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The Artist's Portrait
A story about art, murder, and marking your place in history.
Whatever it was that drew me to Muriel, it wasn't her charm.
In 1992, morning sickness drives Jane to pre-dawn walks of her neighbourhood where she meets an unfriendly woman who sprays her with a hose as she passes by. When they do talk: Muriel Kemp eyes my pregnant belly and tells me if I really want to succeed, I'd get rid of the baby.
Driven to find out more about her curmudgeonly neighbour, Jane Cooper begins to investigate the life of Muriel, who claims to be a famous artist from Sydney's bohemian 1920s. Contemporary critics argue that legend, rather than ability, has secured her position in history. They also claim that the real Muriel Kemp died in 1936.
Murderer, narcissist, sexual deviant or artistic genius and a woman before her time: Who really is Muriel Kemp?
Whatever it was that drew me to Muriel, it wasn't her charm.
In 1992, morning sickness drives Jane to pre-dawn walks of her neighbourhood where she meets an unfriendly woman who sprays her with a hose as she passes by. When they do talk: Muriel Kemp eyes my pregnant belly and tells me if I really want to succeed, I'd get rid of the baby.
Driven to find out more about her curmudgeonly neighbour, Jane Cooper begins to investigate the life of Muriel, who claims to be a famous artist from Sydney's bohemian 1920s. Contemporary critics argue that legend, rather than ability, has secured her position in history. They also claim that the real Muriel Kemp died in 1936.
Murderer, narcissist, sexual deviant or artistic genius and a woman before her time: Who really is Muriel Kemp?
- GenresFiction
304 pages, Paperback
First published March 26, 2019
7 people are currently reading
176 people want to read
About the author
Julie Keys
1 book12 followersJulie Keys lives in the Illawarra region on the NSW south coast. Her short stories have been published across a range of Australian journals.
Julie has worked as a tutor, a registered nurse, a youth worker and as a clinical trials coordinator. She is now studying a PhD in creative arts at the University of Wollongong and writing full-time. Her debut novel, The Artist's Portrait, was shortlisted for The Richell Prize for Emerging Writers in 2017.
Julie has worked as a tutor, a registered nurse, a youth worker and as a clinical trials coordinator. She is now studying a PhD in creative arts at the University of Wollongong and writing full-time. Her debut novel, The Artist's Portrait, was shortlisted for The Richell Prize for Emerging Writers in 2017.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
November 10, 2019
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**2.5 stars**
The Artist's Portrait by Julie Keys. (2019).
In 1992, morning sickness means Jane takes pre-dawn walks which leads her to meet an unfriendly woman who sprays her with a hose. That woman claims to be Muriel, an infamous artist from Sydney's bohemian 1920s. Critics argue that legend rather than ability has made Muriel infamous and records also claim that she died in 1936. Jane begins to investigate the life of Muriel. Murderer, narcissist, or artistic genius and a woman before her time: who really is Muriel?
This book came highly recommended by someone I have similar reading tastes to but unfortunately while I liked the concept I didn't really get into this book. I didn't like Muriel's narration style at all as it felt really abrupt; it suited the character well but I just didn't enjoy it myself. I actually didn't really like Muriel that much either. I was also confused why part of of the book focused on a friend of Jane's, Matt. To be fair it wasn't a large feature or anything but I felt the inclusion of his background and the emphasis on him wasn't necessary; maybe the significance went over my head. I ended the book with a lot of unanswered questions and thoughts, which I don't particularly like to finish a story feeling like that.
This novel was on the 2017 Richell Prize shortlist which is a great achievement and a lot of people have rated it highly and praised it - just wasn't my cup of tea.
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**2.5 stars**
The Artist's Portrait by Julie Keys. (2019).
In 1992, morning sickness means Jane takes pre-dawn walks which leads her to meet an unfriendly woman who sprays her with a hose. That woman claims to be Muriel, an infamous artist from Sydney's bohemian 1920s. Critics argue that legend rather than ability has made Muriel infamous and records also claim that she died in 1936. Jane begins to investigate the life of Muriel. Murderer, narcissist, or artistic genius and a woman before her time: who really is Muriel?
This book came highly recommended by someone I have similar reading tastes to but unfortunately while I liked the concept I didn't really get into this book. I didn't like Muriel's narration style at all as it felt really abrupt; it suited the character well but I just didn't enjoy it myself. I actually didn't really like Muriel that much either. I was also confused why part of of the book focused on a friend of Jane's, Matt. To be fair it wasn't a large feature or anything but I felt the inclusion of his background and the emphasis on him wasn't necessary; maybe the significance went over my head. I ended the book with a lot of unanswered questions and thoughts, which I don't particularly like to finish a story feeling like that.
