Still Life

by Sarah Winman, Louise Penny
Still Life cover
Good Books rating 4.44
Historical Fiction
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Waterstones
Paperback • £9.99–£10.99
Bookshop
Format • £9.49–£10.44
Amazon
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Technical
  • ID: 1272
  • Added: 2025-10-02
  • Updated: 2025-11-29
  • ISBN: 9780735249202
  • Publisher: Penguin Group
  • Published: 2024-07-23
  • Formats: 59
  • Reviews: 4

Set against the backdrop of World War II and the decades that follow, Still Life is a captivating novel that explores the profound connections between strangers brought together by love, war, and art. In a Tuscan villa during the war, Ulysses Temper, a young British soldier, meets Evelyn Skinner, an art historian with a mysterious past. Their encounter plants a seed in Ulysses's mind that will shape his life and the lives of those around him for years to come. Moving between the war-ravaged landscapes of Tuscany and the cozy confines of a London pub, the story delves into themes of beauty, love, and fate. It's a sweeping yet intimate narrative that celebrates the things that make life worth living and the sacrifices we're willing to make for them.

Reviews
LittleStack · 2023-10-28
good 4.00

The book blends whodunits with a touch of the supernatural, making it a perfect read for those who enjoy a mix of mystery and spooky elements. The atmosphere is both charming and eerie, ideal for Halloween reading.

Still Life is a charming and spooky tale that combines the best of whodunits with a touch of the supernatural. The story is set in a way that creates a perfect atmosphere for candlelight reading and Halloween chills. The blend of mystery and eerie elements makes it a unique and engaging read. The author's skill in creating an atmosphere that is both charming and unsettling is evident throughout the book. The characters are well-developed, and the plot keeps readers guessing until the very end. It's a book that will appeal to fans of mystery and supernatural fiction, offering a delightful mix of suspense and spooky fun. The setting and the way the story unfolds make it a perfect companion for those who enjoy a good scare along with their mystery.

Quick quotes

    These charmingly spooky tales blend whodunits with whispers from the other side, making them the perfect companions for candlelight reading and Halloween chills ...

    The book blends whodunits with a touch of the supernatural, making it a perfect read for those who enjoy a mix of mystery and spooky elements.

    The atmosphere is both charming and eerie, ideal for Halloween reading.

Amazon · 2023-01-15
excellent 4.50

The story is a gripping murder mystery that showcases the author's skill in weaving complex plots. The characters are well-developed, and the setting adds a unique charm to the narrative.

This book is a fantastic addition to the Karen Pirie series. The mystery is engaging from the start, with a plot that keeps you guessing until the very end. The author does an excellent job of developing the characters, making them feel real and relatable. The Scottish setting adds a layer of authenticity and charm that enhances the overall reading experience. The blend of forgeries, false identities, and a compelling murder mystery makes this a must-read for fans of the genre. It's a testament to the author's ability to create intricate and satisfying stories.

Quick quotes

    A Scottish police inspector deals with forgeries and false identities in a new murder mystery in the 'superior series' (The New York Times).

    The story is a gripping murder mystery that showcases the author's skill in weaving complex plots.

    The characters are well-developed, and the setting adds a unique charm to the narrative.

Books Are My Favourite and Best · 2022-08-27
warm 4.50

The story is beautifully set in Florence and explores themes of art, love, and luck. It is a pretty and engaging narrative that captures the essence of human connections.

This reviewer found the setting in Florence to be a highlight, enhancing the themes of art, love, and luck. The narrative is described as pretty and engaging, with a focus on the beauty of human connections. They appreciate the way the story unfolds, making it a compelling read. The reviewer also mentions that the character development is well-crafted, adding depth to the story. Overall, it's a heartwarming tale that leaves a lasting impression.

Quick quotes

    An undeniably pretty story, predominantly set in Florence.

    Focused around themes of art, love and luck.

    A beautifully written novel that captures the essence of human connections.

Aminas Bookshelf · 2022-07-20
amazing 4.75

The writing is clever and the characters are heart-warming, making it a masterful piece of literature. The idyllic atmosphere adds to the overall charm of the novel.

This reviewer praises the clever writing and the heart-warming characters, highlighting Sarah Winman's mastery of her craft. The idyllic atmosphere is a significant aspect that enhances the reading experience. They appreciate the depth and complexity of the characters, which make the story engaging and memorable. The reviewer also notes the beautiful prose and the way it complements the narrative, making it a standout piece of literature.

Quick quotes

    The clever writing, idyllic atmosphere and heart-warming characters are incredible.

    There is no doubt that Sarah Winman is a master of her craft.

    A beautifully crafted novel with depth and complexity.

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