Under the Influence: A Novel

Under the Influence is a unique premise executed flawlessly by Joyce Maynard. She explores themes including codependency, abuse of power, power imbalance in relationships, and the limits of friendship. The character of Helen is empathetic and relatable. A mother who has lost custody of her child and is trying to put her life back together so that she can spend more time with him is taken in -- literally and figuratively -- by a wealthy, influential couple. They are welcoming, generous . . . and also use her with abandon. Helen is willing to go along with being manipulated and connived in order to achieve her ultimate goal. But her character is tested. Maynard weaves a tangled web with a looming crisis that she reveals at precisely the right moment. This tale about loyalty and limits is inventive and compelling.
Thanks to the publisher for an Advanced Reader's Copy of the book via Edelweiss.