A review by nerdyprettythings
The Exhibitionist by Charlotte Mendelson

  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

This book is well-written, but it’s an absolutely infuriating read. Lucia is a well-regarded artist, but the biggest thing in her life, before her art, her well-being, or her children, is being a wife to her (unsuccessful) artist husband. She develops cancer, discovers her husband has been cheating, begins an affair with a female MP, but none of this leads anywhere. Lucia will always be berated by her husband (Ray) and turn down opportunities because of his professional jealousy.
All of Lucia’s children are also emotionally abused by their father in some way, and they carry this submissive dynamic into relationships with their partners. 
The book sort of took a comical route, every character is so over the top. But I couldn’t lean into the hilarity of the situation (missing that your wife is cheating because you think she’s conspiring to ruin your non-existent career) because Ray is just so abusive constantly.
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