The Exhibitionist
Charlotte Mendelson

The Times 2022 Book of the YearLonglisted for the 2022 Women's Prize for FictionNominated for the 2022/23 Comedy Women in Print PrizeThe Exhibitionist is the luminous fifth novel from Man Booker-longlisted and twice-longlisted Women's Prize author Charlotte Mendelson.The longer the marriage, the harder truth becomes.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.An extraordinary new novel from acclaimed author Charlotte Mendelson, The Exhibitionist is a dazzling exploration of art, sacrifice, toxic family politics, queer desire, and personal freedom.