Marcy Dermansky at New York Public Library

In her trademark taut, mordantly funny, and “brainy, emotionally sophisticated” (New York Times) prose, Marcy Dermansky—a celebrated master of transgression— bring us a razor-sharp exploration of a women’s search for self-realization. When Leah’s former boss and mentor, Judy, dies in an accident and leaves Leah her most prized possession—a red sports car—the shock forces Leah to reevaluate her whole life. Leah is living in Queens with a husband she doesn’t love and a list of unfulfilled ambitions. Returning to San Francisco to claim the mysterious car she blames for Judy’s death, Leah revisits past lives and loves in several sprawling days colored by sex and sorrow and unexpected delight. Through the voice of Judy, who advises from afar, the surreal nature of grief is made hauntingly evident as Leah is led toward a new sense of freedom.