Ratings3
Average rating3.7
The Exhibitionist is the extraordinary fifth novel from Charlotte Mendelson, a dazzling exploration of art, sacrifice, toxic family politics, queer desire and personal freedom. 'Mendelson is a master at family drama and plots don't get much more dramatic than this . . . Exhilarating' - The Times 'I adored it' - Meg Mason, author of Sorrow and Bliss 'A devastating treat of a novel: funny, furious, dark and delicious' - Sarah Waters, author of Fingersmith Meet the Hanrahan family, gathering for a momentous weekend as famous artist and notorious egoist Ray Hanrahan prepares for a new exhibition of his art - the first in many decades - and one he is sure will burnish his reputation for good. His three children will be there: beautiful Leah, always her father's biggest champion; sensitive Patrick, who has finally decided to strike out on his own; and insecure Jess, the youngest, who has her own momentous decision to make . . . And what of Lucia, Ray's steadfast and selfless wife? She is an artist too, but has always had to put her roles as wife and mother first. What will happen if she decides to change? For Lucia is hiding secrets of her own, and as the weekend unfolds and the exhibition approaches, she must finally make a choice. *LONGLISTED FOR THE WOMEN'S PRIZE FOR FICTION 2022* 'Delicious, heartbreaking . . . Fabulously written and utterly compelling' - Marian Keyes 'Exceptional' - Woman & Home 'Hilarious, sexy and thoughtful' - Mail on Sunday
Reviews with the most likes.
I found The Exhibitionist to be an enjoyable and compelling read. The story's immediately perceptible rising dread builds throughout the course of this family drama as characters are unleashed. Those who arrive fully formed (primarily Ray, the petulant and abusive patriarch-baby around whom this family orbits) devolve and wither in our hands as an important weekend unfolds. The weakest upon introduction eventually make the most sense; we come to understand them - root for them - as they shed their timidity and live for themselves.
This is not a book I could have left unfinished and the ending did not disappoint. I look forward to reading more work by Charlotte Mendelson. Thank you so much to NetGalley and St Martin's Press for the ARC.
Publication date planned for July 4, 2023.