The Exhibitionist

Charlotte Mendelson

From Shelf: Comedy Women in Print Prize SHORTLIST 2022/23. Winner: Factory Girls

A family gathering forces bold decisions to be made in The Exhibitionist, the fifth novel from Booker Prize-longlisted and three-time Women's Prize-longlisted author Charlotte Mendelson.

A Times, Guardian, and Good Housekeeping Book of the Year'Utterly compelling' - Marian Keyes'I adored it' - Meg Mason, bestselling author of Sorrow & Bliss'One of the funniest writers in Britain' - The GuardianThe extraordinary fifth novel from Charlotte Mendelson, The Exhibitionist is a dazzling exploration of art, sacrifice, toxic family politics, queer desire and personal freedom.Meet the Hanrahan family.Ray, the father. Acclaimed artist and notorious narcissist, who is obsessed with his own reputation.Lucia, his long-suffering wife. A lauded sculptor yet terrified of what recognition could bring. And she has a secret of her own which could tear the family apart.Leah, the eldest daughter, devoted to her father and convinced of his genius.Patrick, Lucia's sensitive son, who has finally decided to strike out by himself.Jess, the youngest daughter, insecure and facing a daunting decision.As they gather for a momentous weekend - the first exhibition of Ray's artwork in many decades - each member of the family must finally make a choice. And when they do, once tensions have boiled over and the guests have departed, what will be left of the Hanrahans?Longlisted for the Women's Prize for Fiction. As heard on BBC Radio 4's Book at Bedtime.'Funny, furious, dark and delicious' - Sarah Waters, bestselling author of Fingersmith