soon overshadowed by that of the master. When the Second World War loomed, Picasso offered her security but he was also a narcissistic individual who toyed with her heart and mind. Their partnership was explosive and temperamental and over the years Dora’s mental health declined. She loved Picasso passionately but he was never loyal to just her and she knew it. She recognised the man that he was yet she was constantly drawn back to him, in awe of his artistry and completely in love with him.
Louisa Treger explores this most toxic of relationships with this extraordinary and intimate retelling of those tumultuous years. Maar and Picasso were influential in each others’ work. Dora Maar was an extremely talented photographic artist, but her work remained largely unknown for years. In The Paris Muse, we are provided with a window into those stormy years from 1935 to the early 1940s. With fascinating insights and heart-breaking moments, Treger introduces us all to a controlling and self-absorbed Picasso, a man very much bursting with his own self-importance. Undeniably an artist with extreme and rare talent, his misogynistic attitude and difficult personality were also renowned. Louisa Treger’s analysis and comprehensive insights, mixed with fact and fiction combine to form a story that has a very affecting edge.
The Paris Muse is a scintillating, emotional and irresistible reading experience. Dora Maar was a strong and unique individual before she met Pablo Picasso but her relationship with him had a detrimental effect on her life and mental health. The Paris Muse is an all-encompassing portrayal of Dora Maar and the doomed relationship she embarked on, with its subsequent fallout.
Magnificently depicted, The Paris Muse is a beautifully dignified and heartrending portrayal of Dora Maar, muse to Pablo Picasso but also a forthright and accomplished artist, who rightfully deserves her place in history as an enduring, talented and influential creative.
Recently I travelled to Málaga city for a break. It was my first time spending time there as, like many folk, I had previously flown into and out of its airport, never exploring the delights that the city has to offer. I brought The Paris Muse with me on this trip knowing that being in Málaga would add to the overall experience when reading Louisa Treger’s beautiful account of the alluring relationship between Pablo Picasso and Dora Maar. One of the first places I visited was Museo Casa Natal Picasso. This is where Picasso spent the first ten years of his life, until 1891 when the family moved to La Coruña and later to Barcelona.
The work of Picasso is known across the world but how many of us have seen the famous image of The Weeping Woman (1937), not realising that the muse behind this work was photographer and artist Dora Maar. Born in Buenos Aires, Henriette Theodora Markovitch was the daughter of a French mother and a Croatian father. Her father was a struggling architect with dreams of making it big but it wasn’t until 1926, many years after the First World War, that the family were able to relocate to Paris. Dora’s mother was thrilled to be back and Dora was all too ready to explore the delights of Parisienne culture. Dora had a creative flair and her father encouraged her to investigate all her options. Dora signed up to an art college but eventually fell in love with photography, using it as an artform that allowed her to express her unique vision and styling.
Dora had an intense relationship with Georges Bataille. He was a writer and a philosopher, one who explored some very dark themes. Dora was fascinated with his mind and their erotic relationship, though brief, introduced Dora to surrealism and those who mingled in that circle.
In 1935 Dora met Pablo Picasso and she embarked on a journey that would change her life forever. Dora Maar was successful in her own right but her work was soon overshadowed by that of the master. When the Second World War loomed, Picasso offered her security but he was also a narcissistic individual who toyed with her heart and mind. Their partnership was explosive and temperamental and over the years Dora’s mental health declined. She loved Picasso passionately but he was never loyal to just her and she knew it. She recognised the man that he was yet she was constantly drawn back to him, in awe of his artistry and completely in love with him.
Louisa Treger explores this most toxic of relationships with this extraordinary and intimate retelling of those tumultuous years. Maar and Picasso were influential in each others’ work. Dora Maar was an extremely talented photographic artist, but her work remained largely unknown for years. In The Paris Muse, we are provided with a window into those stormy years from 1935 to the early 1940s. With fascinating insights and heart-breaking moments, Treger introduces us all to a controlling and self-absorbed Picasso, a man very much bursting with his own self-importance. Undeniably an artist with extreme and rare talent, his misogynistic attitude and difficult personality were also renowned. Louisa Treger’s analysis and comprehensive insights, mixed with fact and fiction combine to form a story that has a very affecting edge.
The Paris Muse is a scintillating, emotional and irresistible reading experience. Dora Maar was a strong and unique individual before she met Pablo Picasso but her relationship with him had a detrimental effect on her life and mental health. The Paris Muse is an all-encompassing portrayal of Dora Maar and the doomed relationship she embarked on, with its subsequent fallout.
Magnificently depicted, The Paris Muse is a beautifully dignified and heartrending portrayal of Dora Maar, muse to Pablo Picasso but also a forthright and accomplished artist, who rightfully deserves her place in history as an enduring, talented and influential creative.
July 8, 2025
I went into this book knowing very little of Dora Maar, her life and loves, yet left feeling that I could almost have known her.
Myself and my mother had the pleasure of meeting LT in a local Waterstones where my mum bought this book. She read it shortly afterwards and pressed me to do so. That was almost 8 months ago, and I wished I had read it sooner.
The story of Dora's life and love of PP is a very interesting one, based upon facts and given narrative in this authors wonderful style.
I have to say, I loved Dora. At times, I felt it necessary to love, hate, adore, protect, and abandon her. She showed such strength at times and such fragility in others. This has been a once in a lifetime read.
Myself and my mother had the pleasure of meeting LT in a local Waterstones where my mum bought this book. She read it shortly afterwards and pressed me to do so. That was almost 8 months ago, and I wished I had read it sooner.
The story of Dora's life and love of PP is a very interesting one, based upon facts and given narrative in this authors wonderful style.
