29 August 2019

BLOG TOUR REVIEW: The Optickal Illusion by Rachel Halliburton


Published by Duckworth Books on 8th February 201
Pages: 352
Source: *Received from the Publisher in exchange for an honest review*

In The Optickal Illusion, Rachel Halliburton’s meticulous recreation of Georgian society reveals the sordid details of a genuine scandal that deceived the British Royal Academy. 

Her debut novel questions the lengths women must go to make their mark on a society that seeks to underplay their abilities – a theme only too relevant today. It is three years from the dawn of a new century and in London, nothing is certain any more: the future of the monarchy is in question, the city is aflame with right and left-wing conspiracies, and the French could invade any day.

Against this feverish atmosphere, the American painter Benjamin West is visited by a strange father and daughter, the Provises, who claim they have a secret that has obsessed painters for centuries: the Venetian techniques of master painter Titian. West was once the most celebrated painter in London, but hasn’t produced anything of note in years so against his better judgment he agrees to let the intriguing Ann Jemima Provis visit his studio and demonstrate what she knows. What unravels reveals more than he has ever understood – about himself, about the treachery of the art world and the seductive promise of genius. The nature of truth itself is called into question in this story of envy, lust and corruption.
Well researched, fascinating and captivating, The Optical Illusion is unlike many novels that I have read before. Spinning the true story scandal that rocked the art world, Halliburton writes a clever and captivating tale, that allows even those with very little knowledge of art, to understand and be pulled into the story.

The narrative of this novel I felt was unconventional, yet it worked. The pace moved swiftly and at a good pace, consistently retaining ones attention. Personally one knows very little of art and art history, and had no prior knowledge of the scandal this novel revolved around. However, what was incredibly clear from the novel is how well researched and carefully crafted it was. Halliburton gave an abundant amount of rich history and prior knowledge within the novel, and although at times it did feel a bit too much, in the end it certainly did help to better understand the context and background of the novel, alongside its plot and characters.

As for the plot, it was brilliantly written and flowed wonderfully. Halliburton seems to have the knack for weaving multiple separate perspectives and storylines all into one, without it becoming overcomplicated or overboard. The storyline was intriguing, surprising but more importantly interesting. Following a father and daughter in their attempt to sell a rare manuscript containing rare and sought after methods, scandals occur and as the reader the tension and gossip throughout the novel was addictive, combined with the fact that you never knew who could be trusted and what their true motives were.

I think what stood out most was our characters. They will all lead you to suspect them, and question their motives for everything. Ann Jemima was an unconventional character for her time, and was intriguing to read about. She was a mature and confident character, who was intelligent and challenged societal expectations of her, whilst still retaining respect from many of those around her.

Overall a great, intriguing novel, that was unlike a lot of novels I have read. I am looking forward to reading more from Halliburton.



Rachel Halliburton graduated in English and Classics from Cambridge. As a journalist and the former Deputy Editor of Time Out she has interviewed notable people including Gorbachev, Yoko Ono and Kissinger for publications such as the Times, Financial Times, New Statesman, Spectator, Evening Standardand the Independent. She lives in London.


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