The Morels—Arthur, Penny, and Will—are a happy family of three living in New York City. So why would Arthur choose to publish a book that brutally rips his tightly knit family unit apart at the seams? Arthur's old schoolmate Chris, who narrates the book, is fascinated with this very question as he becomes accidentally reacquainted with Arthur. A single, aspiring filmmaker who works in a movie theater, Chris envies everything Arthur has, from his beautiful wife to his charming son to his seemingly effortless creativity. But things are not always what they seem.
The Morels takes a unique look at the power of art, literature, music, and film in particular—and challenges us as readers to think about some fascinating questions to which there are no easy answers. Where is the line between art and obscenity, between truth and fiction, between revolutionary thinking and brainless shock value, between craftsmanship and commerce? Is it possible to escape the past? Can you save your family by destroying it?
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“Audacious, thought-provoking…One of the top
first novels of the year. The author spins out the story at a fast clip,
creating a believable and entertaining tale. Woven into the fabric of the work
are discussions of the function of art in society, the difficulty of arriving at
the truth, and a thoughtful, compassionate detailing of the social and personal
repercussions of individual actions and beliefs.”
—
Library Journal (starred review)