Joyce Girl

Abbs has found a gripping and little-known story at the heart of one of the 20th centurys most astonishing creative moments, researched it deeply, and brought the extraordinary Joyce family and their circle in 1920s Paris to richly-imagined life.Emma Darwin, bestselling author ofA Secret AlchemyandThe Mathematics of LoveFor readers who adored novels likeThe Paris Wife,Z, andLoving Frank, comes Annabel Abbs highly praised debut novel, where she spins the story of James Joyces fascinating, and tragic, daughter, Lucia.When she reaches her full capacity for rhythmic dancing, James Joyce may yet be known as his daughters father . . . The review in the Paris Times in November 1928 is rapturous in its praise of Lucia Joyces skill and artistry as a dancer. The family has made their home in Pariswhere the latest ideas in art, music, and literature converge. Acolytes regularly visit the Joyce apartment to pay homage to Irelands exiled literary genius. Among them is a tall, thin young man named Samuel Becketta fellow Irish expat who idolizes Joyce and with whom Lucia becomes romantically involved.Lucia is both gifted and motivated, training tirelessly with some of the finest teachers in the world. Though her father delights in his daughters talent, she clashes with her mother, Nora. And as her relationship with Beckett sours, Lucias dreams unravel, as does her hope of a life beyond her fathers shadow.With Lucias behavior growing increasingly erratic, James Joyce sends her to pioneering psychoanalyst Carl Jung. Here, at last, she will tell her own storya fascinating, heartbreaking account of thwarted ambition, passionate creativity, and the power of love to both inspire and destroy.The Joyce Girl creates a compelling and moving account of the real-life Joyce Girl, of unrealized dreams and rejection, and of the destructive love of a father.