The Exhibitionist
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By Charlotte Mendelson
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1 review
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The longer the marriage, the harder truth becomes…
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.
The Exhibitionist is the extraordinary fifth novel from Charlotte Mendelson, a dazzling exploration of art, sacrifice, toxic family politics, queer desire, and personal freedom.
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This was a strangely compelling novel. The strength of the writing meant that you absolutely hated Ray Hanrahan, the talentless painter who is a narcissistic, taunting egotist. I didn't think I would complete reading it but it got under my skin and I wanted to read to the end in the hope that the egregious Ray and his ill minded daughter Leah would get their just deserts which, by and large they did.
