The Coast of Akron

Adrienne Miller's debut novel tells the story of the Haven clan, an idiosyncratic family unit. Artist Lowell Haven is the central character from which the other family members radiate like spokes. He is an egocentric, lying philanderer. But Lowell is the one member of the family who has no narrative voice. Ex-wife Jenny is revealed through her diary which tells us everything we need to know about the origin of the marital relationship in swinging London in the 70's. The story of Merit, their daughter, is told in the third person and we learn of her unorthodox childhood and her marriage to a much older man, Wyatt, who seems completely absorbed with home repairs - innovative switchless light fixtures and such. Merit loves animals and her step-daughter Caroline. Merit also has affairs with losers. Merit is a nice person but a real flake. Fergus was once Jenny's high school friend and is now Lowell's lover. He is a bitchy, self-centred, wealthy guy with a self-image problem and a runny nose who delights in regaling us with all things Fergus. The central plot centres around the origin of Lowell Haven's self-portraits but we're let in on the "secret" early on. The denouement is over the top but Miller's wit and originality make it worth a read.