I have to say, I loved Dora. At times, I felt it necessary to love, hate, adore, protect, and abandon her. She showed such strength at times and such fragility in others. This has been a once in a lifetime read.
April 27, 2024
4.5 stars
July 2, 2024
My knowledge of the art world is sadly lacking – I have a sketchy perception of surrealism, would recognise a few works by Picasso, like Guernica and The Weeping Woman, but shamefully knew nothing of Dora Maar, the extraordinary woman who was his muse and inspiration. As well as restoring her to her rightful place in history, this book captures the compelling story of her extraordinary life, her obsessive love and selfless support for the artist who used and abused her before casting her aside as her mental health deteriorated.
Before her path crossed that of Picasso, she was already becoming known as a talented photographer – moving as a child from Argentina to Paris, she worked with major fashion houses and film studios who liked her unique style. Her private life was stormy – in particular her attachment to Georges Bataille, the philosopher who introduced her to the dangerous world of sado-masochism while helping her gain entry to the surrealist art community. She engineered her first encounter with Picasso in 1935, showing particular determination and tenacity – and although they came to have a partnership of sorts, he made it more than clear that it would never be exclusive. Their often tumultuous relationship always took second place to his art – although he was content for her to give up her career and to cater for his every need, providing her with the protection his fame afforded in return as the Nazi invasion threatened their personal safety. As well as being his muse and model, she created a photographic record of his painting of Guernica, but he never fully returned her love and total devotion – and his narcissistic personality and self-absorption repeatedly broke her heart and played a major part in tipping her over the edge into mental illness.
Those are the bare bones of this story – but it’s so much more than that. Combining fact and fiction, the book takes the reader deep inside their relationship, immersing you in their lives – and if Dora fails to win your sympathy at the beginning, by the end, when Picasso deals her the cruellest blow that entirely took my breath away, she’ll have the firmest grip on your heart. In many ways it’s a love story, but a particularly dark and disturbing one – it’s more the story of an obsession, both deep and damaging, and so compelling that it’s impossible to look away. And my goodness, this is certainly a book that makes you feel – real hatred at times for the man who takes her so for granted and of lesser importance than his creative process, deep compassion for Dora who clings to the idea of having a child to stabilise a relationship that only she was committed to, while he taunts her with repeated dalliances with other women. And not just other women – some of them were her friends, and that made the betrayals all the more heart-breaking and unforgivable.
The author’s writing is exceptional – and the way her in-depth and meticulous research is used to create and portray individuals who live and breathe and engage the reader at a deep emotional level, with insights into the creative process as well as their day-to-day lives, is something particularly special. This is a story you live through rather than read, always present in the moment, and it’s an intense – and sometimes distinctly uncomfortable – experience. But it really is a uniquely immersive and stunning read that I couldn’t recommend more highly.
Before her path crossed that of Picasso, she was already becoming known as a talented photographer – moving as a child from Argentina to Paris, she worked with major fashion houses and film studios who liked her unique style. Her private life was stormy – in particular her attachment to Georges Bataille, the philosopher who introduced her to the dangerous world of sado-masochism while helping her gain entry to the surrealist art community. She engineered her first encounter with Picasso in 1935, showing particular determination and tenacity – and although they came to have a partnership of sorts, he made it more than clear that it would never be exclusive. Their often tumultuous relationship always took second place to his art – although he was content for her to give up her career and to cater for his every need, providing her with the protection his fame afforded in return as the Nazi invasion threatened their personal safety. As well as being his muse and model, she created a photographic record of his painting of Guernica, but he never fully returned her love and total devotion – and his narcissistic personality and self-absorption repeatedly broke her heart and played a major part in tipping her over the edge into mental illness.
Those are the bare bones of this story – but it’s so much more than that. Combining fact and fiction, the book takes the reader deep inside their relationship, immersing you in their lives – and if Dora fails to win your sympathy at the beginning, by the end, when Picasso deals her the cruellest blow that entirely took my breath away, she’ll have the firmest grip on your heart. In many ways it’s a love story, but a particularly dark and disturbing one – it’s more the story of an obsession, both deep and damaging, and so compelling that it’s impossible to look away. And my goodness, this is certainly a book that makes you feel – real hatred at times for the man who takes her so for granted and of lesser importance than his creative process, deep compassion for Dora who clings to the idea of having a child to stabilise a relationship that only she was committed to, while he taunts her with repeated dalliances with other women. And not just other women – some of them were her friends, and that made the betrayals all the more heart-breaking and unforgivable.
The author’s writing is exceptional – and the way her in-depth and meticulous research is used to create and portray individuals who live and breathe and engage the reader at a deep emotional level, with insights into the creative process as well as their day-to-day lives, is something particularly special. This is a story you live through rather than read, always present in the moment, and it’s an intense – and sometimes distinctly uncomfortable – experience. But it really is a uniquely immersive and stunning read that I couldn’t recommend more highly.
September 16, 2025
Almost 5 stars, a unique read this, a novel but based on a real person / real people. I really enjoyed it, an absolute romp through the lives of creative people in the 1920s and '30s.
Just really well written and fascinating.
Just really well written and fascinating.
January 8, 2025
A novel of doomed love set mainly in PARIS
This is the story of Henriette Theodora Markovitch, who renamed herself Dora Maar. The novel opens in 1913 when Dora was about 7 years old, living in Buenos Aires with her parents. It moves through her early life and then focusses on the relationship with Pablo Picasso in her adult years, from 1935 onwards, when she determinedly caught his eye in the restaurant frequented by artists in Paris, the Deux Magots. Already she had found a way to attract his gaze by engaging in public self harm and this, of course, set the tenet for their relationship. This happens on page 28 and up until then we have galloped through Dora’s life to this point – perhaps a bit of a rush in a mere 28 pages or so – understanding the nature of her parent’s relationship and her drive to be an artist, a photographer as it turns out. The main thrust of the book is her on/off relationship with the great man himself.
