The Gallery Assistant

A powerful, sophisticated novel of suspense that follows the life—and losses—of Chloe Harlow. A denizen of New York’s latest up-and-coming trendy enclave, Williamsburg, Chloe lives a boho-ish lifestyle while working in an art gallery. Having dropped out of several endeavors—such as college—Chloe finds herself fascinated by gallery work, despite the punitive salary and relentless snobbery. Then September 11, 2001 comes along. Chloe was delivering a drawing to the North Tower right when it was hit. Miraculously, she escapes, although she’s much changed: drinking to excess, always late for work, anxious. Until the night when she parties so hard, celebrating a new artist the gallery signed on, that the next day she can’t remember a thing. Then the NYPD stops by to interrogate her. From there, Chloe’s life begins to spin out of control: her best friend is missing, their apartment is broken into, her boss is fired and disappears, the cops won’t let up, she’s pursued by several thugs. Then she comes across information that, if all the pieces fall into the right place, could totally scandalize the art world. A fast narrative, this novel is as emotionally moving as it is incredibly suspenseful, and with one of the most sensitive depictions of New York during and after 9/11 I’ve ever read. For fans of Katy Hays and Elizabeth Kaufman.