Splenditude
by Eileen T. Lynch
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Pub Date Jun 26 2025 | Archive Date Not set
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Description
Deirdre Collins has a driving passion: to be a published writer. When she is unable to publish her first novel, depression lands her on suicide watch in a psych hospital. There she meets Max Fletcher, a handsome young man with drive and genius who is battling demons of his own.
After discharge, they move to different parts of the country and lose track of each other. Max becomes a successful entertainment producer in New York City. Deirdre teacher behaviorally challenged children in a rural Illinois town. She begins to reimagine her struggles through the students she teaches. Her inspiration grows when she connects with Spencer Graham, a troubled new student at her school. Spencer’s mother is the famous writer, Eleanor Graham. Eleanor agrees to work with Deirdre, if Deirdre watches out for her son. As irascible and difficult as Eleanor is, Deirdre finds herself coming into her own, finally, as a writer But just as writing success seems imminent, a visit from Max upends everything Deirdre has built.
A Note From the Publisher
Eileen T. Lynch is a writer, editor, and teacher. Her stories, essays, and poems have been published in online and print magazines. Splenditude is her debut novel.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Eileen T. Lynch is a writer, editor, and teacher. Her stories, essays, and poems have been published in online and print magazines. Splenditude is her debut novel.
Advance Praise
“...a Chicago of the mind and of the street, of quiet interiors brewing with storms, of street lights streaking by. [Splenditude] draws a line between the intensely local and the universal, between the intensely felt, and those feelings that threaten to burst us from within.”
—Raghav Rao, author of Missy
“...a very human world where characters are as flawed as they are relatable, Splenditude will dazzle anyone who has even been lied to, lived in, escaped from, or wanted to visit Chicago…”
—Jeff Hill, author of Dead Socials
Available Editions
| EDITION | Paperback |
| ISBN | 9781962931199 |
| PRICE | $19.95 (USD) |
| PAGES | 201 |
Available on NetGalley
Featured Reviews
Mel J, Reviewer
This compelling novel captures the raw struggles of artistic ambition and the unpredictable paths of human connection. Deirdre Collins is a deeply relatable protagonist whose dream of publishing a book is both her driving force and her greatest heartbreak. Her journey from creative despair to personal renewal is rendered with empathy and nuance, particularly as she finds purpose in working with at-risk teens, channeling her pain into compassion for others.
The reappearance of Max Fletcher, once a beacon of hope and now a symbol of betrayal, adds a tense and emotional layer to the narrative. His promise of publishing connections is seductive, but Deirdre’s discovery of his plagiarism forces her to confront her ideals and past. The author deftly explores themes of mental health, artistic integrity, and the resilience of the human spirit.
Poignant and thought-provoking, this novel reflects on the complexities of creativity, the power of redemption, and the painful beauty of finding one’s voice. Fans of character-driven fiction and literary dramas will find much to savor in this heartfelt and emotionally resonant story.
The publisher provided ARC via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Sarah J, Reviewer
Review: Splenditude by Eileen T. Lynch
🌠 Overview
Eileen T. Lynch’s Splenditude is a luminous debut novel that traces the fragile yet fierce journey of Deirdre Collins, a young Chicago woman grappling with mental health struggles while pursuing her passion for writing. With lyrical prose and unflinching honesty, Lynch explores the intersections of artistic ambition, emotional turbulence, and the healing power of creativity. The novel shines as both a character study and a meditation on resilience, offering a poignant portrait of a woman learning to navigate her inner storms.
✨ Key Strengths
🖋️ Lyrical, Introspective Prose – Lynch’s writing is evocative and deeply personal, immersing readers in Deirdre’s world with poetic precision.
💡 Thematic Richness – Mental health, artistic integrity, and self-discovery are woven together with nuance and grace.
🧠 Authentic Emotional Core – Deirdre’s struggles feel raw and real, her victories hard-won and deeply satisfying.
🌟 Hopeful Undertones – Despite its heavy themes, the novel never loses sight of light amid the darkness.
⚠️ Considerations
📖 Pacing Shifts – Some sections lean heavily into introspection, which may slow momentum for plot-driven readers.
🎭 Character-Driven Focus – Those seeking high drama or fast-paced twists might find the narrative more contemplative than thrilling.
⭐ Score Breakdown (0–5 Stars)
✍️ Prose & Voice → ★★★★☆ (4.5/5) (A whispered confession in a crowded room—intimate and unforgettable.)
🎭 Character Depth → ★★★★★ (5/5)
🌱 Thematic Resonance → ★★★★☆ (4.5/5)
💫 Emotional Impact → ★★★★ (4/5)
Overall: ★★★★☆ (4.5/5)
A shattered mirror reflecting back something whole.
🎯 Perfect For Fans Of
📚 The Bell Jar’s introspective depth meets Eat, Pray, Love’s transformative journey
✒️ Stories about artists wrestling with their demons
🌧️ Quiet, powerful narratives of healing and self-acceptance
🙏 Gratitude
Thank you to NetGalley and Eileen T. Lynch for the advance copy. Splenditude is a testament to Lynch’s talent for blending beauty and vulnerability into a story that lingers long after the final page.
