Remember This

Giardina (Norumbega Park) explores in this intelligent novel the shifting relationship between an aging playwright and his daughter. Miranda Rando, an aspiring writer approaching 40, works in the shadow of her father, Henry, who’s currently celebrating the success of his advice book for seniors, How to Be This Age. At 70, Henry finds fulfillment from charitable work with his church. While on a mission in Haiti, he notices a “beautiful” 17-year-old boy named Jean, and he resolves to help Jean get an education in America while wrestling with the fact that his interest in the teenager is more than philanthropic. Meanwhile, as Miranda completes a biography of late painter Anna Soloff, she falls under the Svengali-like spell of Soloff’s Manhattan gallerist, Andrew Schechner. After an excerpt of Miranda’s book is published in the New Yorker, her accomplishment alters the dynamic between daughter and father (“You’re transcending me,” he tells her). Henry also continues to pursue his interest in helping Jean, who’s still in Haiti, causing tension with his wife. Giardina writes knowingly about the worlds of theater and literature, and his deliciously flawed characters are great company. The result is a perceptive look at artists and their limitations. Agent: Sloan Harris, CAA. (Mar.)