Lurking in the background are Marie-Thérèse, the mother of his young child and Olga, his wife and mother to his older child, Paulo, all of whom continue to feature in his life. The warning signs are there in the early months, that he is not a devoted partner, but that he is a passionate and all-consuming man who juggles the women in his life to satisfy his own creative ends. Dora is in thrall to the man, avidly seeking ensnarement and, well, his affection. She tries to manage his infidelities and his often dismissive – abusive – attitude towards her, in order to maintain her position in his life – almost at any cost.
His wife, Olga, doggedly follows and accosts them, asking Pablo for support for their son, but her pleas fall on very deaf ears. As a couple, Dora and Pablo dismiss her clear ‘madness’ and yet her haunting persistence gnaws at Dora, who tries to facilitate some help for his wayward son.
The Spanish Civil War was unfolding in Picasso’s home country and when the Germans and Spanish fascists bombed the town of Guernica, in 1937, Dora inspired him to produce his large artwork (now housed in the Museo Reina Sofía in Madrid) for the Spanish Pavilion at the Paris World Fair. This felt like the peak of togetherness for the two.
Dora says of Picasso: “In calmer moments, I saw that he was apart from other men; a genius who bypassed the rules in his human relationships as completely as he did in his art.”
As the relationship becomes more toxic, the more desperate her endeavours to grab his attention become. She herself begins to lose her sense of self within his controlling orbit – “He’s a genius but he’s also a demon”. Dora comes to realise that “conflict and destruction” are integral to Picasso’s art, and happiness is not useful for his creative talents. Their relationship becomes an emotional powder keg and her emotional sanity is on a sharp, downward trajectory. The fact she has struggled to provide him with a child proves to be a large factor in destabilising their increasingly fragile set up.
I was really interested to discover more about the life of this woman in Picasso’s life (I studied Art History at University and am embarrassed to say that I had never heard of her). This is what the author does so well, she brings the stories of lesser known women to the fore.
The story follows Dora and Pablo around France, as world events develop in the background and this offers the main story a really contextualised sense of time and place. I have enjoyed other books written by this author, who has a terrific writing style.
The relationship between the two was clearly based on enormous passion, erring into sadistic and masochistic realms (mentioned briefly). The author captures well the hedonistic and all-encompassing relationship experience, which was so clearly at the heart. Overall, this is a really engaging and informative read, about a life of highs and lows and of profound tragedy.
This is the story of Henriette Theodora Markovitch, who renamed herself Dora Maar. The novel opens in 1913 when Dora was about 7 years old, living in Buenos Aires with her parents. It moves through her early life and then focusses on the relationship with Pablo Picasso in her adult years, from 1935 onwards, when she determinedly caught his eye in the restaurant frequented by artists in Paris, the Deux Magots. Already she had found a way to attract his gaze by engaging in public self harm and this, of course, set the tenet for their relationship. This happens on page 28 and up until then we have galloped through Dora’s life to this point – perhaps a bit of a rush in a mere 28 pages or so – understanding the nature of her parent’s relationship and her drive to be an artist, a photographer as it turns out. The main thrust of the book is her on/off relationship with the great man himself.
Lurking in the background are Marie-Thérèse, the mother of his young child and Olga, his wife and mother to his older child, Paulo, all of whom continue to feature in his life. The warning signs are there in the early months, that he is not a devoted partner, but that he is a passionate and all-consuming man who juggles the women in his life to satisfy his own creative ends. Dora is in thrall to the man, avidly seeking ensnarement and, well, his affection. She tries to manage his infidelities and his often dismissive – abusive – attitude towards her, in order to maintain her position in his life – almost at any cost.
His wife, Olga, doggedly follows and accosts them, asking Pablo for support for their son, but her pleas fall on very deaf ears. As a couple, Dora and Pablo dismiss her clear ‘madness’ and yet her haunting persistence gnaws at Dora, who tries to facilitate some help for his wayward son.
The Spanish Civil War was unfolding in Picasso’s home country and when the Germans and Spanish fascists bombed the town of Guernica, in 1937, Dora inspired him to produce his large artwork (now housed in the Museo Reina Sofía in Madrid) for the Spanish Pavilion at the Paris World Fair. This felt like the peak of togetherness for the two.
Dora says of Picasso: “In calmer moments, I saw that he was apart from other men; a genius who bypassed the rules in his human relationships as completely as he did in his art.”
As the relationship becomes more toxic, the more desperate her endeavours to grab his attention become. She herself begins to lose her sense of self within his controlling orbit – “He’s a genius but he’s also a demon”. Dora comes to realise that “conflict and destruction” are integral to Picasso’s art, and happiness is not useful for his creative talents. Their relationship becomes an emotional powder keg and her emotional sanity is on a sharp, downward trajectory. The fact she has struggled to provide him with a child proves to be a large factor in destabilising their increasingly fragile set up.
I was really interested to discover more about the life of this woman in Picasso’s life (I studied Art History at University and am embarrassed to say that I had never heard of her). This is what the author does so well, she brings the stories of lesser known women to the fore.
The story follows Dora and Pablo around France, as world events develop in the background and this offers the main story a really contextualised sense of time and place. I have enjoyed other books written by this author, who has a terrific writing style.
The relationship between the two was clearly based on enormous passion, erring into sadistic and masochistic realms (mentioned briefly). The author captures well the hedonistic and all-encompassing relationship experience, which was so clearly at the heart. Overall, this is a really engaging and informative read, about a life of highs and lows and of profound tragedy.
