Claire Carusillo is scheduled to release her debut novel, The Responsible Party, on August 11, 2026. The work, described as a multi-generational tale of family dysfunction and legacy, follows the history of the Mounsey women across several decades and locations.
A Multi-Generational Saga
The 336-page novel explores the lives of the Mounsey women, beginning with the legend of the Unsinkable Mounsey Women. The family history includes great-great-grandmother Fanny, who reportedly survived a shipwreck in 1915 after washing ashore in England nearly a year after her vessel sank. Her daughter, Sarah, also survived the sinking of the Lusitania, an improbable endurance that led to regional stardom on the Midwestern vaudeville circuit.
According to Bookshop.org, the narrative follows the family from a Liverpudlian poorhouse during World War I to a Lake Michigan lighthouse in 1971, and finally to present-day Chicagoland. The plot is set in motion when the protagonist, Claire, is approached by police investigating a murder from the 1970s that they suspect her mother, Kath, may have knowledge of.
Author Background and Critical Reception
Carusillo, an Illinois native who currently resides in Midway, Utah, co-owns the business Storyboard, which functions as a bookstore, coffee bar, and skate shop. She holds an MFA in fiction from Columbia University, where she previously served as a teaching fellow.
Her writing has been featured in various publications, including Elle, Gawker, and New York. Her debut has received significant critical attention, including a starred review from Publishers Weekly and recognition by Harper's Bazaar as one of the best new novels to read on the beach this summer.
Release Details
The Responsible Party will be available in hardcover and ebook formats. The hardcover edition is listed at a pre-order price of $27.02, while the ebook is priced at $14.99. The novel is published by Henry Holt and Co.
Literary Impact
The novel has received praise from various literary figures for its blend of genres, including mystery, satire, and coming-of-age elements. Author Sam Lipsyte described the debut as a hilarious story of dysfunction and legacy, while Victoria Redel noted the work's ability to bend genres ranging from shipwreck tales to vaudeville.
Themes of Resilience
The book features a cast of characters including the protagonist Claire, who is described as jobless and recently involved in a social media controversy regarding skin-care advice. The story is characterized by its exploration of inherited trauma and the resilience of the women within the Mounsey lineage.
Summer Release Context
The publication of the novel follows Carusillo's established presence in digital media and her newsletter, That Wet Look. The book is expected to be a significant release for the summer season, drawing comparisons to works like Geek Love.
