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A review by what_heather_loves
The Whispering Muse by Laura Purcell
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
"While Lilith cherished the watch, it felt as though Melpomene had drawn the life force from the theatre, from Likith's very body, to make her art more vital on stage."
Jenny is hired by suspicious and jealous Mrs Dyer, who owns The Mercury Theatre in London's West End, to both dress and spy on lead actress, Lilith. Supposedly having made a pact with Melpomene, the tragic muse of Greek mythology, Lilith's performances are bewitching audiences and also Mr Dyer, who gifted her a talismanic watch taken from the body of Melpomene's previous muse. Jenny soon finds the theatre, with its ambitious and superstitious actors, a dangerous place to be, as tragic deaths occur on stage. As focused and talented Lilith's acting gains greater prestige and devout fans, Jenny becomes aware she is fading rapidly, when off stage.
This ensconcing, gothic tale is what I love about the author's atmospheric novels. I assume it is set in the Victorian era, but don't think a date was given. Focusing on three women, there's Jenny's desperation to drag her siblings from poverty, Lilith's desperation to become a renowned actor and Mrs Dyer's desperation to rid herself of her husband's, younger mistress. Jenny is easy to take to, as the reader, sharp and bright, but dislikeable at first, Lilith grew on me as I understood her life. Split into five acts, where different plays are performed, the theatre and the plays are characters in their own right. There's blood and gore, an air of menace and the supernatural that builds to tragedies that shock. Deals with the devil and jealousy are the themes that run the plot that moved along quickly, as I devoured this creepy tale. If you like contemporary, gothic fiction, this one is for you!
Jenny is hired by suspicious and jealous Mrs Dyer, who owns The Mercury Theatre in London's West End, to both dress and spy on lead actress, Lilith. Supposedly having made a pact with Melpomene, the tragic muse of Greek mythology, Lilith's performances are bewitching audiences and also Mr Dyer, who gifted her a talismanic watch taken from the body of Melpomene's previous muse. Jenny soon finds the theatre, with its ambitious and superstitious actors, a dangerous place to be, as tragic deaths occur on stage. As focused and talented Lilith's acting gains greater prestige and devout fans, Jenny becomes aware she is fading rapidly, when off stage.
This ensconcing, gothic tale is what I love about the author's atmospheric novels. I assume it is set in the Victorian era, but don't think a date was given. Focusing on three women, there's Jenny's desperation to drag her siblings from poverty, Lilith's desperation to become a renowned actor and Mrs Dyer's desperation to rid herself of her husband's, younger mistress. Jenny is easy to take to, as the reader, sharp and bright, but dislikeable at first, Lilith grew on me as I understood her life. Split into five acts, where different plays are performed, the theatre and the plays are characters in their own right. There's blood and gore, an air of menace and the supernatural that builds to tragedies that shock. Deals with the devil and jealousy are the themes that run the plot that moved along quickly, as I devoured this creepy tale. If you like contemporary, gothic fiction, this one is for you!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Abortion
Moderate: Death, Suicide, Blood, and Pregnancy
Minor: Vomit