Sheer

In the engrossing sophomore effort from Lawrence (Ellipses), an entrepreneur navigates power dynamics in the beauty industry. At the outset, Maxine “Max” Thomas, 40, has been sidelined by the board of Reveal, the makeup company she founded. Lawrence then rewinds to tell the story of Reveal’s origins, when Max, a college student in 1990s New York City, makes money by doing makeup for wealthy women. One of her clients, Ellen Atkins, sees Max’s potential and agrees to help launch her company, but takes advantage of Max’s naivete and has her unknowingly sign away her rights. Ellen also insists that Max keep her queer sexuality a secret. In the present, as Max waits for the board to decide whether to oust her over a scandal that is revealed late in the novel, she recounts the long road to success, including dealing with lecherous male investors at Ellen’s behest, keeping up with the changing makeup trends of the last 20 years, and the power struggle between her and Ellen as the latter pushes to make the brand profitable. Max also has an affair with her 25-year-old assistant, Amanda Weston, who inspires her to develop a popular new product. Lawrence weaves all these threads with subtlety and nuance, and adds depth to the characterization of the complicated Maxine as she comes to terms with how she might have unwittingly exploited Amanda. It’s a well-crafted tale of a striver’s fall from grace. (Jan.)