The Situation: To see it on paper, Jane is living the Hollywood dream. She lives in one of the architectural marvels of Los Angeles with her artist husband, Lenny, and her two kids, Ruby and Finn. She is a non-tenured faculty member at a local college, but once she turns in the manuscript for her second book - which has been ten years in the making following the success of her first one - she is sure to be promoted. But if anyone were to peel back the layers on Jane's life, they would see that the house her family is currently living in is not theirs, and neither is the wine collection she and her husband keep drinking from. While Lenny keeps insisting on making unsellable art, the family can only afford to stay housed for short periods, with this year in one place being a welcome moment of stability. But after using her teaching sabbatical to work on her book, she is ready to turn it in, and perhaps finally move into the stage of life she has been dreaming of.
The Problem: Unfortunately for Jane, the book does not turn out to be quite the saving grace she was hoping for. But living and working in Los Angeles means she can do what so many writers have done before her, and that is turn to Hollywood. When she manages to secure a meeting with Hampton Ford, a major figure in the producing world, things are looking up as they begin working on a TV comedy series all about being biracial. A contract for the show could mean finally living in her dream neighborhood, while also putting an end to Lenny's idea of moving the family to Tokyo, where he feels his work is really understood. As Jane searches for her voice as a writer for TV, things seem promising, right up until it becomes clear that they are not.
Genre, Themes, History: This is a work of fiction set in and around modern-day Los Angeles. Jane is a biracial woman who married Lenny, a Black man, and the two are raising a family, reaching for both stability and success, while also holding onto their own integrity as artists. While Jane certainly envies the success of the man whose house she is currently living in, she and Lenny both look down on those who turn to Hollywood for their golden ticket to fame and relevance. But Jane finds herself doing exactly that after all of her hard work on her book does not pay off as she hoped. With thorough exploration of the biracial identity, including the struggle to fit in, and the tendency to adopt the speech and interests of those around her, the book also portrays Jane's struggles as a mother, wife, teacher, and writer.
My Verdict: Some readers may have the desire to put this book aside after the first 50 pages or so, as I did, but I encourage them to push through it and continue. For me, both Jane and Lenny were pretty unlikable (judgmental, self-righteous, condescending), and it was to the point that I wondered if this was a case where the protagonist was actually the villain. However, as the story progresses, it becomes an interesting look at one woman's struggle to follow up the considerable success of her first novel with what her husband has called her "mulatto War and Peace." The book showcases not only the frustrating subjectivity of the publishing world, but also the uncertainty and vulnerability of writing in general, as well as how easy it is to claim the label of "misunderstood" for yourself, while vilifying anyone who does not appreciate your work, along with those who do find success.
Favorite Moment: In nearly every meeting Jane has with Hampton Ford, she attempts to go for a certain look with her outfit, but always seems to get it wrong, perhaps showcasing how out of her depth she is.
Favorite Character: Jane's son Finn is a delight, and might be the only truly misunderstood character in the book.
Recommended Reading: I recommend R.F. Kuang's Yellowface, or Rainbow Rowell's Landline.
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