The Art of Pretend

July 12, 2024

Ren is a publicist in New York City. As a child, she was abandoned by her mother, making her insecure. She attended NYU with her wealthy friend Etta, to whom she is still close. Etta's money and family connections offer Ren opportunities she would not otherwise have, and Etta takes Ren's friendship for granted. When Etta suddenly moves to Barcelona, Ren feels abandoned. Then Etta's brother, Archer, shows up. When Ren and Archer begin to date, Ren worries that Etta will feel betrayed and convinces Archer to keep their relationship secret. Etta finds out eventually and overreacts, as expected, but her reaction is dampened by the bigger news that Archer has been involved in a money laundering scheme. Kuhl creates characters readers will love to hate, as they display how money and influence can impact relationships, and as their progress toward positive change is minimal. The novel underscores how power imbalances in friendships can skew the relationship. Sadly, the moral seems to be that the rich can do anything they want, with minimal consequences. VERDICT A well-constructed story with a disappointing ending that will, nonetheless, engage readers.--Joanna M. Burkhardt

Copyright 2024 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

September 2, 2024
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.