Self-Portrait with Boy

A Novel

By: Rachel Lyon

Narrated by: Julia Whelan

Soon to be made into a major motion picture—Self Portrait—starring Zoë Kravitz and Thomasin McKenzie

Longlisted for the Center for Fiction First Novel Prize, a "rich and thorny page turner" (Los Angeles Times) literary psychological horror about an ambitious young artist whose accidental photograph of a tragedy could jumpstart her career, but devastate her most intimate friendship.

Lu Rile is a relentlessly focused young photographer struggling to make ends meet. Working three jobs, responsible for her aging father, and worrying that her crumbling loft apartment is being sold to developers, she is at a point of desperation. One day, in the background of a self-portrait, Lu accidentally captures an image of a boy falling to his death. The photograph turns out to be startlingly gorgeous, the best work of art she’s ever made. It’s an image that could change her life…if she lets it.

But the decision to show the photograph is not easy. The boy is her neighbors’ son, and the tragedy brings all the building’s residents together. It especially unites Lu with the boy’s beautiful grieving mother, Kate. As the two forge an intense bond based on sympathy, loneliness, and budding attraction, Lu feels increasingly unsettled and guilty, torn between equally fierce desires: to advance her career, and to protect a woman she has come to love.

Set in early 90s Brooklyn on the brink of gentrification, Self-Portrait with Boy is a “sparkling debut” (The New York Times Book Review) about the emotional dues that must be paid on the road to success and a powerful exploration of the complex terrain of female friendship. “The conflict is rich and thorny, raising questions about art and morality, love and betrayal, sacrifice and opportunism, and the chance moments that can define a life…It wrestles with the nature of art, but moves with the speed of a page-turner” (Los Angeles Times).

Great read! Well written

couldn't put this down. such a beautifully written, complex, sad and wonderful story! loved it

great story

great character development and unique story line. would recommend to anyone looking to feel emotional connection to main character.

👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼I’m ecstatic! Julia Whelan NEVER disappoints!

Again, I searched by narrator and was gifted with this winner! I am thrilled with the brilliance of Julia Whelan; her vocal tones are beyond perfection; she’s magnificent. Author Rachel Lyon, a first for me, has created a mystical and complexellent novel. I’ll just say this intriguing, complicated and enjoyable book is well worth a cherished credit or the $13.32 I paid. Highly recommended, I can’t stress it enough and I want to scream it from the rooftop. EPIC, I say! EPIC, EPIC, EPIC! Thank you, Julia, Ms. Lyon and the folks at Audible. Keep ‘em coming!

👏✍🏻🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟✍🏻👏

Not my favorite, but

Interesting story of betrayal, but I identify with her internal struggle. Interesting insight into lives of artists and their lifestyles.

Gritty and vivid

Loved listening to this book! Whelan’ characters were compelling and gritty! A great recommendation from a friend!