ACTING OUT by Benilde Little is the probing, poignant, and ultimately uplifting story of a woman caught between the life she thought she was supposed to lead and the dreams she gave up long ago. This story of loss and courageous self-revelation will resonate for any woman who has struggled with finding her path in life.
Ina West grew up independent and solitary, raised by an artistic, unavailable mother and a reliable, loving father. As a twenty-something photographer, she moves to Manhattan and meets and starts dating the devoted, hardworking Jay Robinson. When her mother's mental state begins to deteriorate, her closest cousin becomes dangerously ill, and her free artist's lifestyle puts her in some vulnerable situations, Ina finds comfort with Jay and the privileged world of the African-American upper middle class. She gives up her independence and creativity for the joys of family life and material wealth. Gradually, Ina gives herself completely to motherhood and the upkeep of their increasingly luxurious lifestyle.
Then one day, after twelve years, Jay comes home from work and announces that he's leaving. Amid her shock, grief, and fear, a single clear truth emerges: though still physically present, Ina herself had checked out of the marriage long ago.
As she struggles with single motherhood, reduced financial stability, and the emotional roller coaster of her breakup, Ina undertakes a journey of self-discovery with no sure destination. She moves to a smaller house, rekindles an old love, and takes up photography again. The old adventuresome, independent Ina begins to resurface, tempered by a self-knowledge borne of experience: she has learned how to look unflinchingly into her past and to determine what she wants for her future.
Benilde Little, the beloved bestselling author of Good Hair and The Itch, is a writer whose works are touchstones for legions of people because they reach deeply into readers' lives. Good Hair was selected as one of the ten best books of 1996 by the Los Angeles Times. Her second novel, The Itch was published in 1998. She lives in a suburb of New York City with her husband and two young children.
May
2003
