Waterstones’ book of the week is The Artist, a lush, impressive debut novel by Lucy Steeds.
Richly evocative of a Provençal summer, Steeds’ masterly 1920s-set novel focuses on an enigmatic painter, the young journalist set on penning a piece on him and the artist’s niece who harbours an unexpected secret.
Joseph, an aspiring journalist, has been invited to the house. He believes he’ll make his name by interviewing the reclusive painter, the great Edouard Tartuffe.
But everyone has their secrets. And, under the cover of darkness, Ettie has spent years cultivating hers.
Over this sweltering summer, everyone’s true colours will be revealed.
Because Ettie is ready to be seen. Even if it means setting her world on fire.
Waterstones Top Ten
1. The Safekeep – Yael Van Der Wouden
2. Caught Up – Navessa Allen
3. Midnight and Blue – Ian Rankin
4. Sleepwalkers – Scarlett Thomas
5. The Place of Tides – James Rebanks
6. Raising Hare – Chloe Dalton
7. The Troubled Deep – Rob Parker
8. Don’t Let Him In – Lisa Jewell
9. Death at Fakenham – Ross Greenwood
10. Rewitched – Lucy Jane Wood
