Review of 'The Artist's Secret' by Alexandra Joel

Review of 'The Artist's Secret' by Alexandra Joel

Published on: January 4th, 2023

Publisher: HarperCollins Australia

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REVIEW

What an intriguing fast paced story! I thoroughly enjoyed The Artist’s Secret and was glued to its pages. Alexandra Joel’s novels are always works of literary art: well-crafted, full of mystery, fashion, intrigue, danger, stunning descriptions and memorable characters. But this novel ascends to a whole new level. There are more twists, turns and surprises than you can count. Which, of course, keeps the reader’s interest at mountain peak levels. And the discerning details are ample and brilliant. I’m sincerely in awe of the writing skill exhibited in The Artist’s Secret. It is a real award winning masterpiece!

This story is swimming in secrets and hidden identities. There are trust issues between colleagues and romantic acquaintances. Jealousy rears its ugly head and horrendous violations occur. Gender, age and nationality prejudices come into the foreground, too. This story has it all. Even the Mafia and royalty!

This exceptional dual timeline novel swings effortlessly back and forth between 1965 and 1987. Two stories of one troubled family. Our main lead in the most current thread (1987) is twenty-two year old Wren Summers. She is a quick learner, smart, beautiful, strong, insightful, gifted in art analysis and ready to tackle any challenge set before her. But no matter how hard she tries to escape her unusual upbringing, it infringes on the present. She has grown up in a commune on the south coast of NSW with her unconventional artist mother. Her father is absent. In fact, she knows nothing about him. But although her life as a child may have not been ideal, she has admired her mother’s work and appreciated that Lily’s love was always available to her.

Even so, with these positive’s, Wren is not only affected by this woman’s known social rebellion but also her romantic failures. For she has taught Wren one lesson: the ‘untrustworthy nature of men’ and to avoid ‘the male gaze.’ The latter becomes quite difficult for Wren as no matter how hard she tries to conceal her attractiveness, she still gets ‘the stare’. Worst yet, is when passion overrules her mind—especially when she is drinking— she loses site of her mother’s warnings and the consequences are dire. But this advice, though well meaning, is based on her mother’s past experiences. And although it is meant to steer Wren in the right direction, it more often leads her on a path to confusion. For she does not know who or who not to trust. And yes, her mother’s warning often proves true but does being so single-minded blind her to real love when it finally makes an appearance? Needless to say, there are lots of false starts and moments of indecision as this war within plays merry havoc with Wren’s personal life.

Lily’s influence and lifestyle are far reaching. These elements often become challenges for her daughter. When Wren eventually escapes the commune existence and lands her dream job at the Sydney Art Museum, her life heads into some unexpected directions. She has a promising career ahead of her but certain events threaten her goal. And family history does not let go of her so easily with the aura of mystique surrounding her mother’s life (and lack of information on her father). Eventually the mystery evaporates and a mountain of truth appears from under a cloud. But before this happens, there are many bumps in the road and many secrets to reveal—especially when Wren must deliver on a promise to her mother when a life altering event happens.

Love is at the core of Lily’s story but distrust, too, and when we return to 1965 we get a clear picture of her past, her artwork, her sweetheart and her devastating heartbreak. Thankfully in 1987, a shocking reveal happens that ties all the scattered threads together. The issues that tore this couple apart are made known. But the clock is ticking and is there enough time to make amends? Here in this part of the plot, our hearts slowly shatter for Lily. But Alexandra has a satisfying and realistic ending. There is family healing and restoration. Fresh trust sprouts from the once bitter leaves and blossoms in a new beginning. I give this beautifully written novel that held me in a tight grip from the first page to the last, 5 perfect Stars. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Many thanks to the author and HarperCollins Au for a review copy.