Renowned author Alice McDermott is set to release her latest novel, “Herself, Of Course,” providing an insightful glimpse into the life of a woman dedicated to writing. Set to launch on February 2, 2027, the book will be published by Farrar, Straus and Giroux, an imprint of Macmillan Publishers. The cover design, which has been revealed exclusively by PEOPLE magazine, features striking artwork by FSG art director Alex Merto.
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The narrative unfolds in 1980s New York and centres on the character Victoria Gannon, affectionately referred to as V. The protagonist hails from Rochester, and the story chronicles her extensive journey toward becoming a writer—a pursuit marked by a spectrum of human experiences. According to the synopsis, readers will accompany Victoria through love affairs, professional challenges, and personal crises that shape her life. These experiences take her from the gritty streets of New York to a family dilemma in Florida, culminating in a poignant encounter at a college in California that offers her an unexpected chance to redirect the narrative of her life.
McDermott’s previous novel, “Absolution,” received widespread acclaim in 2023, and the development of “Herself, Of Course” is described as an evolution in her own creative journey. In interviews, McDermott has spoken about the importance of writers continually challenging themselves. In a previous discussion with a journalist, she suggested that one way for writers to avoid repetition is to explore genres they find unappealing. This advice led McDermott to action when she decided to explore a new genre herself.
The new book represents the first venture into this challenge, focusing on a writer’s life while reflecting on the reader’s experience. McDermott describes the structure of the novel as being divided into three acts, which correlates with her aim to step outside her usual comfort zone. With references to her creative process, she combines the themes of writing with the deep impact literature can have on a single individual.
Despite featuring a protagonist who is a novelist, McDermott wishes to clarify that the story is not autobiographical. Jonathan Galassi, the chairman emeritus and executive editor at Farrar, Straus and Giroux, has echoed this sentiment, noting that while the plot evokes the essence of literary creation, it diverges from McDermott’s own life.
The choice of cover art, which features a hand-drawn title, hints at a personal touch and a connection to the theme of self-expression. Merto described the crossed-out title of ‘Victoria’ as emblematic of the writing process itself—highlighting how lives are often rewritten and reinterpreted over time. The vivid orange background evokes the warmth and intensity of late summer in New York, aligning with the emotional stakes of the narrative.
Looking ahead, McDermott hints that “Herself, Of Course” is merely the first in a series of new projects. She has expressed interest in exploring the science fiction genre for her upcoming work and sees similarities between the emotional nuances present in her current novel and those she wishes to delve into in a different setting.
As the literary world anticipates the release of “Herself, Of Course,” readers can look forward to a heartfelt exploration of one woman’s lifelong obsession with the written word. With its authentic portrayal of the trials and triumphs of artistic life, McDermott’s new work promises to engage and inspire a wide array of readers. The novel is now available for pre-order at bookstores and online retailers.