This novel was on the 2017 Richell Prize shortlist which is a great achievement and a lot of people have rated it highly and praised it - just wasn't my cup of tea.
September 19, 2019
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4.5 stars
Murder, identity, mystery and the art world all combine in The Artist’s Portrait, the debut novel from Australian author Julie Keys. The Artist’s Portrait was shortlisted for the 2017 Richell Prize and following this accolade, it was published by Hachette in March 2019. The Artist’s Portrait is exactly the sort of novel I gravitate towards, and the dual timeline structure utilised by the author works to gently unfurl events from the past in a contemporary setting. At the heart of this enthralling novel is the central mystery surrounding the identity of Muriel Kemp, a figurehead in the 1920s art world.
The Artist’s Portrait opens in the Winter 1914 with the chapter title ‘Tell it like it’s the truth’, which sets the scene for what is to come. With a trip to the Autumn of 1921, the novel then moves to the year 1992. ‘Near misses’, the chapter heading for February 1992, introduces the reader to Jane, a pregnant woman who has an interesting altercation with her neighbour. This experience sets in motion an investigation into the past, with Jane determined to discover what exactly happened to artist Muriel Kemp. This infamous artist and identity in the bohemian set of Sydney in 1920s supposedly perished in 1936. However, Jane’s unusual neighbour has a connection and claim to this figurehead. It is up to Jane to decipher if the legend of Muriel Kemp really did die in 1936.
The Artist’s Portrait immediately piqued my interest, more so due to the structure taken by debut novelist Julie Keys. The past to present and double timeline style of narration was executed beautifully by the author. The Artist’s Portrait offers the perfect balance of mystery and revelation. Keys moves back and forth between 1992 and the world the central character, Muriel Kemp inhabits from the 1920s. The interchanges do merge into one another, but I did not find I was confused, rather, I was consumed by this story and mode of narration.
Keys offsets Muriel Kemp’s historical experiences with Jane, an integral figure of this story in the year 1992. Jane is the key to this shadowy and complicated tale, as she unlocks a vault of secrets from the past. I appreciated how Keys was able to draw a few parallels in the lives of her leads, as both women experience emotional drama during the course of the novel, but in contrasted settings. I also admired much about Jane, she was a fabulous character. Jane’s dogged sense of determination to get the bottom of this mystery and reveal the truth surrounding Muriel Kemp was gallant.
In Muriel Kemp, we are presented with a full bodied character, with a very colorful life to match. Muriel is complex and her life is littered with scandal, ambition, love affairs and murder. The fascinating art world of 1920s Sydney truly comes alive, which is directly attributed to the storytelling abilities of Julie Keys. I really enjoyed being completely submerged during this revolutionary time in our nation’s past.
Keys really allows the reader to savour this intriguing story and the question of identity is carefully withheld until the parting moments of The Artist’s Portrait. I definitely surrendered myself to this book and I found the process of taking off each layer the central mystery presented to be fulfilling. The end left me shocked by Muriel’s true fate, but I won’t say more!
The Artist’s Portrait is a story of reputation, legend and secrecy, which is set to the vibrant art world of decades past. An essential bridge from the past to the present works to unjumble a perplexing question of identity, and it its wake, an enthralling murder mystery novel emerges. The Artist’s Portrait is highly recommended reading and I look forward to future writing by this talented new author.
*Thanks is extended to Hachette Australia for providing a free copy of this book for review purposes.
The Artist’s Portrait is book #119 of the 2019 Australian Women Writers Challenge
4.5 stars
Murder, identity, mystery and the art world all combine in The Artist’s Portrait, the debut novel from Australian author Julie Keys. The Artist’s Portrait was shortlisted for the 2017 Richell Prize and following this accolade, it was published by Hachette in March 2019. The Artist’s Portrait is exactly the sort of novel I gravitate towards, and the dual timeline structure utilised by the author works to gently unfurl events from the past in a contemporary setting. At the heart of this enthralling novel is the central mystery surrounding the identity of Muriel Kemp, a figurehead in the 1920s art world.
The Artist’s Portrait opens in the Winter 1914 with the chapter title ‘Tell it like it’s the truth’, which sets the scene for what is to come. With a trip to the Autumn of 1921, the novel then moves to the year 1992. ‘Near misses’, the chapter heading for February 1992, introduces the reader to Jane, a pregnant woman who has an interesting altercation with her neighbour. This experience sets in motion an investigation into the past, with Jane determined to discover what exactly happened to artist Muriel Kemp. This infamous artist and identity in the bohemian set of Sydney in 1920s supposedly perished in 1936. However, Jane’s unusual neighbour has a connection and claim to this figurehead. It is up to Jane to decipher if the legend of Muriel Kemp really did die in 1936.
