Ladies of the Rachmaninoff Eyes

Set in a small Michigan town during the late 1950s, "Ladies of the Rachmaninoff Eyes" explores the complex, codependent relationship between wealthy widow Etta Klein and her Black housekeeper, Harriet Gibbs. Following the death of her favorite son, Etta has taken in Harriet's gay teenage nephew, Oliver, as he prepares to leave for college amidst the household's quirky dynamics. The arrival of a self-proclaimed "warlock," Maurice LeFleur, who claims he can connect with Etta's deceased son, adds unexpected disruption to their lives. This debut novel by Henry Van Dyke combines wit and absurdity, echoing the style of comedic literature from earlier eras.