THE EXHIBITIONIST - Charlotte Mendelson


 Ray Hanrahan is a once-famous painter now looking to have an exhibit of new work and hopefully reviving his fame. Ray is not a nice man.  He's a narcissist who loves to make his family miserable. His favorite target is his wife, Lucia.  She's an artist herself and she's been getting more attention and accolades than Ray.  Her art isn't the only way she defies her husband - she's having an affair with a local female politician, Priya.

Ray and Lucia's children are not immune to Ray's behavior, though the oldest daughter, Leah, fiercely protects her dad and his interests. Son, Patrick, is perhaps overly sensitive and spends his time looking to get away from the house, and Jess, the younger daughter who did manage to escape the disfunction of home but is in a relationship with Martyn who happens to be obsessed with Ray and his work and would love to live in the Hanrahan home.

The action of the book takes place over the course of two days as Ray plans a privately funded art exhibit of his work. It's the first in a long time and he's more uptight and assholery than usual, and he calls all the family in to help him get the exhibit ready. Bringing this family into this much contact with one another is a recipe for fights, angst, breakdowns, accusations, and admissions.  All the things needed for a good comic drama.

Where to start with a book like this?

I did not find this funny or humorous (it's been called a 'comedy' and "furiously funny"). I guess I just don't find abusive personalities redeeming or funny or worthy of my time.  Those who change are perhaps at least interesting or offer up some kind of hope, but Ray's personality is long-standing and absolute. Lucia was the most interesting - seeing how she's coped and dealt with Ray's behavior and how she uses it as motivation for her own work.  But even this is a bit off-kilter - is she masochistic in using Ray's behavior to spur her?

The kids ... my god. There's no hope here. Even Jess can't seem to escape the family when her partner drags her back in.

Honestly, given the tight sequence of events and the over-the-top character types presented here, I think this would make a much better stage play. Actually seeing the people, and hopefully in the hands of a skilled director, we could at least see and empathize with, laugh with or at, and come to understand them a little bit better.

I really wouldn't recommend this to anyone.

Looking for a good book? If narcissistic behavior and cruel characters are your thing, you might enjoy The Exhibitionist by Charlotte Mendelson, but even then I wouldn't bet on it.

I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher, through Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.

2 stars

* * * * * *

The Exhibitionist

author: Charlotte Mendelson

publisher: St. Martin's Press

ISBN: 9781250286932

hardcover, 304 pages

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