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Herself, of Course
Not yet published
Expected 2 Feb 27The great Alice McDermott returns with a sparkling, powerful new novel of one woman’s life, told in three remarkable acts.
It is 1980 in New York City, and a young woman is perched on a radiator cover in a spacious SoHo loft. A famous photographer snaps her portrait for a full-page review of her debut novel. Blithely, he predicts her “Eventually, no one will really distinguish one book from another—that’s when they’ll start calling you ‘beloved.’”
Victoria Gannon—Vicky to her family, V. to her readers—is a middle-class woman from Rochester, New York, blessed—and cursed—with an unrelenting ambition to write. Through love affairs and professional upheavals, bouts of happiness and loss, love and rage, we follow her from her early days in the grimy city, to a family crisis in Florida, to a charged and surprising encounter at a California college when a charming visitor from her past offers to rewrite the story of her life, far better than she has lived it.
Across four decades—three acts—V. Gannon is dogged by the essential questions of her How do you turn experience into art—and keep from losing yourself? Can you portray real people with honesty—without betrayal? And is it ever possible to capture the truth, in fiction or in life?
Herself, of Course is a witty, sensual, profoundly affecting portrait of the artist as a self-knowing woman—the kind of novel that takes in all of what, and who, we are—from one of our most observant and, yes, beloved American writers.
It is 1980 in New York City, and a young woman is perched on a radiator cover in a spacious SoHo loft. A famous photographer snaps her portrait for a full-page review of her debut novel. Blithely, he predicts her “Eventually, no one will really distinguish one book from another—that’s when they’ll start calling you ‘beloved.’”
Victoria Gannon—Vicky to her family, V. to her readers—is a middle-class woman from Rochester, New York, blessed—and cursed—with an unrelenting ambition to write. Through love affairs and professional upheavals, bouts of happiness and loss, love and rage, we follow her from her early days in the grimy city, to a family crisis in Florida, to a charged and surprising encounter at a California college when a charming visitor from her past offers to rewrite the story of her life, far better than she has lived it.
Across four decades—three acts—V. Gannon is dogged by the essential questions of her How do you turn experience into art—and keep from losing yourself? Can you portray real people with honesty—without betrayal? And is it ever possible to capture the truth, in fiction or in life?
Herself, of Course is a witty, sensual, profoundly affecting portrait of the artist as a self-knowing woman—the kind of novel that takes in all of what, and who, we are—from one of our most observant and, yes, beloved American writers.
Kindle Edition
Expected publication February 2, 2027
About the author
Alice McDermott
29 books1,604 followersAlice McDermott (born June 27, 1953) is Johns Hopkins University's Writer-in-Residence. Born in Brooklyn, New York, McDermott attended St. Boniface School in Elmont, Long Island, NY [1967], Sacred Heart Academy in Hempstead NY [1971], the State University of New York at Oswego, receiving her BA in 1975, and later received her MA from the University of New Hampshire in 1978.
She has taught at the UCSD and American University, has been a writer-in-residence at Lynchburg and Hollins Colleges in Virginia, and was lecturer in English at the University of New Hampshire. Her short stories have appeared in Ms., Redbook, Mademoiselle, and Seventeen.
The 1987 recipient of a Whiting Writers Award, and three-time Pulitzer Prize for Fiction nominee, lives outside Washington, with her husband, a neuroscientist, and three children.
She has taught at the UCSD and American University, has been a writer-in-residence at Lynchburg and Hollins Colleges in Virginia, and was lecturer in English at the University of New Hampshire. Her short stories have appeared in Ms., Redbook, Mademoiselle, and Seventeen.
The 1987 recipient of a Whiting Writers Award, and three-time Pulitzer Prize for Fiction nominee, lives outside Washington, with her husband, a neuroscientist, and three children.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
“It’s not about me at all. I would never write a whole novel about a writer. Even an aspiring one. Deadly.” Says the main character in this novel .
