Edward Carey’s novel arrived through my letterbox so far in advance of publication that I’d forgotten all about it, only picking it up when I felt the need for something long enough to lose myself in. Based on the early life of Madame Tussaud, Little worked a treat, taking me first to eighteenth-century Switzerland then to Revolutionary Paris before its final Baker Street destination.
When six-year-old Anne Marie Grosholtz is orphaned, she attaches herself to the otherworldly Dr Curtius who barely knows what to do with a child but welcomes her help in modelling the organs brought from Berne hospital’s anatomy department. She’s a quick learner, adept at wax modelling, but tiny and unprepossessing with her sharp chin and pointed nose. Their work gains such a reputation that soon Berne’s worthies are commissioning busts of themselves. Marie wonders if she might be paid. When a rather pompous Parisian visits, Marie gains a new name, Little, from this man who will later become her friend. Bailiffs appear on the horizon when Dr Curtius falls out of favour with the hospital, precipitating a move to Paris where they find a billet with a tailor’s widow. Marie ricochets back and forth between Dr Curtius, who conceives an unrequited passion for the widow, and the widow who insists she’s a servant, asking when she will be paid until she’s engaged to teach Elisabeth, sister of Louis XVI, a relationship that will end in disgrace. Soon, the bustling business gained from Marie’s work at court will be replaced by the grisly modelling of the Revolution’s victims. The feral boy who once guarded their home will become the Revolution’s chief executioner. Grudges will be borne and scores settled in the worst of ways. When it’s all over Marie is alone, but – sharp and resourceful as ever – she finds her own pragmatic way.
Carey tells his tale through Marie’s distinctive voice, illustrating it with her drawings for which she has a prodigious talent. She’s an engaging narrator who unfolds her blood-soaked, heartrending story with sharp insight and a pleasingly sly wit, leading us through a life begun in poverty which ends as the proprietor of one of London’s most visited attractions. Carey’s writing is as precise as his illustrations, and wonderfully evocative.
Ernst finally halted at a house thinner and smaller than the rest, squeezed in between two bullying neighbouring residences, poor and neglected
Here is a truth: people are very fascinated by themselves
Look at you, the newest children in the overstuffed toyshop!
There’s a touch of the Dickensian about Little – playfully acknowledged in Marie’s professed annoyance with that author’s notetaking close to the end of the book – although the novel that sprung to mind for me was not A Tale of Two Cities but Jonathan Grimwood’s The Last Banquet which charts another orphan’s journey through French history. Carey’s novel was an unexpected treat for me. Entertaining, erudite and absorbing: it’s one to add to your Christmas lists.
I popped over to Amazon and had a ‘look inside’. It looks very much like something I’d enjoy. It’s now on the shopping list.
Pleased to hear that. It’s a gem, April. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
While I don’t think this is for me (historical fiction doesn’t tend to be my thing), I do think it would appeal to one or two of my book club friends. It sounds a bit Andrew Miller-ish. Would that be fair?
I think it would only a little more ecccentric, Jacqui. It’s quite witty, too.
What a story! I had no idea Madame Tussaud had led such an interesting life.
Me, neither. It’s fascinating if only from that point of view.
I can’t wait to read this, I don’t read a lot of historical fiction, but when I do this is exactly the kind a like, a wonderful female figure in history whose story gets researched and told and with a French connection, perfect! Now I’m thinking if I get my other work finished early today, perhaps I’ll begin it this afternoon. Lovely inspiring review!
Thank you, Claire! Looking forward to seeing what you think of it.
What Claire said! 🙂
This sounds rather good, Susan. Lovely review!
Thank you, Paula. Highly recommend it.
This book seems to be winning readers over. I love historical fiction based on real lives. Especially when they’re women!
I’m sure you’d love this one, Naomi. There’s a very pleasing vein of sly humour running through it and the illustrations add to its originality.