October 21, 2024
Louisa Treger's The Paris Muse is a brilliantly written story, fictionalising Dora Maar's life and her turbulent relationship with Pablo Picasso.
Against the backdrop of historical events, the novel really roots itself in its era and carries readers to a dramatic and vivid time in art. Treger's painstaking research and attention to detail vividly and dynamically bring Dora Maar to life. I knew nothing about Maar's existence before reading this book; today, she is revered and admired in my mind.
Dora's point of view presents amazing intimacy and a very personal view of her life, so guiding the story. Her voice is convincingly portrayed, which adds more authenticity. Picasso is depicted as a complex and multifarious person. His character development in the book aligned directly with my impression of him before reading this book. Though Treger catches moments of tenderness that give their turbulent relationship depth, his relationship with Dora is explosive and often toxic.
The book also explores Dora's relationship with writer and philosopher Georges Bataille, who brought her to embrace surrealism in her art.
These relationships deepen the story and give Dora's character and journey across the artistic world more complexity.
The Paris Muse is more than just a book; it seems like a live, breathing entity transcending its pages. The author is brilliant in bringing fierce female historical characters to life. On that note, if you haven’t read “Mad Woman," do yourself a favour and get hold of it ASAP. I was obsessed while reading it and could not wait to get to my daily reading time.
It is a brilliantly brutal and occasionally shocking portrayal of a woman who was both a muse and a gifted artist in her own right. The intensity of the book guarantees that it stays in your mind long after you have closed it.
The way Louisa Treger combines fact with fiction produces an emotionally compelling narrative that is also informative. Picasso's image as a narcissistic and controlling person runs quite counter to Dora's intense but finally self-destructive love for him. This contradiction gives the narrative a striking edge and makes reading both interesting and sad.
The Paris Muse is an emotional, brilliant, and compelling book. It captures the core of Dora Maar and her complicated relationship with Picasso, so offering a very rich and unforgettable reading experience. This fresh work is a magnificent piece of art in itself, deserving of a spot among the artworks it so brilliantly describes.
Thank you to Exclusive Books for the opportunity to read this book!
Against the backdrop of historical events, the novel really roots itself in its era and carries readers to a dramatic and vivid time in art. Treger's painstaking research and attention to detail vividly and dynamically bring Dora Maar to life. I knew nothing about Maar's existence before reading this book; today, she is revered and admired in my mind.
Dora's point of view presents amazing intimacy and a very personal view of her life, so guiding the story. Her voice is convincingly portrayed, which adds more authenticity. Picasso is depicted as a complex and multifarious person. His character development in the book aligned directly with my impression of him before reading this book. Though Treger catches moments of tenderness that give their turbulent relationship depth, his relationship with Dora is explosive and often toxic.
The book also explores Dora's relationship with writer and philosopher Georges Bataille, who brought her to embrace surrealism in her art.
These relationships deepen the story and give Dora's character and journey across the artistic world more complexity.
The Paris Muse is more than just a book; it seems like a live, breathing entity transcending its pages. The author is brilliant in bringing fierce female historical characters to life. On that note, if you haven’t read “Mad Woman," do yourself a favour and get hold of it ASAP. I was obsessed while reading it and could not wait to get to my daily reading time.
It is a brilliantly brutal and occasionally shocking portrayal of a woman who was both a muse and a gifted artist in her own right. The intensity of the book guarantees that it stays in your mind long after you have closed it.
The way Louisa Treger combines fact with fiction produces an emotionally compelling narrative that is also informative. Picasso's image as a narcissistic and controlling person runs quite counter to Dora's intense but finally self-destructive love for him. This contradiction gives the narrative a striking edge and makes reading both interesting and sad.
The Paris Muse is an emotional, brilliant, and compelling book. It captures the core of Dora Maar and her complicated relationship with Picasso, so offering a very rich and unforgettable reading experience. This fresh work is a magnificent piece of art in itself, deserving of a spot among the artworks it so brilliantly describes.
Thank you to Exclusive Books for the opportunity to read this book!
June 24, 2024
Discover the locations in the novel here
After having read Madwoman – about the real life Nelly Bly, a journalist, who incarcerated herself in an asylum to blow the lid of what was really going on inside – was anything to go by, this was a book I knew I had to read.
This time we meet Dora Maar – a woman who had a romance with Pablo Picasso. I say romance – it was more complicated than that. But what struck me is that I have spent a lot of time in Barcelona reading about Dora and I knew nothing until I read this book. Of course, Pablo was the more famous one but I see how Dora has been hidden – literarily painted out of the picture if you will. The relationships is not all happiness either and there are some disturbing scenes. Dora what were you thinking!? I wanted to shout.
Map of locations in The Paris Muse
The backdrop to all this of course was the Spanish Civil War. Such a turbulent time and one filled with so much bloodshed and heartache for families. I have read a lot about this, but again, there was so much here that was new to me, new angles, new scene setting and a new sense of the chaos of it all. With all this going on, one of the greatest artists of recent times was painting a whole other picture entirely.
It’s true to say that I have a totally different view and impression of Pablo now. I realise such artistic geniuses are highly strung but there were many disturbing tales in this novel. Dora’s journey was interesting and compelling. I wanted to hug her, shake her, knock some sense into her but also have a good chat over coffee with her. It’s quite an intense read.
This woman has been overshadowed or even left out of history so I really commend Louisa for giving her a voice.
July 18, 2024
An intoxicating tale of ambition, love, and agony, The Paris Muse by @louisatreger is one of the most beautifully written biographies. It’s a fictionalized biography of Dora Maar, a successful photographer in the 1930s-1950s in Paris.
🖤
The Paris Muse limns on a period of her rising as an artist and falling for the Great Pablo Picasso. She was smitten, she was inspired, and she was consumed. She was a romanticist, and he was a narcissist. It was an affair doomed from the beginning.
