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 become--and unbecome--our mothers, how we
absorb the past, and how we burst into our own futures.
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.
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