Muse a novel

I'm in awe of Mary Novik's talent. What I love about her work is that through her active prose, she immerses the reader in the experience of the times.

In Muse, through the eyes of Solange, a young girl who has already witnessed too much for her age, I was taken back to the 14th century, to Avignon. As she grows up and becomes a scribe, I learn about the poet Petrarch, and how she comes to love him. Through their encounters, many lessons of love emerge. As I followed her story, I witnessed the life of the poor, the devotion of nuns and the extravagance of the reigning Pope.

I was especially pleased with this read as I had visited Avignon a decade ago and toured the former Papal Palace. After I had heard some of its stories, I wanted to know more. This book satisfied some of that curiosity and gave me an entertaining read as well.