Josie Tyrell, an enigmatic art model and free spirit entrenched in the vibrant rock scene of Los Angeles, unexpectedly finds a glimmer of genuine love in the arms of Michael Faraday, a prodigious Harvard dropout and the son of a renowned pianist. Their connection holds the promise of a brighter future, but when Josie receives a devastating call from the coroner beckoning her to identify Michael's lifeless body, her world is plunged into darkness.
As she navigates the treacherous waters of grief and tries to comprehend the circumstances surrounding Michael's untimely demise, Josie becomes entangled in a complex and strained relationship with his mother, Meredith, an esteemed pianist who holds Josie responsible for her son's anguish. Their bond is both magnetic and repulsive, a twisted reflection of mistrust and desperate dependency.
In her inimitable style, Janet Fitch, a master of sumptuous prose and unrelenting intensity, spins a spellbinding tale of love, betrayal, and the surreal possibility of transcending one's darkest moments. With echoes of her acclaimed novel, "White Oleander," Fitch delivers a dark and beguiling beauty that confirms her status as an artist of the highest magnitude, captivating readers with her profound exploration of human emotion.
The Los Angeles Times Book Review hails Fitch's work as a "dark, crooked beauty" that surpasses all expectations, while the Atlantic Monthly lauds her ability to breathe life into the bustling metropolis of Los Angeles. Every sentence in this novel, as the Cleveland Plain Dealer asserts, is a stellar masterpiece, enriched by Fitch's searing honesty reminiscent of Joyce Carol Oates and the potent prose of Paula Fox.
Within the pages of this gripping psychodrama, Fitch fearlessly delves into the complex inner worlds of her characters, exposing their vulnerabilities with immediacy and a relentless bite, leaving readers unable to resist the pull of her narrative. USA Today raves about Fitch's skill in capturing the allure of punk music, the bohemian lifestyle, and the grittier aspects of existence. Her writing crackles with a freshness that invigorates the senses.
In the realm of dysfunctional family narratives, Fitch is the quintessential master, akin to Eugene O'Neill's prowess in theater. The Chicago Sun-Times praises her ability to craft riveting stories, and Elle proclaims her latest work as a triumph, an exceptionally accomplished page-turner that captivates from start to finish.
