“Seduction Theory” by Emily Adrian

After reading a blurb in The New York Times for “Seduction Theory,” I anxiously awaited the novel’s release all summer. Upon seeing that the book had a “multiple month” waiting list at the library, I caved immediately and bought the hardcover. The anticipation proved to be worthwhile, as I devoured the book in less than a day. 

“Seduction Theory” is protagonist Roberta Green’s MFA thesis. She attends Edwards University for creative writing and becomes entangled in an inappropriately intimate friendship with her advisor, Simone. Simone is the star of campus — she’s a sexy, smart and successful writer. Simone is married to Ethan, another professor of writing who, though wholly infatuated with his wife, has an inappropriate relationship of his own. As both spouses engage in betrayals, Roberta chronicles all of the drama in her thesis, which is only lightly veiled as fiction. The academic setting, unreliable narrator and deep character development all come together to create a delicious literary drama. 

— Alexa Donovan, Editor-at-Large 

“Intimacies” by Katie Kitamura

The protagonist of “Intimacies” works as an interpreter at the International Criminal Court in The Hague — my dream job which remains out of reach because of my limited translation abilities. While my envy of her profession may have heightened my enjoyment of this novel, Kitamura’s writing is indisputably incredible. 

Looking for a sense of belonging after moving from New York to The Hague, the interpreter’s personal and work life are filled with drama that challenges her emotional stability. Her romantic relationship with a man separated from his wife turns insecure when he leaves on a trip to visit his children. At the same time, she is asked to interpret for a former president at The Hague on trial for war crimes. The protagonist begins to second guess her translation abilities as she becomes overwhelmed and her emotions muddle her understanding of words’ underlying meanings. “Intimacies” left me reflecting on my own life and how words said, unsaid and misinterpreted shape our relationships. 

— Siobhán Minerva, Arts Editor

“Lazy City” by Rachel Connolly

Erin is at rock bottom. She’s grieving the loss of a friend, has an estranged relationship with her mother and has recently moved home to Belfast to work as an au pair. The mundane storyline follows Erin’s coping mechanisms — which include entangling herself in two romantic relationships, spending most of her nights drinking and finding sanctuary in empty churches.

While most novels that follow damaged women ultimately lead to a big breakdown, Connolly subverts these expectations. In fact, this story’s power lies in its subtlety. From moment to moment, readers watch as Erin masks her vulnerabilities and performs what she believes to be normalcy. She’s forced to keep chugging along because she has no support system to fall back on. A breathtaking debut by Connolly, “Lazy City” showcases Erin’s quiet suffering and resilience through this deeply character driven story

— Skylar Boilard, Performing Arts Editor

“Eve’s Hollywood” by Eve Babitz

To say the least, “Eve’s Hollywood” made me fall in love with memoirs — though Babitz’s book can’t be solely limited to this genre. She writes about personal experiences in snapshots, with each chapter telling a different story of her life while growing up in Hollywood. From her glamorous interactions with movie stars to a hectic trip she takes to New York City, she takes you on every journey a Los Angeles woman would encounter.  

Babitz gives her readers a perfect peek into 1960s Hollywood, leaving everyone enamoured with the era. Her charm and humor translate seamlessly through her writing. The witty banter and gossipy tone make the novel feel like a casual chat with a friend. She shares both career peaks and mental low points with a level of vulnerability in every story that feels in no way forced. The cherry on top is her continuous namedroppings of celebrities like Jim Morrison, Harrison Ford and Igor Stravinsky. These details delicately wrap up her lucid depiction of vintage Hollywood and make this novel a breezy, fun and memorable read. 

— Eva Mundo, Deputy News Editor

Contact the Arts desk at [email protected].