This was an incredible read. The story pulled me in right from the start, and the way it was told made Paris in the 1920s feel alive and vivid. The narration was excellent—clear, engaging, and perfectly matched to the tone of the book.

What really stood out to me was the storytelling. It balanced art, love, and friendship in such a powerful way that I didn’t want to stop listening. Complex characters, high stakes, and an atmosphere that felt both glamorous and tense made this one of the most enjoyable books I’ve experienced in a long time. Highly recommend!

In 1920s Paris, Misia Sert is a patron and a muse to the most revolutionary artists of the era. She is also profoundly in love with renowned muralist José María “Jojo” Sert, who prizes his wife’s iconoclastic vision and independence. But in Misia’s rarified circle, there is no greater kindred soul than designer Coco Chanel. Two women, two friends, for whom rules do not apply.

I really got frustrated with Misia during this novel. I got so tired of her waiting on JoJo. Misia is an accomplished pianist and very intelligent and this just demeaned her and made me furious.

I enjoyed all the famous people in this tale. Chanel is a big one, along with quite a few others. I also enjoyed the time period of 1920s Paris and the fashions!

The narrator, Elisabeth Lagelee, did a very good job. Lots of French pronunciations in this and she nailed it. Also, Jojo is pronounced Hoho in this novel. This drove me a bit insane. But I guess Joe Joe would have been just as bad. 😜

This is 3.5 stars rounded up.

Need a tale with some cameos from very famous people…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today.

I received this novel from the publisher for a honest review.

*3.5, rounded down*
RECAP: In 1920s Paris, Misia Sert enlists Coco Chanel’s help to fend off a rival for her husband, unaware of the peril it will bring.

REVIEW: WOW, so I had a lot of thoughts while listening to this. And I’ll probably be going down a Google rabbit hole, looking up the characters and events covered. But most of all, I cannot express enough how much I couldn’t stand any of the characters EXCEPT Coco. She was a girl’s girl, to the end. Misia… Fking delulu. I’m sorry, but holy shit, she needed to reevaluate her choices!!!!! I also thought the story was starting to drag around the 80% mark. Anywho, I’d still recommend for a decent historical fiction novel, and I’d comp to Diva by Daisy Goodwin - although I liked this one slightly better. I’d also say audio is the way to go for this book because, personally, I would’ve butchered the pronunciation of half the names and places in the book.

"We are born soft into this world, then the hardness accumulates,"

"I have  a thousand worries Misia, right now, I can't take on anyone else's"

I was drawn to this book based on the cover and title alone, then learning that it was a historical fiction set in the 1920s i was sold. I went in expecting to love this love and DID!I thoroughly enjoyed this ride! It felt like I was watching a movie! Would love to see this be turned into a movie. Judithe Little did an amazing job with the storytelling of Coco Chanel and Misia Sert (whom I had never heard of) love, friendship,fame,power, greed, consequences and SCAN-DALS!!! Judithe made each and every character come to life. I loved them, pitied them at times, got frustrated angered and shocked by them. Although this is a fictional story, it piqued my interest in wanting to learn more about the 2 women and this time period of the jazz age of fashion and entertainment.

Narration:
Elisabeth Laglee, as the narrator, was the perfect choice she had a smooth, calming cadence perfect enunciation, and her French accent was the perfect touch that really helped this book to be an immersive captivating read! I would read a physical copy of this book without question, but I recommend your first read of this book being via audio to really get the full experience of each character in this book.

I have already added anther one of Judithe Littles books to my TBR, yes I will be purchasing this book for my personal library, yes I would recommend this book to a friend and yessss I would read this book again and watch it if it ever becomes a movie!

Well done!

Thank you, netgalley, and publishing for the audio arc copy of Glorious Ruin!

Glorious Ruins: A Novel by Judithe Little is an extraordinary journey through the vibrant world of Parisian art and the captivating life of Misia Sert, a woman whose influence shaped the course of 20th-century art history. Set against the backdrop of the Parisian avant-garde scene, this novel weaves a rich tapestry of relationships, love, and sacrifice.

Misia Sert was not just a muse to some of the most renowned artists of the time, including Picasso and Renoir, but also an integral part of their creative process. What fascinated me most about this book was the vivid portrayal of Misia's remarkable eye for art and her ability to engage with the most influential figures in the art world. Her intimate connection with Coco Chanel was another standout aspect, offering a glimpse into one of the most iconic friendships of the era.

But what truly sets this novel apart is the complexity of Misia's personal life. The most remarkable part of her story is her unwavering support for her husband, even as he navigates a tumultuous relationship with his lover and later, his new wife, Roussy. Misia's strength and grace in standing by her husband, despite the emotional toll it took, is portrayed with such depth and empathy.

Little’s descriptive writing brings the time period to life, making Paris and its art scene feel as though you can almost touch the canvas. I found myself learning so much about this transformative era in both art and society. The world of Glorious Ruins is one of beauty, tragedy, and triumph, and I was utterly absorbed in it from start to finish.

This novel is a beautiful exploration of art, love, and the personal sacrifices behind the scenes of the world’s most famous artists. Glorious Ruins releases on August 12, and it is an absolute must-read for anyone passionate about art, history, or the intriguing complexities of human relationships.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC of the audio.

**No spoilers**

Author Judithe Little wrote The Chanel Sisters a few years ago that I thoroughly enjoyed it: Coco Chanel’s life growing up and her relationship with her sister as Coco bloomed into one of the most powerful independent women of her time.

The Glorious Ruin starts in the 1920’s of the wealthy in Paris, to the US stock market crash and wrapping up in 1938. The novel revolves around “The Muse” polish born, Misia Sert and Coco Chanel’s friendship from Misia’s perspective. I haven’t heard much of Misia before so I was quite curious about this mysterious women. She was known as a Muse for many creative artists, musicians and designers though she was more… humbled, she didn’t want any credit for the successes but was a catalyst.