🖤
Writing-wise, It’s not a story for the fainthearted. It’s a complex tale of how agonizing attachments can be. It is the best ode Dora Maar could have received. Her emotions have been given value, and her devotion has been rewarded.
One of my favourite things about the writing was the way the author manoeuvred natural elements to set the mood for what was to come.
Dora Maar was someone who used a lot of different sources and structures of light as a form of expression in her work. This felt like an extension of that. (Also, when I was clicking my pictures for the cover, I placed the display under a lamp, and the way the light fell on my iPad created a shadow right across Dora Maar’s face and a half moon above the title, it felt freaky! Check out the picture and a book trailer on my Insta @theheartreader)
🖤
The different storylines are also very interestingly shaped. The change in dynamics between Dora and Jacqui was a unique angle. Paul standing up for Dora was amazing. The story of Brigitte broke my heart! And the end phone call was very satisfying.
🖤
It is truly engagingly written, though a few small parts may be dry for some readers. Here I’d like to add that I wondered constantly about the kind of research that must’ve gone into writing this book and the eventual editing of it. Hats off to the author and her team!
🖤
Overall, I’m a huge fan of tales of ambition, love, and agony, and Therefore, this was everything and more for me. I would most certainly recommend it!
🖤
The Paris Muse limns on a period of her rising as an artist and falling for the Great Pablo Picasso. She was smitten, she was inspired, and she was consumed. She was a romanticist, and he was a narcissist. It was an affair doomed from the beginning.
🖤
Writing-wise, It’s not a story for the fainthearted. It’s a complex tale of how agonizing attachments can be. It is the best ode Dora Maar could have received. Her emotions have been given value, and her devotion has been rewarded.
One of my favourite things about the writing was the way the author manoeuvred natural elements to set the mood for what was to come.
Dora Maar was someone who used a lot of different sources and structures of light as a form of expression in her work. This felt like an extension of that. (Also, when I was clicking my pictures for the cover, I placed the display under a lamp, and the way the light fell on my iPad created a shadow right across Dora Maar’s face and a half moon above the title, it felt freaky! Check out the picture and a book trailer on my Insta @theheartreader)
🖤
The different storylines are also very interestingly shaped. The change in dynamics between Dora and Jacqui was a unique angle. Paul standing up for Dora was amazing. The story of Brigitte broke my heart! And the end phone call was very satisfying.
🖤
It is truly engagingly written, though a few small parts may be dry for some readers. Here I’d like to add that I wondered constantly about the kind of research that must’ve gone into writing this book and the eventual editing of it. Hats off to the author and her team!
🖤
Overall, I’m a huge fan of tales of ambition, love, and agony, and Therefore, this was everything and more for me. I would most certainly recommend it!
September 20, 2024
I loved this book. A fictional retelling of the life of Dora Maar, photographer, artist and poet, and one time lover of Pablo Picasso. They met in 1935 and soon entered into a nine year relationship, that spanned the German occupation of Paris in WWII, that was both passionate and tempestuous. Written from Dora’s POV the author has brilliantly transferred Dora’s grief and angst onto the pages of the book. Clearly well researched, I found the whole book compelling and terribly emotional.
Briefly, Dora was no innocent flower when she met Picasso, she had had a number of relationships, one of which was very sadomasochistic, but nothing could have prepared her for life with Picasso. Although he spent most of his time with her, they retained their own homes, and only met on his terms, and Picasso retained his wife and previous mistress, both of whom had borne him children.
Picasso was debauched. He thought nothing of sleeping with their friends and cared little for Dora’s tears and tantrums, in fact he seemed to revel in them. He comes across as a controlling and cruel man, psychopathic in both his tendencies and his art - in fact not a nice man at all. Dora was clearly totally infatuated with Picasso and allowed him to get away with treating her abominably eventually leading to a breakdown and hospitalisation. A fascinating and absorbing piece of literary fiction and up there with the best books I’ve read this year.
Briefly, Dora was no innocent flower when she met Picasso, she had had a number of relationships, one of which was very sadomasochistic, but nothing could have prepared her for life with Picasso. Although he spent most of his time with her, they retained their own homes, and only met on his terms, and Picasso retained his wife and previous mistress, both of whom had borne him children.
Picasso was debauched. He thought nothing of sleeping with their friends and cared little for Dora’s tears and tantrums, in fact he seemed to revel in them. He comes across as a controlling and cruel man, psychopathic in both his tendencies and his art - in fact not a nice man at all. Dora was clearly totally infatuated with Picasso and allowed him to get away with treating her abominably eventually leading to a breakdown and hospitalisation. A fascinating and absorbing piece of literary fiction and up there with the best books I’ve read this year.
January 20, 2025
I have long been a reader of Louisa Treger’s fascinating explorations of women's' lives. I knew of Picasso’s art but confess I knew almost nothing about Dora Maar. The Paris Muse revealed that Dora was photographer and artist with her own unique eye. An early surrealist, I soon checked out her visual work which is stunning. She was successful in her own right when she first pursued Picasso.
The scenes when the pair become lovers set in the south of France are beautifully rendered, capturing Dora’s powerful need for love and Picasso’s charm and charisma. The relationship starts to deteriorate as Picasso’s selfish need for multiple lovers emerges. The effect upon Dora is heartbreaking, as is his domineering effect on her artistic output. Throughout, I loved the deep immersion in another time, the fine food and idyllic villas. As time passes there is a sense of inevitability about Dora’s incapacity to live the life she deserves. The author’s sensitivity in capturing the emotional moods and currents in Dora’s life are exquisite.
