Our book group choice for May 2023 is The Exhibitionist by Charlotte Mendelson. It is a novel about the Hanrahan family, whose lives are turned upside down when Ray, the patriarch, announces that he is having a major retrospective exhibition of his work.
Ray is a renowned artist, but he is also a notorious narcissist and bully. His wife, Lucia, is a talented sculptor who has sacrificed her own career to support Ray’s. Their children, Leah, Patrick, and Jess, are all struggling with their own issues, and the family reunion that takes place at the exhibition only serves to highlight the deep-seated tensions that exist between them.
The novel is told from the perspectives of all four Hanrahans, and Mendelson does an excellent job of giving each character their own unique voice. Ray is a complex and fascinating character, and Mendelson does not shy away from showing his flaws. He is a brilliant artist, but he is also a selfish and controlling man. Lucia is a kind and compassionate woman, but she is also deeply insecure and afraid of her own power. Leah is a loyal and devoted daughter, but she is also struggling to find her own place in the world. Patrick is a sensitive and artistic young man, but he is also struggling with his sexuality. Jess is the youngest child, and she is still trying to figure out who she is.
Discussion Questions
- Did you enjoy the book?
- What is this book about? What are the central themes?
- What did you think about teh author’s writing style?
- Consider the characters’ plausibility, likeability and fallibility. Were there any characters you found frustrating?
- What did you make of the different relationships between parents? Siblings?
- What did you think about the exhibition? Did it surprise you?
- What role did Lucia’s cancer play in the story? What about the family home?
- Did you find any scenes particularly memorable?
- If this book were made into a film or TV show, who would play the central protagonists?
- Would you recommend this book? If so, to whom?
Individual Ratings
Sue's Rating 
EmmaTs Rating
Baljit's Rating
Catherine's Rating
Willow's Rating
Jo's Rating
DKB's Rating