The Handyman: A Novel

Dennis is Brenna's daughter's father. Brenna and Dennis have an ill-fated hookup, leading to Dennis's obsession with Brenna. He focuses his attention on her daughter, Sadie, even as his efforts to win her over escalate and fail.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 26 September 2023
Publisher: She Writes Press

When Brenna Riley and Dennis Griffin meet on the Stanford rowing team, they are immediately and inexorably drawn to each other. Their attraction leads to an ill-fated hookup. For Brenna, that's the end of the relationship. But for Dennis, it's the beginning of an obsession. What follows is a nearly forty-year preoccupation for Dennis. Everything about Brenna, from her relationships to the strands of hair in her brush, is at the center of his thoughts. But as his efforts to win her over escalate and fail, Dennis focuses his attention on what he's come to think of as the next best thing: her daughter, Sadie.

A haunting, thrilling story about what happens when strong attractions are ignored, The Handyman follows Dennis and Brenna through marriages, addictions, and even an untimely death.

Brenna and Dennis meet on the Stanford rowing team, where they are immediately drawn to each other. Their attraction leads to an ill-fated hookup, but Dennis becomes obsessed with Brenna. He spends nearly forty years pursuing her, even focusing on her daughter, Sadie. The story is a haunting and thrilling exploration of the consequences of ignoring strong attractions.

Brenna and Dennis's relationship is characterized by their strong attraction to each other. Dennis is determined to win Brenna's love, but his efforts to do so escalate and fail. He becomes increasingly obsessed with Brenna and her life, even stalking her and her family. Brenna tries to distance herself from Dennis, but he continues to pursue her, leading to a series of marriages, addictions, and even an untimely death.

The Handyman is a powerful exploration of the nature of obsession and the lengths people will go to to pursue their desires. Dennis's preoccupation with Brenna and her daughter is a haunting reminder of the dangers of ignoring strong attractions and the consequences that can result. Brenna's struggle to maintain her independence and protect her daughter from Dennis's obsession is a testament to her strength and resilience.

The story also explores the complexities of relationships and the impact of addiction on individuals and families. Dennis's addiction to Brenna and her daughter leads to a series of destructive behaviors, including stalking, harassment, and even violence. Brenna's attempts to help Dennis overcome his addiction are complicated by her own struggles with addiction and her desire to protect her daughter.

The Handyman is a well-crafted and compelling story that will leave readers thinking long after they have finished reading. It is a testament to the power of storytelling and the ability of literature to explore complex themes and emotions.

Weight: 370g
Dimension: 140 x 216 x 19 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781647425074