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The Exhibitionist

By: Charlotte Mendelson
Narrated by: Juliet Stevenson
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Summary

THE TIMES NOVEL OF THE YEAR

A GUARDIAN BEST BOOK OF 2022

A GOOD HOUSEKEEPING BOOK OF THE YEAR

Meet the Hanrahan family, gathering for a momentous weekend as famous artist and notorious egoist Ray Hanrahan prepares for a new exhibition of his art—the first in many decades—and one he is sure will burnish his reputation for good.

His three children will be there: beautiful Leah, always her father’s biggest champion; sensitive Patrick, who has finally decided to strike out on his own; and insecure Jess, the youngest, who has her own momentous decision to make....

And what of Lucia, Ray’s steadfast and selfless wife? She is an artist, too, but has always had to put her roles as wife and mother first. What will happen if she decides to change? For Lucia is hiding secrets of her own, and as the weekend unfolds and the exhibition approaches, she must finally make a choice.

The longer the marriage, the harder truth becomes . . .

The Exhibitionist is the extraordinary fifth novel from Charlotte Mendelson, a dazzling exploration of art, sacrifice, toxic family politics, queer desire and personal freedom.

©2022 Macmillan Publishers International Limited (P)2022 Macmillan Publishers International Ltd
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Critic reviews

"It takes the most ferocious intelligence, skill, and a deep reservoir of sadness to write a novel as funny as this. I adored it." (Meg Mason)

"A devastating treat of a novel: funny, furious, dark and delicious." (Sarah Waters)

"Delicious, heartbreaking.... Fabulously written and utterly compelling." (Marian Keyes)

What listeners say about The Exhibitionist

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Great read, easy to listen to and couldn't stop

It was a good read, very descriptive and realistic of how family dynamics work in a dysfunctional family. Some bits reminded me of my own family even. But the ending was quite abrupt and left at a bit of a cliff hanger.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Bloody great.

Very funny, very ouch family relations. Put a bully in the centre and the dreadful emotional standoffs and habitual reactions we can all be party to in the gorgeous swamp of kith and kin get ready to explode.

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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    2 out of 5 stars

Sucked the life out me

I did not enjoy the story but stuck with it as the narrator was great. It just felt so whiney and depressing. I guess the title said it all. What an absolute c😢🥺t.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Loved it

I loved this story because it was about the struggles of being an artist, a wife, and a mother.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Just a great book

Within minutes your immersed into the lives of entire family. Such well written characters and scenes. I laughed out loud and gasped in places. A fabulous combination of author and narrator. Juliet Stevenson is as wonderful as you’d expected Totally immersive

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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars

nothing

story was too long, full of dismal characters. could not sympathise with any of them. only read half....

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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars
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    1 out of 5 stars

Couldn’t even finish… save your money

Not even Juliet Stevenson could save it. I made it to 45 minutes left and just couldn’t manage to finish.

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3 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

marmite

beautifully written and performed. definitely had to finish it. made me angry at same time.

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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

Stressful Story beautifully narrated

The lack of agency and dysfunction in the family is painful to hear, especially at night. I would not say it is an empowering listen as advertised, but it is beautifully narrated by Juliet Stevenson, which is why I finished it.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Simply Fantastic

Wonderful book and great performance by the reader. I’m not sure I’ve felt so frustrated by a character before (thanks Lucia!).

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