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3.36 AVERAGE
3.36 AVERAGE
A 30 something year old woman throwing herself after a crush from college was depressing enough, but the incoherent timeline of the book made this a DNF. How do you go from spending 3 days somewhere to not speaking with someone you're staying with for weeks?
Thank you source books for the review copy! The Estate from Sarah Jost is a pitch perfect read for fans of slow burn gothic reads, particularly ones that explore magical realism, weird families/art world and old Europe themes, and/or themes related to Lady of the Lake and related Arthurian Legends. This books is for you!
For me, these themes work but only to a degree, I at times found the writing to be a bit to slow and filled with detailed tangents that I don't know worked for me (a lot of character background, perhaps a bit too much focus on a male main character) but that's not fair to a well written, nuanced book, one that is captivating for the themes on being "drawn into art", seeing the mind set/life and feelings of an artist, and really thoughtful insights into the invisibility of women artists. I was reminded a bit of themes from Anita de Monte laughs last in terms of women artists, their silenced voices, and the efforts to uncover and reclaim their art and identity.
For me, these themes work but only to a degree, I at times found the writing to be a bit to slow and filled with detailed tangents that I don't know worked for me (a lot of character background, perhaps a bit too much focus on a male main character) but that's not fair to a well written, nuanced book, one that is captivating for the themes on being "drawn into art", seeing the mind set/life and feelings of an artist, and really thoughtful insights into the invisibility of women artists. I was reminded a bit of themes from Anita de Monte laughs last in terms of women artists, their silenced voices, and the efforts to uncover and reclaim their art and identity.
dark
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Unfortunately, this fell very short for me. The concept of Camille’s gift was intriguing and the near-horror description of the incorrect piece drew me in immediately. It went off the rails from there, though. I found all of the characters to be unlikable, and the story didn’t seem appropriately paced. Two stars because I liked the concept and finished it, but overall this one wasn’t for me.
*thanks to Sourcebooks Landmark and NetGalley for the ARC!*
*thanks to Sourcebooks Landmark and NetGalley for the ARC!*
For awhile, I thought my review would be along the lines of, "Girl, you're 35. Much too old to be falling for the tricks of a hot, wealthy, French narcissist. Seek therapy." BUT while this was honestly enjoyable throughout, it really came together at the very end when secrets are revealed and life decisions are made. That's what made this make sense and read as much more than that feeling that had stayed throughout. The message in the end was
adventurous
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
She stood in the middle of the gallery, studying the sculpture in front of her. Its lines were sharp, its angles harsh, the ominous aura surrounding it overtaking every one of her senses. Something wasn’t right with this piece.
The Estate is a thriller following Camille, a woman working in the prestigious art world. Camille has a special gift when it comes to observing and appraising art… a power that sets her apart from everyone else.
While this is marketed as a thriller, I would categorize it as a literary suspense with magical realism instead. It’s not your typical thriller, but instead explores the darkness in the art world and the emotion artists can evoke with their work. I found myself immersed in this story and even with the incorrect marketing, I still found it to be a good read. I didn’t always love the decisions the main character made, but the exploration of friendship and the love found in that type of relationship really made me connect with the characters in the end.
If you like books dealing with art/artists, magical realism, suspense with a romantic aspect, and a haunting atmosphere… then I’d recommend trying this one.
The Estate is a thriller following Camille, a woman working in the prestigious art world. Camille has a special gift when it comes to observing and appraising art… a power that sets her apart from everyone else.
While this is marketed as a thriller, I would categorize it as a literary suspense with magical realism instead. It’s not your typical thriller, but instead explores the darkness in the art world and the emotion artists can evoke with their work. I found myself immersed in this story and even with the incorrect marketing, I still found it to be a good read. I didn’t always love the decisions the main character made, but the exploration of friendship and the love found in that type of relationship really made me connect with the characters in the end.
If you like books dealing with art/artists, magical realism, suspense with a romantic aspect, and a haunting atmosphere… then I’d recommend trying this one.
adventurous
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
The Estate is a dark magical thriller set in the world of art in France.
Camille is a well-known art specialist and auctioneer. She specializes in French sculpture and has studied Constance Sorel's work extensively . Sorel is thought of as just a muse for the better-known Bouisseau, but Camille is determined to make her a household name as well.
Camille has a gift - she can enter the world of any art piece she chooses. She can see what the artist put of themselves in the work. When a new Sorel piece is discovered, Camille enters the piece and thinks it is a fake. She accidentally pulls someone else in with her, and the woman is hospitalized. Camille is fired and goes home to regroup.
A collector and member of the French art world, Maxime, invites her to his estate to authenticate some Sorels they have. She has met him a few times before, once in their childhood, when she first learned of her gift. He lives near the Arthurian landmarks, and the sculptures he found are from that mythology. They don't feel quite right either, but soon Camille is enmeshed in the estate where Maxime and his family live, and their history. Sorel lived there once, with Maxime's ancestors, and Camille loses herself in her story. What happened to her here?
This book will keep you guessing and uncertain about what is real, what is right, and what Camille should do. I didn't want to put it down!
Thanks to Netgalley for the advance copy of this book.
Camille is a well-known art specialist and auctioneer. She specializes in French sculpture and has studied Constance Sorel's work extensively . Sorel is thought of as just a muse for the better-known Bouisseau, but Camille is determined to make her a household name as well.
Camille has a gift - she can enter the world of any art piece she chooses. She can see what the artist put of themselves in the work. When a new Sorel piece is discovered, Camille enters the piece and thinks it is a fake. She accidentally pulls someone else in with her, and the woman is hospitalized. Camille is fired and goes home to regroup.
A collector and member of the French art world, Maxime, invites her to his estate to authenticate some Sorels they have. She has met him a few times before, once in their childhood, when she first learned of her gift. He lives near the Arthurian landmarks, and the sculptures he found are from that mythology. They don't feel quite right either, but soon Camille is enmeshed in the estate where Maxime and his family live, and their history. Sorel lived there once, with Maxime's ancestors, and Camille loses herself in her story. What happened to her here?
This book will keep you guessing and uncertain about what is real, what is right, and what Camille should do. I didn't want to put it down!
Thanks to Netgalley for the advance copy of this book.