Surface

Claire Montgomery has spent her marriage coasting on the affluence of her husband. That all comes to a sudden halt when she has a one-night stand with Andrew, a business associate of her husband, Michael. Matters are further complicated when their son, Nicky, overdoses on cocaine that Andrew left in the house. Nicky goes into a coma, and when Michael learns the circumstances around this tragedy, he is livid. While Nicky goes through intensive care and therapy, Michael asks for a separation. However, as time passes, Claire realizes Michael has been hiding things from her as well, and she decides to risk her privileged life to confront him. Robinson’s empathy for Claire comes out on every page. Claire is a strong mother and a woman struggling to form an independent identity. Nicky and his father adjust their expectations for Nicky’s future, and Claire adjusts her financial situation; Robinson deftly manages to make readers sympathetic with the struggles of the incredibly privileged. Agent: David Forrer, Inkwell Management. (Mar.)