Under the Influence A Novel
Under the Influence A Novel by Joyce Maynard is a reprint edition published by HarperCollins on November 22, 2016. This 352-page novel explores the complexities of friendship and the consequences of choices made in the pursuit of connection. The story follows Helen, whose struggles with addiction have cost her dearly, including her marriage and custody of her son, Ollie. As she navigates her recovery, Helen finds herself drawn to the glamorous world of Ava and Swift Havilland, who offer her a glimpse of a life filled with wealth and social allure.
Readers will find a narrative that delves into themes of family life and the impact of influence on personal relationships. As Helen becomes increasingly entangled with the Havillands, she faces difficult decisions that challenge her values and priorities. The story unfolds against a backdrop of suspense, as Helen must confront the reality of her choices when her son witnesses a troubling incident involving the Havillands. This edition presents a poignant exploration of loyalty, love, and the true cost of friendship.
Official synopsis Publisher
The New York Times bestselling author of Labor Day and After Her returns with a poignant story about the true meaning—and the true price—of friendship.
Drinking cost Helen her marriage and custody of her seven-year-old son, Ollie. Once an aspiring art photographer, she now makes ends meet taking portraits of school children and working for a caterer. Recovering from her addiction, she spends lonely evenings checking out profiles on an online dating site. Weekend visits with her son are awkward. He’s drifting away from her, fast.
When she meets Ava and Swift Havilland, the vulnerable Helen is instantly enchanted. Wealthy, connected philanthropists, they have their own charity devoted to rescuing dogs. Their home is filled with fabulous friends, edgy art, and dazzling parties.
Then Helen meets Elliott, a kind, quiet accountant who offers loyalty and love with none of her newfound friends’ fireworks. To Swift and Ava, he’s boring. But even worse than that, he’s unimpressed by them.
As Helen increasingly falls under the Havillands’ influence—running errands, doing random chores, questioning her relationship with Elliott—Ava and Swift hold out the most seductive gift: their influence and help to regain custody of her son. But the debt Helen owes them is about to come due.
Ollie witnesses an accident involving Swift, his grown son, and the daughter of the Havillands’ housekeeper. With her young son’s future in the balance, Helen must choose between the truth and the friends who have given her everything.
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