Many thanks to NetGalley and Algonquin Books for gifting me both a physical and digital ARC of this wonderful book by Stephanie Gangi and allowing me to participate in the blog tour - 5 stars!
Bea is nearing 60, still relying both for financial and emotional support on her ex-husband, Gary, an aged rock star who isn't able to reciprocate well. Bea's childhood was fraught with trauma. Her mother, Miri, was a photographer who exploited her children to get those perfect shots, in a series dubbed The Marx Nudes. It all ended in tragedy and Bea has been mostly estranged from her remaining family ever since. Decades later, both Hollywood and the Museum of Modern Art are courting her for projects involving her mother's photos, which have been kept in a storage space.
I adored this book, even though the subject matter of childhood trauma and exploitation is a serious one. Bea had to come to terms with her past before she could move into a new future, and she realizes that she had one memory of her past that was different from reality. As we age, I think we are all forced to face our pasts and become comfortable with our face in the mirror in more ways than just looks. I loved these characters, flaws and all. This is a coming-of-age story for grownups and gave me so much to think about. I also loved the author's note, so be sure to read that. Can't wait to read more from this author!
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