Alice McDermott has written novel about a writer and it’s far from deadly. It’s full of a life, full of profound questions about the writing life, perhaps most meaningful to writers, but informative and moving for those of us who are not writers . The story opens in 1980 as a young first time novelist is being introduced to the New York literary scene by the man photographing her for an upcoming review of her book. McDermott’s writing is extraordinary. With quiet detail, never an excess of words, I could vividly see Victoria sitting on the window ledge posing as instructed and then as Part 1 continues, the streets and places in New York City. (Even though it’s been a while since I read Someone, I still have the image of a little girl sitting on a Brooklyn stoop waiting for her father to come home. McDermott’s writing is so good that I can still remember the scene and that story even though I read it 12 years ago.) I’ll remember Victoria on the window sill, too.
Victoria, Vicky or V as she is called, gets the chance of a lifetime for a young writer, the opportunity to meet her favorite writer, who gives advice “Good luck to you.” “It’s a terrible life.” But she also gets advice from the photographer William.“ You must erase that silly phrase from your mind, my sweet. All life is terrible.” I don’t want to give too many specifics about what happens over the years. I’ll just say that Part 2, twenty years later depicts her life as writer in residence and professor at a small college in New Hampshire, her continued success as a novelist, and her relationships over time with the men in her life and with her family with the good and the terrible things that happen to both writers and “ordinary” people. Part 3 another twenty years later in 2020 as she is about to retire brings her story full circle with memories of her earlier time in New York and reflections on choosing her writing life .
I viewed this as a work of fiction. Speculation on whether any of it is autobiographical would be just that . However, I couldn’t help but ask myself how much of McDermott’s own experience with the publishing world is reflected in Vicky’s choices . She herself has been the recipient of literary awards and nominated multiple times for the Pulitzer Prize , taught at a number of universities. So there are similarities. I have to admit I felt a bit of a connection with the main character who was born and raised in Rochester, NY, my own birthplace and I appreciated the familiar as she spoke of it. There are also numerous poetry quotes, many from Edna St. Vincent Millay which were so fitting. Alice McDermott is one of my all time favorite writers. She’s written ten novels including this one and I’ve read and loved every one of them. This book is not being published until February, 2027 , but I really couldn’t wait any longer.
I received a copy of this from Farrar, Strauss & Giroux through Edelweiss.
Alice McDermott has written novel about a writer and it’s far from deadly. It’s full of a life, full of profound questions about the writing life, perhaps most meaningful to writers, but informative and moving for those of us who are not writers . The story opens in 1980 as a young first time novelist is being introduced to the New York literary scene by the man photographing her for an upcoming review of her book. McDermott’s writing is extraordinary. With quiet detail, never an excess of words, I could vividly see Victoria sitting on the window ledge posing as instructed and then as Part 1 continues, the streets and places in New York City. (Even though it’s been a while since I read Someone, I still have the image of a little girl sitting on a Brooklyn stoop waiting for her father to come home. McDermott’s writing is so good that I can still remember the scene and that story even though I read it 12 years ago.) I’ll remember Victoria on the window sill, too.
Victoria, Vicky or V as she is called, gets the chance of a lifetime for a young writer, the opportunity to meet her favorite writer, who gives advice “Good luck to you.” “It’s a terrible life.” But she also gets advice from the photographer William.“ You must erase that silly phrase from your mind, my sweet. All life is terrible.” I don’t want to give too many specifics about what happens over the years. I’ll just say that Part 2, twenty years later depicts her life as writer in residence and professor at a small college in New Hampshire, her continued success as a novelist, and her relationships over time with the men in her life and with her family with the good and the terrible things that happen to both writers and “ordinary” people. Part 3 another twenty years later in 2020 as she is about to retire brings her story full circle with memories of her earlier time in New York and reflections on choosing her writing life .
