Muse (novel)

Muse is a 2013 novel by the Canadian author Mary Novik.[1] It is set in 14th century Avignon.[2] The book follows Solange, a fictional character based on Laura de Noves, supposedly (though not in history) the mistress of the Italian poet Francesco Petrarch and the unnamed mother of his children.[3][4][5]

Muse
Cover of paperback
AuthorMary Novik
Cover artistKelly Hill (design)
CountryCanada
LanguageEnglish
GenreNovel
Published2013 Doubleday Canada
Media typePrint (paperback) and e-book
Pages324
ISBN978-0-385-66821-7 trade paperback, 978-0-385-66822-4 e-book, 978-0-385-66823-1 paperback
Preceded byConceit 

Muse is Novik's second book. It was first published in 2013 by Doubleday Canada. An Italian translation, entitled L'amante del Papa, was published by Newton Compton Editori, also in 2013.

Synopsis

The story is narrated by Solange Le Blanc, a young woman who has been raised in a Benedictine nunnery from birth and trained to be a scribe. However, she is also believed to be clairvoyant. The nuns believe that Solange will make their nunnery famous, even though her visions are frequently disturbing and eventually cause her to flee to Avignon, where she tries to find work as a scribe. Through her work as a scribe she meets Petrarch and the two begin a torrid affair.

Reception

Critical reception for Muse has been positive. The Winnipeg Free Press wrote that "As literary fiction, Muse is an illuminating portrait of women struggling to have it all, including lovers, children, fortune and prominence, despite whatever pain they endure."[6][7][8] Quill & Quire praised the work, writing "At times, Muse tips into melodrama, but it highlights an intriguing and admirably resilient figure. Solange recognizes and embraces her sins, her weaknesses, and her desire for romantic and carnal love."[9]

References
  1. Chau, David. "BOV 2013: In Muse, Mary Novik's heroine enchants poets and popes". The Georgia Straight. Retrieved 3 July 2015.
  2. Robert Wiersema. "Love Poetry's Labour Lost", The Vancouver Sun, August 17, 2013, p. C7
  3. McKenzie, Athena. "Mary Novik's Muse imagines the woman behind a great man". The Globe and Mail. Retrieved 3 July 2015.
  4. McPhee, Erin. "Mary Novik explores the romance of medieval history in new novel". North Shore News. Retrieved 3 July 2015.
  5. Joan Givner. "Solange and the Flaming Spear", BC Bookworld, Vol. 27, No. 2 (Summer 2013), pp. 24, 26
  6. Pawluk, Jennifer. "A medieval woman's work is never done". Winnipeg Free Press. Retrieved 3 July 2015.
  7. "Muse (review)". Historical Novel Society. Retrieved 3 July 2015.
  8. PERREAULT, MATHIEU. "Muse, de Mary Novik: *** 1/2". La Presse. Retrieved 3 July 2015.
  9. Hansen, Dana. "Muse (review)". Quill & Quire. Retrieved 3 July 2015.
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