The Painter's Friend

The Painters Friend is a novel by Howard Cunnell that explores the human cost of gentrification and the role of art in protest. It follows the painter Terry Godden, who is outcast and retreats to a small island, where he discovers a community of independent outsiders who have made a precarious home. The island is owned by Alex Kaplan, who seeks to enforce a rent increase, threatening to destroy the community. Terry believes that making the invisible struggles of the island visible to the world will help, but will his interference save anybody other than himself? The novel is written with visual lyricism and driven clarity, and builds to an unforgettable climax. It is an urgent novel for our unjust times.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 288 pages
Publication date: 14 April 2022
Publisher: Pan Macmillan

A captivating and thought-provoking novel, The Painters Friend delves into the intricate dynamics of a small island community and the devastating consequences of gentrification. Set against the backdrop of a picturesque coastal town, the story follows the journey of painter Terry Godden, who, after a tumultuous crisis, finds himself cast aside and isolated. Seeking solace and a fresh start, he retreats to a remote island, only to discover that it is a sanctuary for a diverse group of independent outsiders, each grappling with their own struggles.

The island is owned by the enigmatic Alex Kaplan, a wealthy business man and art collector who has plans to impose a rent increase, threatening the very existence of the community. As an artist, Terry believes that his art can bring attention to the invisible struggles of the island and inspire change. However, his intervention raises questions about the boundaries of art and activism, and whether his efforts can truly save anyone other than himself.

Through vivid and evocative prose, Howard Cunnell paints a vivid portrait of the human cost of gentrification, highlighting the displacement, disillusionment, and loss that accompany such transformations. The novel also explores the role of art in protest and raises important questions about who gets to be an artist and what they owe to their community. With its powerful narrative and thought-provoking themes, The Painters Friend is an urgent novel for our times, offering a poignant reflection on the complexities of social inequality and the power of resistance.

In conclusion, The Painters Friend is a must-read for anyone who appreciates well-crafted storytelling and wants to explore the intersection of art, activism, and social justice. Howard Cunnell's powerful prose and thought-provoking themes will leave readers deeply moved and inspired to take action in the fight against gentrification and other forms of social injustice.

Weight: 208g
Dimension: 131 x 196 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781529030945