The Artist’s Portrait immediately piqued my interest, more so due to the structure taken by debut novelist Julie Keys. The past to present and double timeline style of narration was executed beautifully by the author. The Artist’s Portrait offers the perfect balance of mystery and revelation. Keys moves back and forth between 1992 and the world the central character, Muriel Kemp inhabits from the 1920s. The interchanges do merge into one another, but I did not find I was confused, rather, I was consumed by this story and mode of narration.
Keys offsets Muriel Kemp’s historical experiences with Jane, an integral figure of this story in the year 1992. Jane is the key to this shadowy and complicated tale, as she unlocks a vault of secrets from the past. I appreciated how Keys was able to draw a few parallels in the lives of her leads, as both women experience emotional drama during the course of the novel, but in contrasted settings. I also admired much about Jane, she was a fabulous character. Jane’s dogged sense of determination to get the bottom of this mystery and reveal the truth surrounding Muriel Kemp was gallant.
In Muriel Kemp, we are presented with a full bodied character, with a very colorful life to match. Muriel is complex and her life is littered with scandal, ambition, love affairs and murder. The fascinating art world of 1920s Sydney truly comes alive, which is directly attributed to the storytelling abilities of Julie Keys. I really enjoyed being completely submerged during this revolutionary time in our nation’s past.
Keys really allows the reader to savour this intriguing story and the question of identity is carefully withheld until the parting moments of The Artist’s Portrait. I definitely surrendered myself to this book and I found the process of taking off each layer the central mystery presented to be fulfilling. The end left me shocked by Muriel’s true fate, but I won’t say more!
The Artist’s Portrait is a story of reputation, legend and secrecy, which is set to the vibrant art world of decades past. An essential bridge from the past to the present works to unjumble a perplexing question of identity, and it its wake, an enthralling murder mystery novel emerges. The Artist’s Portrait is highly recommended reading and I look forward to future writing by this talented new author.
*Thanks is extended to Hachette Australia for providing a free copy of this book for review purposes.
The Artist’s Portrait is book #119 of the 2019 Australian Women Writers Challenge
May 3, 2019
What a fabulous page turner! Loved the immediacy of the opening, the gorgeous richness of setting she brings both to the inner city 1920s and the Wollongong coast in the 1990s. Keys never wastes a word and her descriptions are evocative and authentic. Who can't see the 'flesh like dripping?' I savoured every page and want to read it again to pick up on some details that I may have missed the first time around. This is not a predictable book. Nor is Muriel or Jane predictable characters. Will definitely read whatever Julie Keys puts out next
September 28, 2021
This has a lot of great ideas and an intriguing plot with some great descriptions of place. As a debut novel it is an impressive story. The difficulty for me was the execution of time shifts and too many unreliable narrators which made it difficult to follow. The uncovering of layers of mystery became overshadowed by my efforts to keep track of the order of events. Also I really wanted some closure or purpose for Jane’s story as this seemed to be left hanging.
November 16, 2018
What an incredible debut by Richell Prize shortlister Julie Keys.
The Artist’s Portrait has everything I love in a novel - art, history, an intriguing mystery, characters who are beautifully flawed and realistically painted (see what I did there?) and lastly, writing that is raw, poignant, real and assured.
One of the things I most liked was the depiction of Australian women through the prism of time, age and socioeconomic circumstances. From darling Nan who has borne the struggles of being a woman in 19th century Australia, to Muriel who turns every conventional expectation of women on its head, to Claudine who wields financial power to manipulate and to Jane who encapsulates the struggles of being a single woman in 1990s Australia (we all had THAT boyfriend once!)
I have a feeling the Richell Prize won’t be the only award this novel garners and eagerly await Julie Keys’ next offering to Australian literature.
The Artist’s Portrait has everything I love in a novel - art, history, an intriguing mystery, characters who are beautifully flawed and realistically painted (see what I did there?) and lastly, writing that is raw, poignant, real and assured.
One of the things I most liked was the depiction of Australian women through the prism of time, age and socioeconomic circumstances. From darling Nan who has borne the struggles of being a woman in 19th century Australia, to Muriel who turns every conventional expectation of women on its head, to Claudine who wields financial power to manipulate and to Jane who encapsulates the struggles of being a single woman in 1990s Australia (we all had THAT boyfriend once!)
I have a feeling the Richell Prize won’t be the only award this novel garners and eagerly await Julie Keys’ next offering to Australian literature.