I feel this is a cautionary tale for any woman setting out to explore her potential, be it in art or any other field, while seeking the life-affirming pleasures of romantic love. Dora experienced warning signs early on in her time with her lover and yet I could understand the hypnotic spell Picasso cast over her. Nevertheless, I loved this book; it’s the best yet from this talented author.
The scenes when the pair become lovers set in the south of France are beautifully rendered, capturing Dora’s powerful need for love and Picasso’s charm and charisma. The relationship starts to deteriorate as Picasso’s selfish need for multiple lovers emerges. The effect upon Dora is heartbreaking, as is his domineering effect on her artistic output. Throughout, I loved the deep immersion in another time, the fine food and idyllic villas. As time passes there is a sense of inevitability about Dora’s incapacity to live the life she deserves. The author’s sensitivity in capturing the emotional moods and currents in Dora’s life are exquisite.
I feel this is a cautionary tale for any woman setting out to explore her potential, be it in art or any other field, while seeking the life-affirming pleasures of romantic love. Dora experienced warning signs early on in her time with her lover and yet I could understand the hypnotic spell Picasso cast over her. Nevertheless, I loved this book; it’s the best yet from this talented author.
February 21, 2024
I was kindly gifted a copy of this novel via Netgalley thanks to the author herself.
I loved her previous book Madwoman so I was looking forward to seeing what Louisa had conjured up next.
This is a historical novel like no other.
Based on yet another remarkable woman in history, I found it absolutely fascinating.
Mixed in with the events of the Spanish Civil War and the Second World War, we follow Dora Maar as she navigates her way through a truly turbulent journey of love and life.
Dora's not so typical romance with Pablo Picasso was one that I found to be both passionate and disturbing all at the same time. This was a man that commanded attention and knew just how to manipulate both men and women to get what he wanted.
There were times throughout this tale that I simply wanted to shake Dora and make her see sense.
Her relationship with Pablo was volatile but strangely also necessary at times.
Emotional.
It was clear throughout that Dora was on a long journey of self discovery both for herself personally and for her career. If mental health was recognised back then like it is now then I'm sure Dora's path would have been completely different.
An intense read, I'm glad yet another woman in history that was overshadowed by a man gets another chance to be seen.
I loved her previous book Madwoman so I was looking forward to seeing what Louisa had conjured up next.
This is a historical novel like no other.
Based on yet another remarkable woman in history, I found it absolutely fascinating.
Mixed in with the events of the Spanish Civil War and the Second World War, we follow Dora Maar as she navigates her way through a truly turbulent journey of love and life.
Dora's not so typical romance with Pablo Picasso was one that I found to be both passionate and disturbing all at the same time. This was a man that commanded attention and knew just how to manipulate both men and women to get what he wanted.
There were times throughout this tale that I simply wanted to shake Dora and make her see sense.
Her relationship with Pablo was volatile but strangely also necessary at times.
Emotional.
It was clear throughout that Dora was on a long journey of self discovery both for herself personally and for her career. If mental health was recognised back then like it is now then I'm sure Dora's path would have been completely different.
An intense read, I'm glad yet another woman in history that was overshadowed by a man gets another chance to be seen.
July 3, 2024
The Paris Muse is published on 4 July 2024. I didn’t know anything much about Dora Maar prior to reading this book but it was absorbing, fascinating and I would highly recommend it.
The book is a fictionalised retelling of the toxic love story between Pablo Picasso and Dora Maar. Louise Treger intertwines biographical facts of Dora’s life with fiction and has created a compelling and sensitive book about Dora and Pablo. At times the narrative is so compelling, the reader can physically feel the pain and despair suffered as well as the intense love, joy and passion Dora felt. It is exquisite in that the writing makes the reader love and detest Picasso with equal measure and the pain, humiliation and despair experienced by Dora also makes the reader want to protect her at times, yet want to give her a stiff talking to about ‘getting a grip’ at others!
The book is beautifully crafted, richly researched and the writing is vivid, with the characters, scenes and descriptions of the timeline easily visualised in the readers mind. Fabulous - and now I want to find out even more about Dora and her creativity.
The book is a fictionalised retelling of the toxic love story between Pablo Picasso and Dora Maar. Louise Treger intertwines biographical facts of Dora’s life with fiction and has created a compelling and sensitive book about Dora and Pablo. At times the narrative is so compelling, the reader can physically feel the pain and despair suffered as well as the intense love, joy and passion Dora felt. It is exquisite in that the writing makes the reader love and detest Picasso with equal measure and the pain, humiliation and despair experienced by Dora also makes the reader want to protect her at times, yet want to give her a stiff talking to about ‘getting a grip’ at others!
The book is beautifully crafted, richly researched and the writing is vivid, with the characters, scenes and descriptions of the timeline easily visualised in the readers mind. Fabulous - and now I want to find out even more about Dora and her creativity.
December 30, 2024
I bought this book as a result of attending an event where the author was both speaking and signing her books. I was interested in Dora Maars life and toxic relationship with Picasso.
Although the book seemed well researched and packed with all the changes that took place during the second world war in Paris, and how Dora and Picasso‘s life became intertwined, I found that the authors cold writing style did not make me feel engaged in the story.
I also found that the characters were not that likeable, Dora came across as selfish, demanding and self-centred, and so much more depth could’ve been added to her character, so that we could see what was underneath her insecurities, and pull towards Picasso even when he rejected her.
Although tragedies took place in some of the chapters, which could’ve become quite emotional to read, it lacked warmth, and I felt like somebody was narrating the story as an outsider, whereas the book was written in first person, as if Dora herself was narrating it.
I really wanted to like the book, but the cold detached style of the writing meant that I didn’t really get to know Dora at all.
Although the book seemed well researched and packed with all the changes that took place during the second world war in Paris, and how Dora and Picasso‘s life became intertwined, I found that the authors cold writing style did not make me feel engaged in the story.
