Julie Orringer’s latest novel, "Luna, Phoenix, Queen," offers a complex exploration of early onset Alzheimer’s disease through the story of Dava, a literature professor grappling with the condition. Orringer, 53, began writing the book before her husband Ryan Harty, 61, an author himself, was formally diagnosed with the disease, although she had noticed symptoms for several years prior.
The novel, published this year, marks a return to the more intimate and personal themes of Orringer’s earlier work, diverging from the historical scope of her previous World War II–set novels. “Luna, Phoenix, Queen” unfolds from multiple perspectives, including Dava’s husband Barr, her close friend Svetlana, and Evie, Barr’s research assistant who adopts a dog named Phoenix. Notably, the dog is given a voice in the narrative, providing a unique lens on human relationships and communication.
Orringer and Harty met at the Iowa Writers’ Workshop in 1994 and have long supported each other’s literary careers while raising two children in Brooklyn. Both have held teaching positions at prestigious institutions such as Columbia, Princeton, and New York University. The couple’s lives shifted significantly when Harty experienced difficulties with everyday tasks, leading to a prolonged diagnostic process exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. His initial diagnosis arrived in early 2020.
The writing process for Orringer became a means of coping with the uncertainty and loss of control associated with Harty’s illness. She described the act of creating the novel as a way to assert agency within a situation marked by unpredictability. Orringer emphasized that while the novel draws on personal experiences, it is not a direct representation of her family’s story.
Harty’s Alzheimer’s has progressed more slowly than expected, allowing him to remain actively engaged with his family and daily routines. The couple credits his commitment to exercise and healthy living with maintaining his cognitive health. Orringer noted the importance of finding activities that provide a sense of control during challenging circumstances—writing for herself, piano for their son, and running for their daughter.
The novel also features Orringer and Harty’s Cavapoo, Hazel, who served as inspiration for Phoenix. Literary contemporaries, including author Jonathan Lethem, encouraged Orringer to incorporate Phoenix’s narrative voice, enriching the novel’s exploration of emotional connection and caregiving.
Despite the hardships brought on by Harty’s illness, the couple continues to share a deep creative partnership. Harty praised Orringer’s distinctive narrative voice upon reading an early draft of the book and remains supportive of her work. The novel stands as a poignant testament to the intertwining of personal experience and literary craft amidst the challenges posed by Alzheimer’s disease.