Advanced
Error loading page.
Try refreshing the page. If that doesn't work, there may be a network issue, and you can use our self test page to see what's preventing the page from loading.
Learn more about possible network issues or contact support for more help.
Title details for Harmony by Carolyn Parkhurst - Available

Harmony

A Novel

by Carolyn Parkhurst
ebook
1 of 1 copy available
Borrow Read a sample Read a sample
1 of 1 copy available
"[A] provocative page-turner." —People
“In Parkhurst’s deft treatment, Harmony becomes a story of our time. . . Parkhurst cements herself as a writer capable of astonishing humanity and exquisite prose.” —Washington Post
“Gorgeously written and patently original.” —Jodi Picoult, New York Times bestselling author of Leaving Time

From the New York Times bestselling author of The Dogs of Babel, a taut, emotionally wrenching story of how a seemingly "normal" family could become desperate enough to leave everything behind and move to a "family camp" in New Hampshire—a life-changing experience that alters them forever.
How far will a mother go to save her family? The Hammond family is living in DC, where everything seems to be going just fine, until it becomes clear that the oldest daughter, Tilly, is developing abnormally—a mix of off-the-charts genius and social incompetence. Once Tilly—whose condition is deemed undiagnosable—is kicked out of the last school in the area, her mother Alexandra is out of ideas.
The family turns to Camp Harmony and the wisdom of child behavior guru Scott Bean for a solution. But what they discover in the woods of New Hampshire will push them to the very limit. Told from the alternating perspectives of both Alexandra and her younger daughter Iris (the book's Nick Carraway), this is a unputdownable story about the strength of love, the bonds of family, and how you survive the unthinkable.

  • Creators

  • Publisher

  • Release date

    August 2, 2016

  • Formats

    • Kindle Book

    • OverDrive Read

      • ISBN: 9780399562624
      • File size: 803 KB

    • EPUB ebook

      • ISBN: 9780399562624
      • File size: 1945 KB

  • Languages

    • English

  • Reviews

    • Publisher's Weekly

      June 27, 2016
      Parkhurst’s (The Dogs of Babel) latest explores family bonds, modern-day parenting, and the foundations of cult-like groups, all with nuance and a liberal dose of dark humor. Alexandra and Josh Hammond are at the end of their rope with the diagnosis-defying behavioral issues of their 13-year-old daughter, Tilly, until Alexandra discovers the work of Scott Bean, an unorthodox child-development guru with a devoted grassroots following. Now Scott’s invited the Hammonds—Alexandra, Josh, Tilly, and neurotypical younger daughter Iris—to move to a summer camp in rural New Hampshire for families facing similar struggles. At first, the idyllic setting, simpler routines, and Scott’s charismatic leadership prove helpful for the Hammonds and the other families at the newly dubbed Camp Harmony. But as the veneer of Scott’s public persona wears off, and a more controlling, volatile side begins to show, all of Camp Harmony’s residents are forced to confront some harrowing truths about their situation. Told from the viewpoints of Alexandra, Tilly, and Iris, Parkhurst’s memorable tale features a complex cast of characters and a series of conundrums with no easy answers. Book-discussion groups will be particularly interested in the tale’s numerous deftly explored gray areas. Agent: Douglas Stewart, Sterling Lord Literistic.

    • Library Journal

      July 1, 2016

      The author of two previous works of literary fiction with quirky characters and a mystery to solve (The Dogs of Babel; The Nobodies Album) stays true to form in her latest novel. The Hammonds, parents of two daughters--whip-smart, teenage Tilly, with an undiagnosed behavioral disorder, and loyal younger sister Iris--trade in a comfortable Washington, DC, lifestyle to invest all in a risky New Hampshire venture, Camp Harmony. The rundown summer grounds are owned by Scott Bean, a compelling, charismatic, special-needs guru whom Alexandra, the girls' mother, met online. Narrated by the three female members of the family in alternating chapters that jump back and forth in time, the story maintains an air of suspense by letting readers know more than each character does individually. VERDICT This blend of literary fiction and domestic suspense is an ideal choice for book clubs.--Laurie Cavanaugh, Thayer P.L., Braintree, MA

      Copyright 2016 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Formats

  • Kindle Book
  • OverDrive Read
  • EPUB ebook

subjects

Languages

  • English

Loading
Check Out What's Being Checked Out Right Now