First published 2023
Ray Hanrahan stands at the center of his family's weekend gathering, a famous artist and notorious egoist preparing for his first exhibition in many decades. He expects this show to cement his reputation permanently. His three children arrive with their own agendas. Eldest daughter Leah remains his devoted supporter. Son Patrick has decided to break free and forge his own path. Youngest daughter Jess faces a major decision of her own. Meanwhile, Ray's wife Lucia has spent years as the steadfast supporter, putting her roles as wife and mother before her own artistic ambitions. But Lucia harbors secrets, and as the weekend progresses toward the exhibition opening, she must choose which desires to pursue. The family dynamics shift as each member confronts their relationship with Ray's overwhelming presence and their own suppressed needs. Mendelson crafts a story about the costs of living in an artist's shadow and the courage required to step into one's own light.
Genres: art, literary-fiction, contemporary, adult-fiction, 21st-century, family-drama
Vibes: emotional, intimate, thought-provoking
Tropes: family-dynamics, found-family
Period: 21st-century
296 pages · Kindle Edition · St. Martin's Press