I also found that the characters were not that likeable, Dora came across as selfish, demanding and self-centred, and so much more depth could’ve been added to her character, so that we could see what was underneath her insecurities, and pull towards Picasso even when he rejected her.
Although tragedies took place in some of the chapters, which could’ve become quite emotional to read, it lacked warmth, and I felt like somebody was narrating the story as an outsider, whereas the book was written in first person, as if Dora herself was narrating it.
I really wanted to like the book, but the cold detached style of the writing meant that I didn’t really get to know Dora at all.
February 4, 2025
Louisa Treger is a favourite author of mine, her novels are always so interesting and I enjoy learning about women that have made their mark in history. She has the knack of turning the stories of such women into exceptional stories that blend fact and fiction.
'The Paris Muse' is the fictionalised story of the greatest love affair in art history. Dora Maar was a talented photographic artist, a strong woman whose downfall was falling in love with Pablo Picasso. Their relationship was extremely toxic and despite knowing his unpleasant flaws she was unable to break away from him. Over the years the relationship had a damaging effect on her mental health. A sad and self destructive love affair with a talented but chauvinistic man.
Based on the previous novels by this author that I have read, I had high expectations for 'The Paris Muse' and WOW it did not disappoint. It is an exhilarating read of love, anguish and longing, that I highly recommend to everyone. I just hope that Louisa Treger has many more, in her own words 'trail blazing women' to bring to life in future novels.
https://lindyloumacbookreviews.blogsp...
'The Paris Muse' is the fictionalised story of the greatest love affair in art history. Dora Maar was a talented photographic artist, a strong woman whose downfall was falling in love with Pablo Picasso. Their relationship was extremely toxic and despite knowing his unpleasant flaws she was unable to break away from him. Over the years the relationship had a damaging effect on her mental health. A sad and self destructive love affair with a talented but chauvinistic man.
Based on the previous novels by this author that I have read, I had high expectations for 'The Paris Muse' and WOW it did not disappoint. It is an exhilarating read of love, anguish and longing, that I highly recommend to everyone. I just hope that Louisa Treger has many more, in her own words 'trail blazing women' to bring to life in future novels.
https://lindyloumacbookreviews.blogsp...
July 4, 2024
The Paris Muse is a fictional story by the author, although some of the characters were real living people once upon a time.
Henriette Theodora Markovitch, subsequently known as Dora Maar was one of Pablo Picasso’s lovers. This book tells the story from her point of view, of how things could possibly have happened. She was Picasso’s muse.
History has a habit of telling stories of famous men, but not so much the women behind them with their own talents and presence, so it’s always good to see further perspectives.
I totally enjoyed reading this book and found it so hard to put down. I really emotionally felt for Dora in the book, I can’t believe how much she accepted and endured, and so wished she’d had a stronger female back up.
I don’t know much about the Arts although I am aware of Picasso’s work.
I was not aware of Dora Maar, but have looked up some of the characters in the book including her to find out more about them.
A book I won’t forget.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Publisher for an advanced e-book copy. Opinions about the book are entirely my own.
Henriette Theodora Markovitch, subsequently known as Dora Maar was one of Pablo Picasso’s lovers. This book tells the story from her point of view, of how things could possibly have happened. She was Picasso’s muse.
History has a habit of telling stories of famous men, but not so much the women behind them with their own talents and presence, so it’s always good to see further perspectives.
I totally enjoyed reading this book and found it so hard to put down. I really emotionally felt for Dora in the book, I can’t believe how much she accepted and endured, and so wished she’d had a stronger female back up.
I don’t know much about the Arts although I am aware of Picasso’s work.
I was not aware of Dora Maar, but have looked up some of the characters in the book including her to find out more about them.
A book I won’t forget.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Publisher for an advanced e-book copy. Opinions about the book are entirely my own.
October 8, 2024
Dora Maar, a talented French photographer, is mesmerized by Pablo Picasso even before she conspires to meet him. When she does an electrifying affair begins.
Set in Paris and the French Riviera in the 1930’s, the novel explores Picasso as the maverick genius that he was. Dora Maar became his muse, and one of the important women in his life. The dark side of their relationship dovetails with the war years and Dora is eventually compelled to confront her own demons.
Louisa Trager’s The Paris Muse is a powerful, unforgettable novel.
The author takes us right into the heart of this passionate, destructive affair, and gives Dora Maar, ‘The Weeping Woman’ the spotlight she always deserved.
Trager’s writing is on fire in this novel, and she has produced her very own masterpiece.
If you only read one more book this year, make it this one!
Review - Gail Gilbride
Set in Paris and the French Riviera in the 1930’s, the novel explores Picasso as the maverick genius that he was. Dora Maar became his muse, and one of the important women in his life. The dark side of their relationship dovetails with the war years and Dora is eventually compelled to confront her own demons.
Louisa Trager’s The Paris Muse is a powerful, unforgettable novel.
The author takes us right into the heart of this passionate, destructive affair, and gives Dora Maar, ‘The Weeping Woman’ the spotlight she always deserved.
Trager’s writing is on fire in this novel, and she has produced her very own masterpiece.
If you only read one more book this year, make it this one!
Review - Gail Gilbride
December 12, 2025
В „Музата на Пикасо. Най-великата любовна история от света на изкуството“ Луиза Трегър се насочва към една от най-сложните, противоречиви и често погрешно интерпретирани фигури в орбитата на Пабло Пикасо - фотографката, художничка и поетеса Дора Маар. Романът, издаден на български от „Enthusiast“, предлага художествена, но внимателно аргументирана интерпретация на връзката между двамата творци, превръщайки добре познатата история за „Плачещата жена“ в разказ за жената зад образа, за цената на любовта към един гений и за усилието да намериш собствен глас в неговата сянка. Прочетете ревюто на "Книжни Криле": https://knijnikrile.wordpress.com/202...
