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The Artist's Portrait

By Julie Keys
0.0 (0 reviews)
3.69 goodreads logo

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Check link for latest rating. ( 147 ratings, 27 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
The Artist's Portrait by Julie Keys delves into the intricate storytelling of interwoven lives, focusing on the mysterious and enthralling dynamics between an artist and her sitter. Set across New South Wales, it traverses themes of memory, identity, and artistry, revealing the complex layers of both art and life. This gripping narrative, painted with richly developed characters, invites readers to explore the blurred lines between reality and perception.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this novel if you're captivated by stories that delve into the complexities of identity, memory, and art. Set in both contemporary and post-war Australia, it weaves a compelling narrative that explores the blurred lines between truth and fiction, making it a perfect choice for readers who appreciate richly layered storytelling and character-driven plots.

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SHORTLISTED FOR THE MUD LITERARY PRIZE 2020. A story about art, murder, and making your place in history.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description
SHORTLISTED FOR THE MUD LITERARY PRIZE 2020

'An intriguing read with compelling descriptions of early 20th-century Sydney in all its squalor, debauchery and fascinating historical detail.' Who Weekly

'A brisk, original tale written with verve' Mud Literary Prize judging committee

A story about art, murder, and making your place in history.

Whatever it was that drew me to Muriel, it wasn't her charm.

In 1992, morning sickness drives Jane to pre-dawn walks of her neighbourhood where she meets an unfriendly woman who sprays her with a hose as she passes by. When they do talk: Muriel Kemp eyes my pregnant belly and tells me if I really want to succeed, I'd get rid of the baby.

Driven to find out more about her curmudgeonly neighbour, Jane Cooper begins to investigate the life of Muriel, who claims to be a famous artist from Sydney's bohemian 1920s. Contemporary critics argue that legend, rather than ability, has secured her position in history. They also claim that the real Muriel Kemp died in 1936.

Murderer, narcissist, sexual deviant or artistic genius and a woman before her time: Who really is Muriel Kemp?

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

The Artist's Portrait by Julie Keys has been praised as a compelling addition to Australian fiction with a strong narrative voice. It captivates readers with its intriguing and evocative storytelling, engaging them to the extent that some found it worthwhile to read more than once for a deeper understanding. It is lauded for its subtle yet impactful examination of gender and creativity.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780733640940

Publisher: Hachette Australia

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 26 March 2019

Country: Australia

Imprint: Hachette Australia

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 24.0mm

Width: 154.0mm

Height: 232.0mm

Weight: 380g

Pages: 304

Collections

Fiction General Fiction Julie Keys Literary Fiction

About the Author

Julie Keys lives in the Illawarra region on the NSW south coast. Her short stories have been published across a range of Australian journals.

Julie has worked as a tutor, a registered nurse, a youth worker and as a clinical trials coordinator. She is now studying a PhD in creative arts at the University of Wollongong and writing full-time. Her debut novel, The Artist's Portrait, was shortlisted for The Richell Prize for Emerging Writers in 2017.

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