The Art of Pretend

Kuhl’s insightful debut follows the travails of a 20-something once aspiring writer as she attempts to build a life in New York City. Ren, who was raised in a middle-class household by an uninvolved father after her mother left them, lacks confidence as a writer and toils instead as a publicist. She’s meek in social settings, often kowtowing to her best friend from college, Etta Crofton, the aimless daughter of art world aficionados who’s oblivious to her privilege. Etta has a complicated rivalry with her older brother, Archer, an up-and-coming painter who is their parents’ favorite. When Etta leaves to study in Barcelona at her parents’ behest, the family allows Ren to stay in Etta’s apartment. Without Etta around, Ren and Archer gravitate to one another. Archer, who’s sincere and ambitious, isn’t taken seriously by critics, and Ren bonds with him on their inchoate artistic aspirations as their friendship turns romantic. Ren fears their relationship will upset Etta and decides to keep it a secret, but bigger problems emerge when Ren makes a bad decision that affects Archer. Kuhl skillfully explores the tension of Ren’s ambition and insecurity, crafting a taut and believable plot. Readers will find much to love in this sharp, engrossing story. (July)