Burst : a novel

Viva has always found ways to manage her mother Charlotte’s drinking because, for her entire life, it’s been Viva and Charlotte against the world. The pair spend years on the move, living in a trailer on Cape Cod, the family home of one of Charlotte’s romantic entanglements, and finally the home of Charlotte’s sister and brother-in-law whose generosity comes with the pressure of intrusion and resentment.Along the way, Viva accidentally discovers an innate talent for dance and chases her new passion with the same fervor that her mother chases the bottle. Over the years, Viva’s talent becomes her ticket to a life of her own, and Charlotte’s investment in Viva’s dance training is tinged with her own past failures and insecurity. As Viva moves further away geographically and emotionally to pursue her dream, Charlotte struggles to make peace with her own past as a failed artist, a distant mother, and an alcoholic. When tragedy strikes, Viva begins a downward spiral that forces her to decide whether she will repeat her mother’s mistakes or finally take control of her lifeTold from interwoven perspectives with writing as deft as a choreographed dance, this story delves into a mother-daughter relationship filled with immense heart in the face of heartbreak.Gain access to additional, behind-the-scenes content via QR code with the purchase of Burst in any format.A deeply moving novel about becoming - and unbecoming - our mothers, absorbing the past, and bursting into our future.Told from interwoven perspectives with lyrical prose, this poignant story explores addiction, artistic ambition, and the complex relationship between Viva and her mother Charlotte. Longlisted for the 2024 Joyce Carol Oates Prize Winner, Independent Publisher Book Awards, Silver Medal - Literary Fiction Featured on PBS NewsHour Named by Good Morning America , New York Post , and Los Angeles Daily News as one of the Best Books of Spring 2023 A deeply moving debut novel from the award-winning author of Yes, Yes, Cherries ("Funny, brave, and amazing"—Lorrie Moore) that explores the relationship complexities between mothers and daughters, the desire to escape, and the longing to connect. Viva has always found ways to manage her mother's impulsive, eccentric and addictive personality. She's had to—for her entire life, it has always been Viva and Charlotte against the world. After accidentally discovering an innate ability for dance, Viva chases her new passion with the same fervor with which her mother chases the bottle. Over the years, Viva's talent becomes a ticket to a life of her own, and as she moves further away from home to pursue her dream, Charlotte struggles to make peace with her own past as a failed artist and the effects of her addiction. When tragedy strikes, Viva begins a downward spiral and must decide whether she will repeat her mother's mistakes or finally take control of her life. Told from interwoven perspectives with lyrical prose as deft as a choreographed dance. Award-winning author Mary Otis of Yes, Yes, Cherries (Funny, brave, and amazing Lorrie Moore) delivers an arresting debut novel that explores the relationship complexities between mothers and daughters, the desire to escape, and the longing to connect. Burst is a powerful story about how we becomeand unbecomeour mothers, how we absorb the past, and how we burst into our own futures. Viva has always found ways to manage her mothers impulsive, eccentric, and addictive personality. Shes had tofor her entire life, it has always been Viva and Charlotte against the world. After accidentally discovering an innate ability for dance, Viva chases her new passion with the same fervor with which her mother chases the bottle. Over the years, Vivas talent becomes a ticket to a life of her own, and as she moves further away from home to pursue her dream, Charlotte struggles to make peace with her own past as a failed artist and the effects of her addiction. When tragedy strikes, Viva begins a downward spiral and must decide whether she will repeat her mothers mistakes or finally take control of her life. Told from interwoven perspectives with lyrical writing as deft as a choreographed dance, Burst excavates a mother-daughter relationship to reveal its gorgeous beating heart. "Viva has always found ways to manage her mother's impulsive, eccentric, and addictive personality. She's had to--for her entire life, it has always been Viva and Charlotte against the world. After accidentally discovering an innate ability for dance, Viva chases her new passion with the same fervor with which her mother chases the bottle. Over the years, Viva's talent becomes a ticket to a life of her own, and as she moves further away from home to pursue her dream, Charlotte struggles to make peace with her own past as a failed artist and the effects of her addiction. When tragedy strikes, Viva begins a downward spiral and must decide whether she will repeat her mother's mistakes or finally take control of her life. Told from interwoven perspectives with lyrical writing as deft as a choreographed dance, Burst excavates a mother-daughter relationship to reveal its gorgeous beating heart"-- Provided by publisher