Under the Influence LP: Large Print - Softcover

Maynard, Joyce

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0062257765 ISBN 13: 9780062257765

Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers, 2021

Synopsis

New York Times bestselling author Joyce Maynard returns with a complex and relentlessly gripping novel about emotional seduction and betrayal.When Helen meets Swift and Ava Havilland at an art gallery opening, her life is at an all-time low. A DUI conviction caused her to lose her driver s license and custody of her eight-year-old son, Oliver. She s got a dead-end job and spends most evenings at AA meetings. The Havillands change all that.Ava and Swift are wealthy, charismatic philanthropists passionate animal lovers and passionate lovers of each other, it seems. And though Ava specializes in rescuing dogs, this time she decides to rescue Helen. The Havillands quickly become the center of Helen s world, as she takes on jobs for them and joins their glamorous inner circle. Even Oliver has fallen under Swift s spell; the lonely boy looks up to the man who treats Ollie like a second son.Then tragedy strikes: a devastating accident at the Havillands lake house witnessed by Ollie. Now Helen and Oliver must pay up for her friends generosity. Or pay dearly if they refuse."

About this title

Review

It s a story about the pull of consuming friendships, of seeking to escape into the lives of others, of possession and illusion and you will not be able to put it down until Maynard herself releases you. Utterly captivating. --Megan Abbott, Edgar Award-winning author of "Dare Me" and "The Fever""

Maynard s latest is illuminating and mesmerizing, highlight not only differing definitions of friendship, but the shades of gray between right and wrong and the lengths to which some will go to protect their self-interest. --Publishers Weekly"

My to-do list had umpteen items on it, but I let them all go to hell as I tore through Joyce Maynard s latest page-turner. . . . To-do list? What to-do list? "Under the Influence" is a riveting read. --Wally Lamb"

"Maynard's latest is illuminating and mesmerizing, highlight not only differing definitions of friendship, but the shades of gray between right and wrong and the lengths to which some will go to protect their self-interest."--Publishers Weekly

"My to-do list had umpteen items on it, but I let them all go to hell as I tore through Joyce Maynard's latest page-turner. . . . To-do list? What to-do list? Under the Influence is a riveting read."--Wally Lamb

"It's a story about the pull of consuming friendships, of seeking to escape into the lives of others, of possession and illusion -- and you will not be able to put it down until Maynard herself releases you. Utterly captivating."--Megan Abbott, Edgar Award-winning author of Dare Me and The Fever

-Maynard's latest is illuminating and mesmerizing, highlight not only differing definitions of friendship, but the shades of gray between right and wrong and the lengths to which some will go to protect their self-interest.---Publishers Weekly

-My to-do list had umpteen items on it, but I let them all go to hell as I tore through Joyce Maynard's latest page-turner. . . . To-do list? What to-do list? Under the Influence is a riveting read.---Wally Lamb

-It's a story about the pull of consuming friendships, of seeking to escape into the lives of others, of possession and illusion -- and you will not be able to put it down until Maynard herself releases you. Utterly captivating.---Megan Abbott, Edgar Award-winning author of Dare Me and The Fever

From the Back Cover

The New York Times bestselling author of Labor Day and After Her returns with a poignant story about the true meaning--and the true price--of friendship.

Drinking cost Helen her marriage and custody of her seven-year-old son, Ollie. Once an aspiring art photographer, she now makes ends meet taking portraits of school children and working for a caterer. Recovering from her addiction, she spends lonely evenings checking out profiles on an online dating site. Weekend visits with her son are awkward. He's drifting away from her, fast.

When she meets Ava and Swift Havilland, the vulnerable Helen is instantly enchanted. Wealthy, connected philanthropists, they have their own charity devoted to rescuing dogs. Their home is filled with fabulous friends, edgy art, and dazzling parties.

Then Helen meets Elliott, a kind, quiet accountant who offers loyalty and love with none of her newfound friends' fireworks. To Swift and Ava, he's boring. But even worse than that, he's unimpressed by them.

As Helen increasingly falls under the Havillands' influence--running errands, doing random chores, questioning her relationship with Elliott--Ava and Swift hold out the most seductive gift: their influence and help to regain custody of her son. But the debt Helen owes them is about to come due.

Ollie witnesses an accident involving Swift, his grown son, and the daughter of the Havillands' housekeeper. With her young son's future in the balance, Helen must choose between the truth and the friends who have given her everything.

About this edition

• Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers
• Publication date: 2021
• ISBN 10: 0062257765
• ISBN 13: 9780062257765
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 492