What You Could Have Won

Genn’s lurid second novel (after The Cure) tracks the buildup and collapse of a destructive relationship. Astrid is a rising rock star with a cocaine addiction worsened by the experimental drugs supplied by her psychiatrist boyfriend, Henry Sinclair. The two share narrative duties, and Henry’s chapters show him to be deeply self-involved, intent on vengeance against perceived slights from colleagues, and incapable of admitting his own failings after losing a research job. Astrid’s sections highlight her difficulties: she is terribly insecure but incredibly talented, and a portrait of self-punishing dependence and addiction. The novel opens with the couple visiting a Greek island so Astrid can recuperate after a particularly public binge that culminated in her catching fire at Burning Man. She’s recognized by the locals, and interactions between Henry and a hypermasculine Greek handyman provide some of the novel’s more entertaining moments. As Astrid’s story spins out in flashback, her character initially seems to hold little more than the standard drug addict archetype, but Genn’s skill lies in eliciting sympathy for Astrid as she tries to overcome Henry’s determination to manipulate her and recover his career. The result makes for a captivating portrait of regret, addiction, and the will to survive. (Nov.)