I viewed this as a work of fiction. Speculation on whether any of it is autobiographical would be just that . However, I couldn’t help but ask myself how much of McDermott’s own experience with the publishing world is reflected in Vicky’s choices . She herself has been the recipient of literary awards and nominated multiple times for the Pulitzer Prize , taught at a number of universities. So there are similarities. I have to admit I felt a bit of a connection with the main character who was born and raised in Rochester, NY, my own birthplace and I appreciated the familiar as she spoke of it. There are also numerous poetry quotes, many from Edna St. Vincent Millay which were so fitting. Alice McDermott is one of my all time favorite writers. She’s written ten novels including this one and I’ve read and loved every one of them. This book is not being published until February, 2027 , but I really couldn’t wait any longer.
I received a copy of this from Farrar, Strauss & Giroux through Edelweiss.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Such a gorgeous, thought-provoking read. I can see myself going back to this one every now and again in the hope of taking even more than I already did from it, because it's one of those that truly leaves you with something. It makes you think, it makes you feel like there is so much more to learn, so much more to life, and I love that.
I will admit, it took me a second to fully get into the story, to fully understand what was going on, and I did fear I wouldn't like it, or even just get it, for a bit there. But once I did, I forgot I ever felt like that. It's such a captivating world, a story that just sucks you in and holds your attention to the end. I absolutely loved the story, the setting, and its characters so much. I can't even put my finger on what it is exactly about it, but there something so wonderful. To me, it was just one of those books that reminded me why I love reading so much. Also, I will definitely read more from this author.
Many thanks to Bloomsbury Publishing Plc & NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
I will admit, it took me a second to fully get into the story, to fully understand what was going on, and I did fear I wouldn't like it, or even just get it, for a bit there. But once I did, I forgot I ever felt like that. It's such a captivating world, a story that just sucks you in and holds your attention to the end. I absolutely loved the story, the setting, and its characters so much. I can't even put my finger on what it is exactly about it, but there something so wonderful. To me, it was just one of those books that reminded me why I love reading so much. Also, I will definitely read more from this author.
Many thanks to Bloomsbury Publishing Plc & NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
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November 8, 2026I'm reviewing for BookPage so won't give it away but run, don't walk. What a gorgeous piece of fiction.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
You know that feeling when reading something makes you feel smarter and better connected to the world? That’s how HERSELF, OF COURSE hits for me.
This gorgeous book makes me want to go back to college just to study and discuss literature. I could talk about this deceptively slim book for ages (and suspect it will be talked about for ages).
We follow writer V through three acts--as acclaimed young novelist, as daughter losing a parent, as an artist given the opportunity to reinvent herself on the brink of a pandemic.
For every literary allusion I understood in the book, I feel confident I missed five or so.
One writer's work is described as being a combination of Virginia Wolf and Erma Bombeck, so readers connect to her work at different levels.
While this decidedly is not a book about Alice McDermott, McDermott’s writing hits that same combination.
The book is so funny and so smart. (The book made me laugh out loud several times. Who could resist a school that can boast “we get the dimmest bulbs from the brightest families?”)
The author winks at lots of things writers experience – – having work described dismissively, hearing talents considered lucky inheritences, teaching students who re-write classics, connecting with authors who don’t live up to imaginations, reading critics with agendas, patiently tolerating complaints about work being “too life or deathy.”
The book is full of minor characters so rich and beautifully portrayed that they feel like they’re almost begging for books of their own. (Maybe I’m just begging…..I adore Fanny!)
HERSELF, OF COURSE, will have readers (and book clubs) reflecting, talking and laughing about things "like" life, love, family, sensuality, disappointment, loss, sacrifice, moments of time that stand out forever.
And considering questions like:
—Are the message and the messenger indistinguishable in art?
—Is writing a terrible life? (Is life terrible?)
—How can anyone get through life without poetry?
—Should the loss of our friends be better respected?
— How do we deal with the loss of our great loves?
— Can a writer honestly portray a “real” person?
—What’s enough? For artists, for all of us?
