Take What You Need

HELLER MCALPIN, THE WALL STREET JOURNAL

"Take What You Need is Ms. Novey's first novel set in the United States, and her most autobiographical. It is also her most moving ... Fast-paced and tightly structured ... Take What You Need is a heart-rending book, but it's also a beautiful celebration of 'the glorious pleasure of erecting something new,' be it a work of art or a human connection."

JEFFREY ANN GOUDIE, THE BOSTON GLOBE

"Does not skirt gritty subjects. Concerned with characters who fall outside easily defined categories, it tackles big questions — like what qualifies as art — as well as the aching human need to be seen ... If the politics and the fairy tale scaffolding seem at times heavy-handed, Take What You Need is still a compelling piece of work."