April 22, 2019
Truth and lies, mysteries and revelations, past and present - all are interwoven in this intricate, beguiling tale of art, friendship, love and deception.
This book really captivated me - it's an unusual story and the characters were really rich. There are many novels that feel a bit familiar, like maybe you've read something similar before. 'The Artist's Portrait' is fresh and unique, and a really satisfying read.
This book really captivated me - it's an unusual story and the characters were really rich. There are many novels that feel a bit familiar, like maybe you've read something similar before. 'The Artist's Portrait' is fresh and unique, and a really satisfying read.
February 6, 2021
Didn't finish, and honestly probably never will. I just honestly believe this book wasn't for me, it didn't suck me in and the different povs sounded like th same person which kept me from feeling fully immersed in the story. Unfortunate, considering how interesting and appealing it had originally seemed.
July 25, 2019
A wonderfully bold, beautifully unique, extraordinarily researched, richly imagined, finely written and deeply felt novel about art, desire, and the systemic and cultural barriers that women have to overcome to live wildly. Unforgettable.
June 11, 2021
With this book there were parts I enjoyed and parts I didn’t. The story of a young girl who eventually became an artist, the world of arty people in the early 1900’s and beyond, the craziness of the lives lived and the secrets people keep. There was a lot to this book but it didn’t flow as well as I would have hoped.
Then the story jumped to the 1990’s where a young woman meets an old woman who just happens to be the artist Muriel Kemp, but is it really her as she apparently died in a plane crash long ago!? The main characters had their own personalities and their own problems and stories to tell but they really didn’t gel into an easy to read book. The narration by Muriel was a bit off-putting and left me wanting more.
I like novels that does move between past and present and I also like that two stories can be told but they have to be good stories that keep me reading and I found this one was a bit up and down. Sometimes I really got into it then it went downhill. Reading it was like a rollercoaster ride.
It was okay but not one that really took me on any kind of journey.
The Artist's Portrait
Julie Keys
Hachette Australia
Then the story jumped to the 1990’s where a young woman meets an old woman who just happens to be the artist Muriel Kemp, but is it really her as she apparently died in a plane crash long ago!? The main characters had their own personalities and their own problems and stories to tell but they really didn’t gel into an easy to read book. The narration by Muriel was a bit off-putting and left me wanting more.
I like novels that does move between past and present and I also like that two stories can be told but they have to be good stories that keep me reading and I found this one was a bit up and down. Sometimes I really got into it then it went downhill. Reading it was like a rollercoaster ride.
It was okay but not one that really took me on any kind of journey.
The Artist's Portrait
Julie Keys
Hachette Australia
October 12, 2023
DNF at ~40%
The premise of this was so promising but sadly it just couldn't keep my attention.
The premise of this was so promising but sadly it just couldn't keep my attention.
September 18, 2019
Thoroughly enjoyable and fiercely intelligent writing; left me with deep admiration for its gorgeous author and much anticipation for her future work.
Kept me reading late in the night.
Kept me reading late in the night.
March 13, 2019
I DEVOURED this book in two goes.... the only reason I stopped is because it was like 4AM and then the only reason I stopped the second time is because I ran out of book. It totally kept me going the whole way and I was despo to find out what happened. When I did run out of book I was like "OH MAN I WISH THERE WAS MORE BOOK" but at the same time, the end [SPOILER ALERT: IT'S PERFECT] was so great I was like "AHHHHHHH" like when you've just eaten the exact right amount of slices of pizza and you're not so full you're sick but you're also not like "I think I could use some more pizza." So, I would give this book 5 slices of pizza out of 5, because I think that's about the right amount of pizza for me.
Pizza aside, there's a confidence and precision in Julie's writing which really grabbed me. The dual narrative worked well and the two stories informed each other so it wasn't a case of one being interesting and one being filler. Also, bisexuals flying biplanes - what more could you want?
It's a great debut and I can't wait to see what Julie does next.
Pizza aside, there's a confidence and precision in Julie's writing which really grabbed me. The dual narrative worked well and the two stories informed each other so it wasn't a case of one being interesting and one being filler. Also, bisexuals flying biplanes - what more could you want?
It's a great debut and I can't wait to see what Julie does next.
December 30, 2021
I liked this story but it wasn’t the page turner I was expecting. It had enough mystery to keep me interested but I didn’t fall in love with any of the characters or their life stories. I didn’t like how in a lot of chapters the place and time change without any acknowledgement and felt it was hard to keep up but that’s just my personal opinion and someone else could have no trouble with it. It was a good book but I probably won’t really think about it ever again.
October 28, 2020
No characters I cared about or believed in so it didn’t take me in.