June 2, 2024
A tale of its time - the life of a muse is an emotional rollercoaster. The balance of power between men and women is so strongly contrasted in this book and it is so hard to try to accept this status quote and give a balanced opinion of Dora and Pablo’s relationship. On reflection it still seems to me that she adopts the role of victim and does not have the strength to extricate herself from this abusive relationship. It’s a tough book to remain objective about but well written enough that you care. I still find so much within the pages unpalatable in the treatment of a fellow human being who is supposedly your love. Maybe I’m just too conservative but absolutely applaud the author in her ability to deliver a tale without judgement.
May 10, 2025
I'm ashamed to say I'm a bit of an art heathen - I had to Google Guernica half way through this book to see what it was. This isn't a book I would have naturally chosen, but I was given it after attending a Glitterary Lunch in Edinburgh last year.
That being said, I loved this story of Picasso's muse, not as a real life story but as a fictional tale of painful and obsessive love. My heart hurt, my head couldn't understand, it was fantastic.
I don't love historical fiction of real people, as we affix fake conversations to them. So while I will now Google Dora's art, I don't want to confuse the fact with the fiction.
That being said, I loved this story of Picasso's muse, not as a real life story but as a fictional tale of painful and obsessive love. My heart hurt, my head couldn't understand, it was fantastic.
I don't love historical fiction of real people, as we affix fake conversations to them. So while I will now Google Dora's art, I don't want to confuse the fact with the fiction.
January 30, 2025
Another fabulous book by Louisa Treger. I knew nothing about artists or the artistic world of artists, how they lived, how they worked and socialised. And Dora Marr, her influence on the famous painter Picasso was art changing or should I say art inspiring. This is her story woven forever into Picassos story. But it’s not all about art, it’s about love, want, need and having, which the reader can identify with also. Take this journey with Louisa as she brings to life the historical along with the fascinating.
I throughly recommend this book to everyone no matter your genre preferences.
I throughly recommend this book to everyone no matter your genre preferences.
May 26, 2025
All men are bastards you could be forgiven for thinking this is so after reading this. Paintig Picasso as a man whose talent supercedes good manners and decent behaviour.
This story of Donna Marr could be replicated dozens of times over of talented women who are attractive to powerful and creative men, beause of their own talent and genius to be treated appallingly and cast aside at the whim of these men.
Interestingly Donna Marr is a photographer an art form I love. I enjoyed this read.
This story of Donna Marr could be replicated dozens of times over of talented women who are attractive to powerful and creative men, beause of their own talent and genius to be treated appallingly and cast aside at the whim of these men.
Interestingly Donna Marr is a photographer an art form I love. I enjoyed this read.
May 26, 2025
The Paris Muse is a fictionalized version of the relationship between Pablo Picasso and Dora Maar. Even though it’s fiction, it was heavily researched and based on their real life together. Picasso comes across as a narcissistic man, who cares only about his art. He uses women to inspire his art, with little regard for their emotional wellbeing. Dora is a talented photographer and painter in her in own right. She is emotionally tortured and obsessed with her relationship with Picasso. The reader is left with respect for Picasso’s art, but disdain for his character.
September 7, 2024
Explores the relationship between Picasso and Dora Maar
Written in the first person narrative allowing Dora to tell her story.
It’s an emotional rollercoaster of a read with upsetting scenes depicting their toxic and destructive nine year relationship
A well researched historical novel of an extraordinary woman
Thanks @louisatreger @bloomsburypublishing & @netgalley for the powerful historical read
Written in the first person narrative allowing Dora to tell her story.
It’s an emotional rollercoaster of a read with upsetting scenes depicting their toxic and destructive nine year relationship
A well researched historical novel of an extraordinary woman
Thanks @louisatreger @bloomsburypublishing & @netgalley for the powerful historical read
April 8, 2024
UNPUTDOWNABLE. An electrifying read from a hugely talented writer at the top of her game. Moving, sensual, informative, and luscious. Here’s your window onto the world of Picasso, Dora Maar and some of the greatest artists of the 20th century in Paris and the South of France. I felt I was living with them. Brilliant brilliant book.
September 30, 2024
Discovering Dora Maar was an intoxicating experience and I learnt as much about her, and how she became to be, as about Picasso, the abhorrent man and all consuming artist. The novel has stayed with me long since I finished reading it, as it is such a relevant and evocative read. That is what we love about a book, as time is the most valuable thing we have to give.
April 10, 2025
The Paris Muse is a novel about Dora Maar, one of Picasso's lovers and a talented artist and photographer in her own right. Dora meets Picasso in Paris in 1936 and falls for him instantly. But as with all the women who loved him Picasso does not treat Dora well and Ms Treger writes about their affair and Picasso's betrayal with the passion it warrants. Highly recommended read.
May 15, 2025
Wow - this book was utterly eye-opening, disturbing, captivating, enthralling. All the emotions, all at once! So beautifully written, a fascinating insight into Picasso and his muse - a talented artist in her own right - Dora Maar. A love story, but so dark and twisted, all my pre-conceptions are turned on their heads. Bravo to the author: this is a fantastic read.
June 28, 2025
Kreativ bok som forvandler fakta fra biografier til en spennende og vond roman om hvor ødeleggende kjærligheten kan være. En bok som er vanskelig å legge fra seg og slukes hel. Klarer nok aldri å se på Picasso på samme måte igjen. Virkelig til å anbefale om man er glad i kunsthistorie også. Veldig gøy at store deler av handlingen fant sted i Paris
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews