Paris, 1936, and when Dora Maar, a talented French photographer, painter and poet, is introduced to Pablo Picasso, she is mesmerized by his dark and intense stare.
Drawn to his volcanic creativity, it isn’t long before she embarks on a passionate relationship with the Spanish artist that sometimes includes sadism and masochism and ultimately pushes her to the edge.
This is the fictionalised retelling of this disturbing love story, as we follow Dora on her journey of self-discovery and expression.
Set in Paris and the French Riviera, where Dora and Pablo spent their holidays with their glamorous artist friends, it provides a fascinating insight into how Picasso was a genius who side-stepped the rules in his human relationships as he did in his art.
Much to Dora’s torment, he refused to divorce his wife and conducted affairs with Dora’s friends.
The Spanish Civil War made him depressed and violent, an angst that culminated in his acclaimed painting ‘Guernica’, which Dora documented as he painted.
The Paris Muse by Louisa Treger is published on 4 July, 2024.
If you enjoy historical fiction, have a look at our round-up of over 180 books published this year.
