I will buy The Exhibitionist for the library as I am a sure many of our patrons will enjoy it. I have to admit that I didn’t love it, the writing was not my favourite and the characters were all unlikable and I didn’t care for any of them, which of course may be the point!
I was disappointed to find absolutely no trace of the ‘furiously funny’ book mentioned in the write up.

The main character, Ray, is one of the most irritating and detestable characters I have come across in a book. He treats people in a most horrible way, he is nasty. He is a raging narcissist. Because he is such an awful character, I cannot recommend this book.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Two artists: husband and wife. Two egos. One stronger than the other one: the husband, of course.

It’s a story with dysfunctional family members – mainly the husband, Ray, a miserable, seriously maladjusted self-loving artist. It’s like watching the news with a full view of an anguished, troubled soul.

Ray feels entitled and tries his best to undermine anyone in his path. He refers to his kids with a nickname. His oldest stepchild, Patrick, or Patch is quiet and tries to ignore him. His daughter, Leah, adores everything about him. And the youngest, Jess, lives as far away with her husband as she can. Lucia, his wife, seems to worship Ray even though he wants nothing to do with her sexually after she had breast surgery.

Some may find this book entertaining thinking about all the people they know that may fit into this category where the husband is King and can do nothing wrong. Ray was constantly commenting on the way people looked. I smiled wondering what this meant: “menopause jewelry.” Seriously? I had a good image of the characters. However, I wish there was a little more discussed about the art.

My thanks to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for allowing me to read this advanced copy with an expected release date of July 4, 2023.

loved this romance and finding oneself and the how the couple worked out their problems . loved all of the side characters and the friendships. Good book.

A wry and engaging tale of family dysfunction and art. A recommended purchase for collections where lit fic is popular.

Something about this deeply dysfunctional family drew me in to their story. It took some time to adjust to the writing style but once I got going I really enjoyed it and found myself looking forward to picking up the book. I almost decided to mark this one a DNF but I'm really glad I gave it a fair chance. Few likeable characters (and one in particular is extremely nasty) and some sad, depressing ones but the way the author writes and presents the story keeps the novel moving at a really good pace. I plan on reading more from this author in the future.

A family gathers for an art exposition for one of its members and secrets are uncovered. The writing here wasn’t my favorite.

This was a tough read for me. I normally like unlikeable characters, but this family just took it too far and not one of them made the story redeemable. The book was funny, yes, but sometimes the humour just bordered on cringey. This will be a book that others enjoy, but it just wasn't one that I did.

I don’t believe there are bad books; there are just books that aren’t meant for me. While this book wasn’t my cup of tea, readers who enjoy family drama may like it. I am so grateful to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for giving me a copy of this arc in exchange for an honest review. I read till about 20% and decided to DNF. I wasn’t able to connect with any of the characters. I am truly sorry to have to DNF this book
as I take my role as a reviewer seriously.

#DNF
#theexhibitionist
#charlottemendelson
#NetGalley published 7/4/23
#stmartinspress

I gave this book until 21%. I just could not go on. The entire family of characters has been introduced around the apparent most main character of all who has still yet to be. He's off book. Ray. The husband/father/stepfather/soon to be father in law. He is obviously the most narcissistic character around. I personally cannot, will not read an entire book about a hateful character. I have even once tried reading a Jane Austin book in which I found the MC to be an utter snob. Dnf. Yup. Not happening. I will not rate the book any place where it is not required. But will give it a neutral rating of 3⭐ wherever it is required. The fact that the author has gotten me to hate the character means to me that she has done her job. But I read for enjoyment. This is not enjoyable to me.

#bookstagram #booknerds #bookworm #booklover #bookdragon #readalot #ilovereading #inkdrinker #librarymouse #bookaddict #bookaholic

I think this book is so gorgeously written and I’m sure so many readers will love it. I unfortunately wasn’t able to finish it for personal reasons, due to the parental cancer themes.

I was initially intrigued by this book and I just say I love the cover art! This book just was not for me, I did not like any of the characters and had a difficult time finishing. Thank you #netgalley for the opportunity read this Arc in exchange for an honest review.

It’s hard to like a story where there’s no good guys. In this dismal telling of a family’s weekend together, you quickly learn to hate dear old dad, feel disdain for long-suffering mom and pity their odd, needy children. And by needy, I mean in need of psychological counseling. Charlotte Mendelson has written a deeply disturbing book that will haunt me for weeks.

The Hanrahan are gathering for the patriarch Ray's art exhibition featuring his latest works in hopes of resurrecting his career. Ray's star has faded while his wife Lucia's is on the rise.
The impact of Ray's narcissism on family and others around him is on full display.
Unfortunately, I did not care for any of the characters.

An interesting read with complex characters There is a lot of drama and conflict within this family
Many thanks to St. Martin’s Press and to NetGalley for providing me with a galley in exchange for my honest opinion.

SO-short and sweet. I did not like this read. I know it has been highly touted,but fog me had no redeeming features. The Hanrahan family is the focus and the father ( THE EXHIBITIONIST) is as abusive, narcissistic selfish person as they come. For me, the most empathetic character is his wife, but her passivity is absolutely infuriating. If meant as a comedy, it didn’t get any laughs from me.Can’t recommend this one 😂😂

This was beautifully written. But the main character was do monstrous and the reactions of those he affected so passive that I found the book to be discomfiting and ultimately unsatisfying

Would you give up your chance at a career to please your spouse? How long would you wait? This story is about the unraveling of a family that has been held hostage by a selfish man. The author has give us a compelling tale of grief, fear, misguided loyalty and manipulation. It takes some time to understand the family dynamic and one has to feel that the family has slowly been mentally poisoned. Why did the mother allow it? How could she not see it? Will she ever become strong? Will her grown children ever be strong? The novel has a bit of a slow start but gives us satisfying ending. I thought this was a thought provoking story set in the minor art world. The story taking place over a weekend is quite clever. I have seen it mentioned as comedy but I did not find it funny.

"The Exhibitionist" was a book that I was sure I would enjoy but unfortunately, the story failed to hook me. From what I see in the reviews, people either love or hate this novel and sadly, it was not for me.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I tend to enjoy books about complicated family drama, but this book had too many characters swing too hard to the "unlikeable" category for me too really enjoy it. I liked the setting of North London, and I like books written over a compressed timeline, but ultimately I found the characters to be unlikeable.