THE MUSE

A brilliant painting of uncertain provenance is at the center of Burton's [THE MINIATURIST] second historical novel. The saga unfolds in two time periods, featuring two women, Odelle Bastien, a poet and Trinidadian transplant to 1960s London, and Olive Schloss, a 19-year-old art lover in 1930s Andalusia. Narrator Bahni Turpin makes Odelle's island accent melodic and completely credible. Odelle encourages her friend to bring his painting to the attention of the art experts she works for. The painting's origins come under scrutiny, leading listeners to Olive, and her love for artist Isaac Robles. Maria Elena Infantino has a lovely voice; however, her delivery of Olive's storyline misses the mark, with characterizations bordering on caricature. Still, the women's stories are engrossing, and Turpin hits every note perfectly. S.J.H. © AudioFile 2016, Portland, Maine [Published: SEPTEMBER 2016]