Once again, Hamilton is exceptionally nuanced and enthralling, profound and funny in this gorgeously written modern fairy tale about motherhood, families of blood and choice, art and altruism, self and circumstance.”—Booklist (starred review)
“Hamilton displays a natural touch in her characterizations . . . which add dimension to the entertaining tale. The author has another winner on her hands.” —Publishers Weekly
“The Phoebe Variations is a glorious novel, which is no surprise—it was written by Jane Hamilton. I absolutely loved this exploration of family, friendship, and personal transformation, and was surprised and moved by Phoebe as she makes her way in the world.”
—Meg Wolitzer, author of The Female Persuasion
“Vintage Jane Hamilton. Poignant and funny with plenty of unexpected twists and turns. Phoebe Hudson is one of Hamilton's finest creations.”
—Allegra Goodman, author of Isola
“A new Jane Hamilton novel is always cause for celebration, and with her luminous The Phoebe Variations, it’s time to shout and sing once more. Get ready to fall in love with the brilliant, mixed-up, loyal, and lovely Phoebe!”
—Ann Hood, author of The Stolen Child
“Gorgeous writing—wry and deep all at once. And full of the soft, relatable turns of phrase that make me swoon over a Hamiltonian sentence . . . A-pluses for poetic prose, for wit, for originality, for piano fervor. I loved visiting the crazy-wonderful house, over-populated with irresistible sons who shape Phoebe’s life forever.”
—Elinor Lipman, author of Every Tom, Dick and Harry
“Seventeen-year-old Phoebe is a masterfully compelling character, and her search for self—as she tries to distinguish performance from authenticity, guidance from manipulation—is beautifully rendered. Jane Hamilton has written another beguiling, devourable book.”
—Julie Schumacher, author of Dear Committee Members
“Few writers have a body of work as varied, successful, and beautifully written as Jane Hamilton's. The latest addition to her oeuvre, The Phoebe Variations, is a wildly original story of complicated and unlikely family arrangements, the fluidity of identity, and just about every kind of love imaginable. Hamilton juggles her story lines and unforgettable characters with the humor, warmth, and flawless prose that will have readers giving Phoebe a standing ovation. Exactly the kind of life-affirming novel the world needs now.”
—Stephen McCauley, author of My Ex-Life
“I loved this book. Phoebe’s desperation, her bottomless invention in the face of it, is a joy to behold.”
—Jacqueline Polzin, author of Brood
“A charming, hilarious, ruminative, and deeply felt homage to friendship, the dawn of sexual desire, and the pure joy of music. Phoebe is a completely real and utterly sympathetic character, and I would’ve followed her anywhere. I was compelled by every minute of this book.”
—Lydia Conklin, author of Rainbow Rainbow
“An empathetic chronicle, both tender and comical.”
—Kirkus