The novel will take you away…Set in places such as Paris, New York, Hollywood, Italy and other picturesque countries. You will be transported to fine estates, exquisite food and drink, beautiful clothing and jewelry to the grand lives of the rich. Until one day, a Russian princess Roussadana Mdivani comes in and shatters the back drop.

The audio narrator is astounding! She was able to capture the essence of these times in history.

Looking forward to reading more from Judithe Little

Initially, I had reservations about this book. It's not like your typical historical fiction- its more a biography of sorts, and once I wrapped my mind around this, and I did some investigating into the main characters, I finally got it. @judithelittle masterfully gives us a glimpse into the lives of these 3 remarkable women. We always put the famous people on pedestals and gush over how lucky they are. What she did was give us the inside look into lives that were actually quite tragic and marred with loss and grief. I felt such intense pity for them after I was done with this and I can't help to think that as famous as they were and always having people around them in the end they were actually very lonely and ultimately just wanted to belong somewhere. I absolutely loved Elisabeth Laglee as the narrator. With her sultry French accented voice, she made the characters come alive, and you would not have gotten that from reading the book. It's a fantastic book that would be amazing for any historical fiction fan.

It will be available on 12 August 2025!

Thank you to @netgalley and @brilliancepublishing for my advanced copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

Title: Glorious Ruins
Author: Judithe Little
Rating:
Format: Audiobook
Narrator: Elisabeth Lagelée
Publication Date: 12th August, 2025
Publisher: Lake Union & Brilliance Audio

**Thank you to NetGalley and Brilliance Audio for the advanced audiobook copy in exchange for an honest review.**

Glorious Ruins is a haunting and delicately rendered portrait of Misia Sert—a woman history rarely gives her due, but whose fingerprints are smudge across the canvases, concertos, and couture of early twentieth century Paris. I was instantly captivated by the concept. A forgotten muse, dubbed the "Queen of Paris," surrounded by brilliance, beauty, and tragedy? I couldn't resist.

Judithe Little approaches this story not as a fiction reimagining, but more as a tribute—an ode—to a woman both deeply admired and profoundly misunderstood. What unfolds is less of a sweeping historical drama and more of a quiet memoir-in-motion. For some, this will be its greatest strength. For others, perhaps a missed opportunity.

The novel chronicles Misia's life with unflinching elegance. We're whisked from the shadowed ache of a loveless childhood, through the gilded salons of Paris, and into the ache of betrayal, loss, and the ever-changing tides of legacy. Her relationship with José-María Sert is a central thread that is intense, artistic, and gut-wrenching. And her interactions with Coco Chanel, Rousy Mdivani, and others in her circle lend the story both star power and emotional resonance.

And yet, there was a distance that lingered. Despite being in Misia's orbit, I didn't always feel I was inside her heart. The prose, while undeniably graceful, often felt like archival recollection rather than living, breathing narration. Names came like headlines. Moments passed like clipped articles. At times, it read less like a novel and more like a well-researched, reverent biography. Beautiful done, but perhaps not quite what I was hoping for.

Still, it's impossible not to admire what Little had created. The emotional weight of this book builds slowly, like a swell of music beneath a dancer's feet—which is fitting. Misia herself is unforgettable. Fragile yet indomitable, adored yet alone. A woman shaped by art and haunted by love. She is complex, magnetic, and entirely deserving of the pages she receives.

Elisabeth Lagelée's narration is warm, expressive, and exquisitely suited to this kind of literary storytelling. Her voice added a softness and strength that brought Misia closer, making her more present, and more human. I truly appreciated her performance.

Ultimately, Glorious Ruins is not a flittering take of Parisian decadence—it is an elegy for a woman who bore the weight of beauty and sorrow in equal measure. It is reflective, tender, and—at times—achingly sad. For those who crave historical fiction with lyrical prose and a reverent tone, this may speak deeply to you.

While I longed for a more immersive, fictionalize voice in Misia's telling, I can't deny the impact of her story—nor the care with which Judithe Little had brought her to us.

Truly a poignant remembrance, and a quietly powerful tribute.

What’s not to like about this? Historical characters brought to life. Interesting people, vivid settings, lots of action with plenty of treachery from some colorful characters. Artists, musicians, writers, designers - chock full of brilliant characters. This was a very well done audiobook.

Glorious Ruins focuses on Misia Sert, Coco Chanel's best friend. The author, Judithe Little, discovered Misia, known as The Queen of Paris, while researching and writing her book, The Chanel Sisters. Having uncovered a little known character from history with such an interesting story, I enjoyed learning about her and the people in her life that kept me looking them up on the internet, as well as the author's Facebook page. Misia was a musician but knew so much about art, decorating and all the creative arts and artists of the time period. In fact, she was so well respected, most came to her and if she saw their talent, she could promote them to the point they became quite famous. But what will keep the reader invested is the love story and her marriage to the famous muralist Jojo Sert from Barcelona, Spain. Things get quite complicated when this wide group of friends have Russian immigrants who claim to be royalty invade their world. The Mdivani's were determined siblings who were power-hungry and greedy (an unbelievable group to research!). A story that ends with a must-read Author's Note at the end, but do not read until you finish the book.

The narrator really helps the reader who pairs the audio with the book on pronunciations. Very well done!

Thanks too Net Galley and Brilliance Audio for an advanced copy of this audibook.

Historical fiction is a favorite genre for me and this story is exquisite. It is filled with excitement, heartbreak, passion, fashion, deception and so much more. I’ve been a long time fan of Chanel so learning more about Coco was an added bonus. Misia and Jojo’s story will stay with me for a long time. Elizabeth Lagelee was an incredible narrator.