Julie Orringer, author of the forthcoming novel *Luna, Phoenix, Queen*, began writing about a literature professor diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s before her husband, fellow writer Ryan Harty, 61, was formally diagnosed with the disease. Orringer, 53, said she had noticed symptoms in Harty years earlier but only gained clarity after a definitive diagnosis was confirmed in late 2020.

The novel, set to be published by Knopf on October 13, follows multiple perspectives surrounding Dava, a professor living with Alzheimer’s, and incorporates a talking dog named Phoenix. Orringer, who has established a reputation for detailed, historically grounded fiction, described the book as a return to a more intimate narrative style reminiscent of her early short stories. Although inspired by her life’s unfolding challenges, Orringer emphasized the novel’s fictional nature and the creative distance it provides amid personal uncertainty.

Orringer and Harty met in 1994 at the Iowa Writers’ Workshop and have since become a notable literary couple. They have supported each other’s work throughout their careers, with Harty influencing Orringer’s development as a writer, particularly encouraging her approach to revision. Both authors released story collections in 2003, earning critical recognition. The couple and their two children lived in Park Slope, Brooklyn, where they balanced teaching positions at institutions including Columbia, Princeton, and New York University.

Harty’s Alzheimer’s first affected his ability to perform routine tasks such as writing, teaching, and navigating familiar environments. Initial medical assessments were inconclusive, but after persistent evaluations and consultations with family members who are physicians, the diagnosis was confirmed during the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the progression of his illness, Harty continued teaching at Baruch College until May 2023.

Their family’s Cavapoo dog, Hazel, who joined them in early 2022, has become a central figure in Orringer’s life and work. Inspired by Hazel, Orringer crafted the character Phoenix, the novel’s canine narrator. Author Jonathan Lethem, who read early drafts, supported Orringer’s choice to give voice to the dog, a narrative device regarded as challenging but integral to the story’s exploration of communication and empathy.

Orringer described writing as a source of control in the face of the unpredictability posed by her husband’s illness. She noted the importance of maintaining personal outlets, citing her children’s engagement with piano and running, and Harty’s commitment to daily exercise to preserve cognitive function. The author highlighted the emotional complexity of caregiving and the need to continually adapt relationships affected by dementia.

While Orringer refrained from portraying Dava’s advanced stages of Alzheimer’s directly, instead leaving much to interpretive imagination, the novel reflects broader themes of human connection, vulnerability, and resilience. Orringer’s rigorous revising process underscores her dedication to capturing these themes with sensitivity.

Harty remains engaged with Orringer’s literary efforts, having read an early draft of *Luna, Phoenix, Queen* and expressing particular appreciation for the inclusion of a dog protagonist. Their shared history, creative partnership, and ongoing adjustment to life with Alzheimer’s have informed both the novel and their personal journey together.