December 4, 2022
The Artist's Portrait by Julie Keys
Started: 22nd November
Finished: 28th November
2/5🖌🖌
I don't even know what to say about this book. The ending seemed rather abrupt and I'm left with a vague confusion and emptiness because I don't know what I'm supposed to have taken from it.
I can't really say that I enjoyed The Artist's Portrait. There were some vivid and poetic descriptions and the concept as a whole interested me, but the actual execution left a lot to be desired.
The narrative jumped around all over the place, the narrators themselves somewhat unreliable, and I often had trouble following along with what was even happening.
The Australian setting was interesting, particularly the historical component, and I was compelled to continue reading this for some reason, I can't really explain why.
A woman artist fighting for recognition and equality is a worthy story but that's about the only enjoyment I took from this book.
Started: 22nd November
Finished: 28th November
2/5🖌🖌
I don't even know what to say about this book. The ending seemed rather abrupt and I'm left with a vague confusion and emptiness because I don't know what I'm supposed to have taken from it.
I can't really say that I enjoyed The Artist's Portrait. There were some vivid and poetic descriptions and the concept as a whole interested me, but the actual execution left a lot to be desired.
The narrative jumped around all over the place, the narrators themselves somewhat unreliable, and I often had trouble following along with what was even happening.
The Australian setting was interesting, particularly the historical component, and I was compelled to continue reading this for some reason, I can't really explain why.
A woman artist fighting for recognition and equality is a worthy story but that's about the only enjoyment I took from this book.
May 10, 2022
There's much to like about this novel; sumptuous descriptions, intrigue, the turn of century Bohemian lifestyle. The dual time frames contrast and reveal much about women's struggles for recognition, especially as an artist in a male dominated world.
So what's not to love? The characters is what. Their grungy lifestyles and liaisons are par for the era and cause. But, while they're well drawn, they have limited appeal.
Some bit part characters like Jane's school friend Matt, reappear as adult red herrings that don't serve the narrative. A scattered ending left me with loose ends untied and questions unsolved. It's a promising debut novel about painting, and a female trail-blazing Australian artist. Keys is masterful with vivid settings and imagery. BUT...
So what's not to love? The characters is what. Their grungy lifestyles and liaisons are par for the era and cause. But, while they're well drawn, they have limited appeal.
Some bit part characters like Jane's school friend Matt, reappear as adult red herrings that don't serve the narrative. A scattered ending left me with loose ends untied and questions unsolved. It's a promising debut novel about painting, and a female trail-blazing Australian artist. Keys is masterful with vivid settings and imagery. BUT...
July 6, 2020
Jane is a newly-pregnant registered nurse who wants to be a writer, who is working to uncover the mystery posed by this cranky, rude old woman she encounters. Muriel Kemp, the old woman, is one of the most abrupt women I have ever encountered in fiction, and I loved it!
I also loved the way Keys moves between a contemporary timeline and a historical one. It strikes that at the heart of this book is the idea of existing in a world that wants to change you, reshape you completely into something it can understand - which is something that plays out in both timelines.
A fantastic book. As someone who doesn't read much fiction set in the past, I loved every second of this.
I also loved the way Keys moves between a contemporary timeline and a historical one. It strikes that at the heart of this book is the idea of existing in a world that wants to change you, reshape you completely into something it can understand - which is something that plays out in both timelines.
A fantastic book. As someone who doesn't read much fiction set in the past, I loved every second of this.
July 7, 2019
I loved the intertwined stories of unconventional, creative Muriel and Jane living her bumpy, normal life, and their intersections over time.
August 12, 2019
DNF. In fact I barely started. I flicked through the whole book very quickly reading bits here and there and decided nup - definitely not for me.
September 3, 2019
Overall I enjoyed this story despite becoming a bit lost in some places and then left wanting an ending that covered off on all of the characters.
October 20, 2019
Really enjoyed it until the ending - meh!
Read
November 24, 2019Fantastic debut! Well written. Gritty and raw and atmospheric. Check it out!
March 20, 2021
I didn't really see the point of this story
May 15, 2021
fascinating, engaging, beautiful, tragic and a great story.
April 11, 2023
An enjoyable read
June 2, 2023
A plausible narrative but I found the story of Muriel's early life quite confising and in the end I lost interest. DNF.
6/10
6/10
Read
November 22, 2018A compelling glimpse into the art-scene of 1920s Sydney. A dual narrative: in the 1920s a young Muriel Kemp finds her way as a struggling artist in inner-city Sydney, while in 1992 Jane Cooper becomes the unofficial recorder & biographer of a Muriel, an elderly lady we meet spraying her hose at passers-by. Art, artists, and a murder mystery thrown in. Fun read!
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews