Sebastian Stuart embarks on a journey of self-discovery that unveils painful truths about his family history. As he grapples with the consequences of unresolved grief, he confronts the emotional toll it has taken on his life. The narrative explores themes of identity, loss, and the complexities of familial relationships, ultimately revealing the profound impact of denial and the quest for acceptance.
“I love stories about friendship, particularly those in which friendship is recalled under a nostalgic haze...I found the whole thing quite lovely...Stuart knows how to cut the pathos with some sharp wit.”—Daniel Goldin of Boswell Book Company for National Public Radio
After being expelled from a prestigious Manhattan boys' school, Arthur McDougal is sent to the Spooner School, influenced by Christian Science, in Connecticut. There, he meets Katrina Felt, the troubled daughter of a Hollywood star. As Arthur navigates his sexuality, Katrina’s talent earns her a role in a Broadway musical, and they develop a tender friendship. However, while Arthur gains confidence, Katrina is weighed down by her past's heartbreaking secrets. By the end of the year, their lives will be irrevocably changed, and their friendship will come to an end. Set in the late 1960s, this narrative offers a vivid portrait of the era, filled with drugs, sex, Andy Warhol, and a cast of memorable secondary characters, all delivered through sharp and humorous dialogue.
Sebastian Stuart has a diverse writing background, including novels, plays, and screenplays. His previous work, ghostwritten with acknowledgment, achieved notable success on The New York Times bestseller list. A native New Yorker, he currently resides in Cambridge, Massachusetts, with fellow novelist Stephen McCauley.
Dětská lékařka Shelley Greenová, jež právě ukončila specializační stáž, by mohla děkovat osudu. Má milující rodinu, snoubence, který ji zbožňuje, a právě dostala pracovní nabídku, o které se jí ani nesnilo. V soukromé ordinaci pečující o děti manažerů, filmových hvězd a slavných umělců se uvolnilo místo dětského lékaře. Přinese společenská prestiž, úspěch a peníze doktorce Shelley Greenové štěstí a lásku?
Mladá lékařka, vyrůstající v chudé čtvrti v New Yorku, náhle žije v blahobytu, stýká se s lidmi, které znala jen z televizní obrazovky, má nový účes, nový šatník, štíhlejší postavu... a stále méně času na svého snoubence Arthura. Přežije jejich dlouholetý vztah změnu, kterou Shelley právě prochází, nebo se lékařka sblíží s mužem, jenž je jí stále častěji nablízku?