Thanks to Farrar, Straus and Giroux and to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
This gorgeous book makes me want to go back to college just to study and discuss literature. I could talk about this deceptively slim book for ages (and suspect it will be talked about for ages).
We follow writer V through three acts--as acclaimed young novelist, as daughter losing a parent, as an artist given the opportunity to reinvent herself on the brink of a pandemic.
For every literary allusion I understood in the book, I feel confident I missed five or so.
One writer's work is described as being a combination of Virginia Wolf and Erma Bombeck, so readers connect to her work at different levels.
While this decidedly is not a book about Alice McDermott, McDermott’s writing hits that same combination.
The book is so funny and so smart. (The book made me laugh out loud several times. Who could resist a school that can boast “we get the dimmest bulbs from the brightest families?”)
The author winks at lots of things writers experience – – having work described dismissively, hearing talents considered lucky inheritences, teaching students who re-write classics, connecting with authors who don’t live up to imaginations, reading critics with agendas, patiently tolerating complaints about work being “too life or deathy.”
The book is full of minor characters so rich and beautifully portrayed that they feel like they’re almost begging for books of their own. (Maybe I’m just begging…..I adore Fanny!)
HERSELF, OF COURSE, will have readers (and book clubs) reflecting, talking and laughing about things "like" life, love, family, sensuality, disappointment, loss, sacrifice, moments of time that stand out forever.
And considering questions like:
—Are the message and the messenger indistinguishable in art?
—Is writing a terrible life? (Is life terrible?)
—How can anyone get through life without poetry?
—Should the loss of our friends be better respected?
— How do we deal with the loss of our great loves?
— Can a writer honestly portray a “real” person?
—What’s enough? For artists, for all of us?
Thanks to Farrar, Straus and Giroux and to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I may have injured myself I ran so hard to grab this advanced reader (listener) copy. I was fortunate enough to get an extended excerpt of this audiobook and again, I ran so fast to devour this. I cannot wait for the full audiobook to be released, and I am so hopeful to have the ability to review it. The narrator is Julia Whelan. Literally the OG. The Adele of audiobooks. She lends her voice and talent in such an incredible way. This excerpt was already so intriguing. It already has me drooling for the full book. Throw on top of all that Julia Whelan!? I will absolutely be purchasing this book, as well as recommending it to anyone who will listen!
Thank you NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the opportunity to sample and review this book. I cannot wait for the full release!
Thank you NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the opportunity to sample and review this book. I cannot wait for the full release!
November 2, 2026
Herself, Of Course by Alice McDermott is a brilliant new novel. I hung on every word of this gorgeous story about Victoria Gannon, a writer, as we follow her through three stages of her life. First, she is a young woman in New York, on the verge of publishing her first novel. Then she returns to Florida for a family emergency. Finally, on the brink of retirement, she encounters a writer from her early days.
As in real life, characters—lovers, friends, and others—travel in and out of Victoria's life. Having chosen not to have children, she sees her work as what will survive her, what will make her immortal.
As in real life, characters—lovers, friends, and others—travel in and out of Victoria's life. Having chosen not to have children, she sees her work as what will survive her, what will make her immortal.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I came because Julia Whelan is narrating the book. But after listening 30 mins of excerpt of the book, I'm still no quite sure what to think. We see a young author brought to a party and met her dream author, they have an awkward interchange and that's about it.
I can't tell if this is a growth for her to be an established author that deserves a Nobel or her finding her way in the city. The blurb said this takes place in the 80s besides the rent price, not much indication of that I can tell from the excerpt. So I'm split in the middle.
Thank you NetGalley for the excerpt ALC.
I can't tell if this is a growth for her to be an established author that deserves a Nobel or her finding her way in the city. The blurb said this takes place in the 80s besides the rent price, not much indication of that I can tell from the excerpt. So I'm split in the middle.
Thank you NetGalley for the excerpt ALC.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I have loved every book I've read by Alice McDermott until this one. I really could not get into this book at all.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
spun its wheels significantly in the third act, but overall a very lovely and clever read
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews