The Phoebe Variations cover art

The Phoebe Variations

A Novel

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The Phoebe Variations

By: Jane Hamilton
Narrated by: Rachel Jacobs
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About this listen

Instant National Bestseller
An
Oprah Daily Best Book of Fall
An Indie Next Pick for October
A LibraryReads Pick for September

The acclaimed, New York Times bestselling author of The Book of Ruth and A Map of the World returns with a stunning coming-of-age novel about girls, mothers, and finding one's way in the world.

Seventeen-year-old Phoebe was never interested in her birth family. But on the cusp of her high school graduation, her adoptive mother, Greta, insists on a visit to meet her biological parents and siblings. The encounter is a jolt, a revelation that derails Phoebe.

With the help of her best friend Luna, Phoebe runs away—as far as their friend Patrick O’Connor’s chaotic home, where she hopes to go unnoticed among his thirteen siblings. But when Phoebe asks Patrick to chop off her hip-length hair, she’s suddenly transformed. Patrick’s older brothers can’t help but notice the striking, Peter Pan–like stranger who has suddenly appeared in their midst.

What starts as an adolescent rebellion soon spirals into a whirlwind of self-discovery and unexpected connections. As she grapples with her shifting identity and strained relationships, Phoebe must navigate the tumultuous road out of girlhood and chart a new and unknown course.

©2025 Jane Hamilton (P)2025 Zibby Publishing
Action & Adventure Coming of Age Genre Fiction Literary Fiction

Critic Reviews

“Once again, Hamilton is exceptionally nuanced and enthralling, profound and funny in this gorgeously written modern fairy tale about motherhood, families of blood and choice, art and altruism, self and circumstance.” —Booklist (starred review)

"The Phoebe Variations is a wise look at riddles of family, friendship. [Jane's] adoring fan base . . . will surely also love her newest." The Washington Post

"Hamilton displays a natural touch in her characterizations . . . which add dimension to the entertaining tale. The author has another winner on her hands." Publishers Weekly

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