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kxtiebooks's review
2.0
This book isn't what I was expecting at all. The characters are annoying, and actually quite awful people. It is readable and I enjoyed the easy going writing style, but it's a book that I will have forgotten about very soon as I don't feel like much happened.
The good news is that I flew through it in a couple of days (subsequently completing my 2022 reading challenge!
The good news is that I flew through it in a couple of days (subsequently completing my 2022 reading challenge!
wheelofparm's review
emotional
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
amyvl93's review against another edition
dark
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
f you watched and enjoyed Succession, but thought that Logan Roy just wasn't quite vile enough, The Exhibitionist may be for you!
This novel follows the gathering of the Hanrahan family at the family home ahead of the patriarch Ray, one-time famous artist, launches his first art show in many, many years. We are introduced to Lucia, his wife who has put her arguably more successful career on hold; Patrick, his stepson who longs for a life outside of the family home; Jess, his daughter who has fled from London to Scotland to avoid her family and Leah, his (strangely) devoted other daughter. Alongside the core family are Jess' wet blanket husband, Ray's brother and his family, his ex-wife amongst many others.
I was enjoying this to begin with, I liked the nuanced time we spend with Lucia and Jess in particular - the latter grappling with potential motherhood and the former with her sexuality were both interesting. However, it did start to become overly repetitive and noodley with little point. I also struggled to fully understand some of the character motivations here - especially Leah whose character I never felt we really got to understand. Ray's general vile personality also didn't appear to have any nuance - I don't mind unlikeable characters but I like to be able to at least understand their motivations and Ray was just...horrific. I didn't enjoy spending time with him at all.
Whilst an interesting character study, The Exhibitionist didn't quite give me the pay off I wanted it to.
This novel follows the gathering of the Hanrahan family at the family home ahead of the patriarch Ray, one-time famous artist, launches his first art show in many, many years. We are introduced to Lucia, his wife who has put her arguably more successful career on hold; Patrick, his stepson who longs for a life outside of the family home; Jess, his daughter who has fled from London to Scotland to avoid her family and Leah, his (strangely) devoted other daughter. Alongside the core family are Jess' wet blanket husband, Ray's brother and his family, his ex-wife amongst many others.
I was enjoying this to begin with, I liked the nuanced time we spend with Lucia and Jess in particular - the latter grappling with potential motherhood and the former with her sexuality were both interesting. However, it did start to become overly repetitive and noodley with little point. I also struggled to fully understand some of the character motivations here - especially Leah whose character I never felt we really got to understand. Ray's general vile personality also didn't appear to have any nuance - I don't mind unlikeable characters but I like to be able to at least understand their motivations and Ray was just...horrific. I didn't enjoy spending time with him at all.
Whilst an interesting character study, The Exhibitionist didn't quite give me the pay off I wanted it to.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Racism, Domestic abuse, Sexism, and Cancer
Minor: Suicide
whatnolareads's review against another edition
3.0
The Exhibitionist" by Charlotte Mendelson is a rollercoaster ride through the tangled web of family drama and dysfunction. Set against the backdrop of a long weekend gathering to celebrate patriarch Ray's art exhibit, the story delves deep into the toxic dynamics of the Hanrahan family.
From the outset, it's clear that this is not a family gathering filled with warmth and love. Instead, the characters are rife with flaws and dysfunction, making them incredibly unlikable and unsympathetic. Ray, in particular, emerges as a thoroughly despicable figure whose abusive behavior has left a lasting impact on his family members. As the weekend unfolds, tensions simmer and old wounds are reopened, revealing the deep-seated resentments and conflicts that have plagued the family for years.
Despite the challenging nature of the characters, Mendelson's skillful storytelling keeps the reader engaged. The narrative unfolds with a sense of urgency, drawing readers into the turbulent world of the Hanrahans and their tumultuous relationships. Alongside the family drama, the novel offers vivid descriptions of London, adding depth and atmosphere to the story.
While "The Exhibitionist" may not be a feel-good read, it offers a compelling exploration of complex family dynamics and the lasting effects of trauma. It's a book that stays with you long after you've turned the final page, leaving you with much to ponder about the nature of family, forgiveness, and redemption.
From the outset, it's clear that this is not a family gathering filled with warmth and love. Instead, the characters are rife with flaws and dysfunction, making them incredibly unlikable and unsympathetic. Ray, in particular, emerges as a thoroughly despicable figure whose abusive behavior has left a lasting impact on his family members. As the weekend unfolds, tensions simmer and old wounds are reopened, revealing the deep-seated resentments and conflicts that have plagued the family for years.
Despite the challenging nature of the characters, Mendelson's skillful storytelling keeps the reader engaged. The narrative unfolds with a sense of urgency, drawing readers into the turbulent world of the Hanrahans and their tumultuous relationships. Alongside the family drama, the novel offers vivid descriptions of London, adding depth and atmosphere to the story.
While "The Exhibitionist" may not be a feel-good read, it offers a compelling exploration of complex family dynamics and the lasting effects of trauma. It's a book that stays with you long after you've turned the final page, leaving you with much to ponder about the nature of family, forgiveness, and redemption.
harrietmarydean's review against another edition
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
habmsm's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Never hated a character more than Ray
catriona176's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I can’t remember the last time I detested a character as much as I detested Ray Hanrahan, and I read a lot of books about serial killers
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Domestic abuse, Toxic relationship, and Bullying
Moderate: Pregnancy, Alcohol, and Misogyny