I found it very difficult to connect with the characters in this book. Even the writing seemed not quite right to me. To be honest I had a very hard time finishing this one.

I realize that this book is set in London and written by a British novelist, but I really cannot review it without recognizing that the tone and writing of this book seem off to me, perhaps due to the famous British sense of humor that so often feels odd to Americans.

I do appreciate the pacing of this book, and how slowly unwraps the layers to the characters. I do wish that I liked even one of those characters though. Jess, and perhaps Lucia, are positioned as sympathetic characters but I personally didn’t really like them much either.

Lucia feels like a complete caricature of a simpering wife and I had no patience for her. I don’t think her affair gave her as much depth as the author wanted it to either.

And Jess’ character fell flat and unloveable to me as well.

I find it hard to read about characters who have made it so far into life and still act so irrationally and stupidly. I might not judge the student Lucia for falling for Ray, but I cannot stand her for her inability to stand up for her children to him as a young wife, or as a mature adult as we see her in the present day of the book. Ray is so one dimensional and altogether their relationship would make more sense if the author had shown any redeeming qualities other than having Lucia mention in passing that he really is great sometimes. The lack of depth to either of their characters is really a let down.

1/5 stars! It hurts my heart when the best thing about a book is its cover. This book overshot its agenda and created something that was unlikeable and difficult to get through.

I received an advance review copy for free through NetGalley, and I am leaving this review voluntarily

I encountered technical issues while reading this book on NetGalley, but what I could read was excellent and written with wry humor possessed of a depth of emotion. I shall purchase a copy when it is available. Thanks for the opportunity to read.

I ended up DNF'ing this book around 15% as hard as I tried, I couldn't get into it. None of the characters were relatable and they were all self centered in the worst way

I consider a book a win when it can make me laugh. This had a lot of snark and kept me entertained. I admittedly struggled to get into it a bit but overall I enjoyed this one and I'm glad I got a chance to read it early. It won't be for everyone but it will have a group of people who overall really enjoy this book. Thank you to the publisher for my early copy of this book!

The Exhibitionist

This book is ARC which was offered to me by NetGalley and St Martin’s Press for an honest review.

A story is set in north London about a dysfunctional family, a utterly repulsive and controlling man who cannot accept that his wife is actually more talented and outshines him. A woman who is constantly trying to play down her talents so that she can be a better wife and mother.

The story takes place on a weekend where the Ray Hanrahan is supposed to have an art exhibition. Ray as a person is very demanding and behaves like a toddler who when not given his way throws a tantrum. Ray is an expert at undermining his family members always looking down at people.

Lucia is also a gifted artist who has some exciting news of her own which we discover through the course of the book. She does her best in trying to keep Ray happy always sacrificing and letting him get his way.

Leah the older daughter of Ray and Lucia who is very much a daddy’s girl always sticking up for him even when it’s evident his outburst and demands are somewhat obnoxious.

Jess a teacher and the younger daughter of Ray and Lucia lives up in Edinburgh with her boyfriend Martyn who wants to keep her distance from her dysfunctional family but unwillingly makes her way to join the family for this weekend.

I didn’t connect with any of the characters in this book, each member is hiding their own secrets. Ray character is awful I didn’t like him at all, I felt he was bit of narcissist at times. A family for many of us is something where we find peace, comfort and joy, whereas the Hanrahan’s are an unhappy family that are falling apart just like their family home is.

I requested it because it was selected for the Women’s Prize for Fiction Longlist a literary award prize programme to empower women writers around the Globe. My review is based on my personal thoughts and this does not mean that other readers will not enjoy this book. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Charlotte Mendelson, St Martins Press and NetGalley for offering me the opportunity to read and review this book.

DNF - Turned out to not be my jam but, I'm certain that many readers will find much to love & enjoy in this story.

In The Exhibitionist, Charlotte Mendelson presents a nuanced and insightful portrayal of the Hanrahan family, as they gather for a momentous weekend centered around the new art exhibition of the famous and egotistical artist, Ray Hanrahan. Through the perspectives of each family member, including Ray's children Leah, Patrick, and Jess, and his wife Lucia, who is also an artist, Mendelson delves into the complex and often toxic dynamics at play within the family. The novel is a poignant exploration of the sacrifices and choices that must be made in the pursuit of art and personal freedom, as well as the intersection of queer desire and toxic family politics. Overall, The Exhibitionist is a deeply affecting and thought-provoking read that is sure to leave a lasting impression on readers.

I have tried several times to read through The Exhibitionist. The characters did not catch my eye and actually were almost too unlikeable their thoughts and dialogs. The novel was slow, oh so slow moving. I did not feel sorry for the enablers that the artist Ray tortured with his narcissism. They each seek freedom from him but are so caught in the quagmire that has been allowed to grow over the years.
In my mind, The Exhibitionist is a very ugly novel. It sounded so very interesting,
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This story is a great premise but I honestly struggled to get into it. That is about me more than the book but if I’m not grabbed early on, it’s hard to stick around.

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.

This book is hilarious in its snarky humor depicting a family who are always at odds with each other! Ray and Lucia are married and both artists but Ray constantly belittles his wife as he believes he has all the talent. So the weekend of his "showing," all of his family gathers to pay homage to him even as they all have "issues" as well. Clever and funny, the novel reveals a family at its best and worst as all have secrets and desires not shared with each other. It's a rollicking good time!
Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC!

This book was hard to read. Every person in it was struggling. I read to escape the struggles of everyday. Or I at least want to see people be able to achieve a turn around. These poor people struggled the whole way through. I would not recommend this book if you want something to pick you up or make you feel good. I felt myself wanting to yell at them the entire time to stand up for themselves and do better. Ugh. It was a struggle.

This wasn't my favorite. Though I am a picky reader and try not to let that sway my buying decisions for the library, I think this is one we can take a pass on.

A dynamic family drama full of loathsome characters, bad behavior, and life-changing decisions.

Lucia is a talented artist, always running from the cusp of fame lest her success upset her husband, Ray. An artist with a declining reputation, Ray Hanrahan, is a terrible, petty, narcissist. We join them over the course of a weekend during which Ray is mounting an exhibition of his work that he is sure will put him on top of the art world and during which Lucia is grappling with whether she should start thinking about her own needs for a change.

There are many characters and several sub-plots and the author does a great job of balancing it all. The writing is crisp and the story is engaging (I hated Ray and had to keep reading to see if he would get a comeuppance for his behavior!).

Thank you very much to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for the opportunity to read a copy.

The book itself is well written but it’s a subject I find very hard and was altering my mood. It’s too bleak and sad and at about 40% thru I’m having to put it in my dnf pile.

I found the pacing a bit slow at times throughout the book, in fact nothing much happens but I found myself thinking about the characters a lot. I thought the final explosion was going to be bigger- it's almost as though the author didn't know how to end it.

This cover is amazing. It draws you in…. Into a moody egotistical man artist that treats his wife like ass.

Whew buddy, this one is hard for me to get through. Art school graduate here— If you have attended an art school, you’ve met this man— Ugh, nah. Pass.

I’ll try to get over the unlikable guy another time, but for now— it’s 2 stars with a bonus star because it’s not fair to rate a book that got on my nerves so bad I couldn’t get through it.

I love the cover though.

From the moment I started this book, I hated the husband like immediately. His sexism and control of his wife is just so grosss, and yet, tells a compelling real story 0f how I imagine many heterosexual couples in creative fields may feel with one another. He comes from a certain time, and seeing how his ego has stunted his wife and children is infuriating and yet compulsive readable. Well written