Loved it!

Over a year ago I read a book by Emmelie Arts that I was so excited about. When I saw that @uitgeverijhamleybooks was going to publish a new book by her, I wanted to read and review it immediately. And with luck.... Because for Hamley I had to do just that!

The story of 'The Painters Muse' is set in Venice in 1613. It is told from the perspectives of Lorenzo and Artemisia, the two main characters in the book, and a third character, Marco. All three characters have something unique about them and a (back)story that immediately captures your interest. The detailed narration makes you feel like you are there. Reading in Old English (many words from the old days 400 years ago) was a bit of an adjustment, but you get used to it the more you get into the story.

That this is a love story is made clear at the beginning of the book. But there is much more to this book. It is a story about loss and betrayal, but also about the possibility of finding (forbidden) love. There is certainly no lack of suspense in this story, nor is there any lack of longing. Lorenzo, Marco and Artemisia have so many secrets, but that is what makes the book so mysterious. And therefore so delightful to read.

I love how the author has incorporated Shakespeare into the story. Shakespeare's plays are often seen as beautiful, but also full of tragedy. You can find some of that in this book.

But above all, this book is a great mystery; the characters, the objects, the stories and the loves... It will draw you in. You start this book and before you know it, you have finished it. A sign that the book is incredibly well written and that you really enjoyed reading it. So did I!