Take What You Need

In Take What You Need, award-winning author Idra Novey presents a poignant exploration of family, creativity, and connection set against the backdrop of the Allegheny Mountains. The novel follows estranged stepmother Jean and her stepdaughter Leah, who returns to their rural roots after Jean's death to confront the past and uncover the extraordinary sculptures Jean created from local industrial scraps. As Leah navigates her feelings of loss and discovery, Novey unravels the complexities of familial bonds and the transformative power of art, all with a blend of humor and insight. This heartening tale resonates with themes of renewal and the art of building something meaningful from the remnants of life.