Muse

LoveReading Says

A Maxim Jakubowski selected title.

A witty tale of the book world, writers, muses and the vagaries of the intellectual mind, this short debut novel by a veteran US publisher and accomplished poet might appear lightweight at first, but its layers unwrap slowly and deliciously to offer wonderful characters and a torrent of subtleties tinged with knowing humour.

For an ex-publisher like myself, MUSE  is a particular delight as it evokes memories of a vety particular trade in which high art and commerce have always coexisted uncomfortably and it's easy to put actual names to many characters inspired by reality, but such previous knowledge is not necessary as the innocent reader can equally enjoy this fluid tale of writing rivalry, inspiration, professional jealousy and the roots of creativity as if an amusing tale of human foibles by the likes of Nabokov was unfolding. A most elegant entertainment. ~ Maxim Jakubowski

Reviewed by Maxim Jakubowski
Maxim Jakubowski is a London-based novelist and editor.
More reviews by Maxim Jakubowski

About Muse

Paul Dukach is heir apparent at Purcell & Stern, one of the last independent publishing houses in New York, whose shabby offices belie the treasures of its list. Thanks to his boss, the flamboyant Homer Stern, Paul learns the vagaries of the book world: how to work an agent over lunch and swim with the literary sharks at Frankfurt book fair; how to marry flattery with criticism when combing over the manuscripts of brilliant, volatile authors.

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