Still Life

by Sarah Winman, Louise Penny
Still Life cover
Good Books rating 4.75
Historical Fiction
Technical:
  • ID: 1272
  • Added: 2025-10-02
  • Updated: 2025-10-11
  • ISBN: 9780735249202
  • Publisher: Penguin Group
  • Published: 2024-07-23
  • Formats: 37
  • Reviews: 3
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Waterstones
Paperback • £9.99
Bookshop
Format • £9.49–£10.44

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
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.

Mum of Three World · 2022-06-03
exquisite 5.00

This novel is stunning and spans a significant period, from 1901 to 1979. The characters are wonderful, making it an absolute triumph.

This reviewer finds the novel stunning and praises its sweeping timeline from 1901 to 1979. The characters are described as wonderful, adding to the overall triumph of the story. They appreciate the depth and richness of the narrative, which makes it a compelling read. The reviewer also highlights the emotional resonance of the characters and their journeys, making it a memorable and impactful novel.

Quick quotes

    Still Life is a stunning novel, which spans the years 1901 to 1979.

    It is an absolute triumph and I cannot fault it.

    The characters are all wonderful.

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