Cherry Hill

Cherry Hill is a memoir that combines the talents of photographer Jona Frank and Academy Award winner Laura Dern to tell the story of one girl's youthful struggle and deliverance. It is a hybrid of personal essay and photography that breaks open the memoir format, detailing the life of a young artist as she spends her days dreaming of a friendship with Emily Dickinson, longing for Bruce Springsteen, and eschewing the rules of femininity. Frank employs a cinematic approach to construct vivid scenes from her youth, casting Academy Award-winning actor Laura Dern in the role of her strict and complicated mother.

Format: Hardback
Length: 320 pages
Publication date: 03 November 2020
Publisher: Monacelli Press

In the captivating memoir, Cherry Hill, photographer Jona Frank collaborates with Academy Award-winning actress Laura Dern to recount the tale of a young girl's journey through struggle and redemption. The book weaves together captivating stories and poignant images, creating a rich tapestry of emotions and experiences.

Frank's account of her childhood is filled with challenges, including a repressive mother, a mentally ill brother, and overwhelming expectations. However, the book is also peppered with episodes from her rich inner world, offering a glimpse into her thoughts, dreams, and emotions. Akin to a graphic novel, this hybrid of personal essay and photography breaks the traditional format of memoir, delving into the life of a young artist as she navigates her days filled with dreams of friendship with Emily Dickinson, longing for Bruce Springsteen, and defying societal norms of femininity.

Frank employs a cinematic approach to reconstruct vivid scenes from her youth. She creates elaborate sets, outfits that reflect different eras, and even employs multiple actors to portray herself as a child. Through this artistic lens, Frank breathes new life into her memories, transforming them into vibrant tableaux that evoke a sense of nostalgia and longing.

One of the most striking aspects of Cherry Hill is Frank's decision to cast Academy Award-winning actor Laura Dern in the role of her strict and complicated mother. Dern's performance is nothing short of bravura, matching the brilliance of her film and television work. Her portrayal of Frank's mother adds depth and complexity to the story, highlighting the complex dynamics between mother and daughter and the struggles that arise from their relationship.

As Frank grows beyond the confines of her environment and suffocating domestic life, she discovers art and photography as the pathways to her personal fulfillment. Through her artistic pursuits, she finds solace, self-expression, and a sense of purpose. She plots her ultimate escape, determined to break free from the constraints that hold her back and live authentically according to her true self.

Cherry Hill is a unique photographic storytelling project that resonates with classics like Fun Home and The Best We Could Do. It serves as an intimate self-portrait of what it takes to break free from convention and answer the fundamental question: Who am I meant to be? Through frank and evocative prose, stunning photographs, and a powerful performance by Laura Dern, Cherry Hill offers a profound exploration of identity, resilience, and the pursuit of personal fulfillment.

Weight: 1214g
Dimension: 174 x 237 x 34 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781580935586