From Publishers Weekly
Clara, the protagonist of Shapiro's uneven fifth novel (after
Family History), is the youngest daughter and muse of Ruth Dunne, a famous Manhattan photographer who made her name shooting Sally Mann–style (read: nude and provocative) photos of a young Clara. Unable to bear the humiliation of being "the girl in those pictures," Clara runs away from home at 18. Fourteen years later and still estranged from her mother, Clara's living in Maine with her husband and daughter when her older sister calls and tells her Ruth is in failing health. Clara travels back to Manhattan, where she comes to terms with her family and herself. Though Clara's frequent bemoaning of her emotional scars tries the reader's patience, Shapiro's sharp depictions of love and shame go a long way toward putting the self-pity into relief. It's unfortunate that Ruth fails to comes across as anything more than a narcissistic artist, but the novel offers some fine insights into marriage, the making of art and the often difficult mother-daughter dynamic.
(Apr.) Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
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Hardcover
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From AudioFile
At age 18, Clara Dunn ran away from her family. Fourteen years later, a telephone call brings all the bad memories of her childhood back. Her mother is dying, and Clara must finally return home. But this family reunion will come at a cost to her and her family. Marguerite Gavins performance expresses the nuance and subtly of Shapiros story. In moments of high emotion, Gavins compelling voice seduces listeners into believing this is her own story. Her transitions among the three generations of Dunn women prove as impressive as her ability to capture their emotions. Gavins voice grips listeners and adds soul to Shapiros story of reconciliation. L.E. © AudioFile 2007, Portland, Maine--
Copyright © AudioFile, Portland, Maine
--This text refers to the
Audio CD
edition.
