Julie Orringer’s new novel, *Luna, Phoenix, Queen*, explores themes closely intertwined with her personal experience, particularly through its portrayal of a character living with early onset Alzheimer’s disease. Orringer began writing the book before her husband, fellow author Ryan Harty, was diagnosed with the condition, though she acknowledges that she had sensed symptoms for years prior.
The novel, set to be published by Knopf on October 13, follows Dava, a literature professor grappling with Alzheimer’s, and unfolds through the viewpoints of those around her, including her husband and others who share her life. A notable feature of the book is the inclusion of a talking dog—an unconventional narrative device encouraged by Orringer’s friend, author Jonathan Lethem, who saw its emotional necessity rather than whimsy. The dog character, Phoenix, draws inspiration from Orringer’s own Cavapoo, Hazel, who joined the family in early 2022 and plays a vital role in Harty’s daily life.
Orringer and Harty, both in their fifties and sixties, met in 1994 at the Iowa Writers’ Workshop and have been partners both personally and professionally since. Their relationship, marked by a shared dedication to writing and mutual encouragement, has been a consistent presence throughout their careers. Harty’s Alzheimer’s diagnosis, first preliminarily identified in March 2020 and confirmed months later amid the COVID-19 pandemic, has profoundly affected their family dynamics. Their children were five and nine years old at the time.
Harty’s symptoms manifested gradually, affecting his ability to perform daily tasks, including cooking, navigating familiar surroundings, and engaging with technology. Despite initial downplaying of his condition by medical professionals, further consultations confirmed the diagnosis. Orringer describes the progression of the disease as slower than initially expected; Harty continued teaching at Baruch College until May 2023. He maintains an active lifestyle focused on physical fitness, motivated by a desire to remain present for his family.
Orringer characterized writing as a way to reclaim some agency amid the uncertainties of caregiving and illness. The novel’s shift to a domestic and psychologically intimate setting follows the author’s earlier historical works, such as *The Invisible Bridge* (2010) and *The Flight Portfolio* (2019), which were both inspired by her family history and broader World War II narratives. With *Luna, Phoenix, Queen*, Orringer returns to themes of personal loss and resilience, informed by her own experience navigating belief, grief, and caretaking.
The narrative deliberately avoids depicting Dava’s experience in the most advanced stages of Alzheimer’s, favoring instead perspectives that emphasize human connection, empathy, and the nuances of nonverbal communication—elements symbolized through Phoenix’s voice in the novel. Orringer has described the dog’s role as a metaphor for attention to emotions and unspoken needs, drawing from real-life observations.
Despite confronting the challenges of her husband’s illness, Orringer remains deeply engaged with her craft, continuously revising the novel—she counted more than thirty drafts of the manuscript. She stresses the importance of finding sources of control amid the unpredictability of dementia, noting that caregiving involves constant renegotiation and acceptance of imperfection.
Harty, reflecting on their relationship and their shared literary journey, emphasized the distinctiveness of Orringer’s voice as a writer. Their partnership, born out of a mutual recognition and affection in their early twenties, continues to support them both through a difficult chapter.
As Orringer and Harty adapt to the evolving realities of Alzheimer’s disease, their story highlights the intersections of life and fiction, underscoring the capacity of art to transform personal hardship into narrative expression.