The Girl, the Guy, the Artist, and His Ex

Name: The Girl, the Guy, the Artist, and His Ex
Author: Gabrielle Williams

Gabrielle Williams · 2024

Literary fiction

Banned in 1 country

About this book

A snappy, witty adventure caper about art, love, death and everything in between. A rock chick. An artist with attitude. A girl with a past. A party animal. Four lives collide when one of the world's most famous paintings is stolen. It's a mystery that has the nation talking, but while Picasso's Weeping Woman might be absent from the walls of the National Gallery, in other parts of Melbourne the controversial painting's presence is being felt by Guy, Rafi, Luke and Penny for four very different reasons. Life, love, art and one giant party intersect in this offbeat comedy about good intentions, unexpected consequences and the irresistible force of true love. 'This fully realized cast of characters is rounded out by a supporting cast of sympathetic friends and family, all flawed in their own ways. Williams' prose is wise, knowing, and sympathetic, her tag-team story moving along at a steady clip toward a heart-thumping climax and a satisfying denouement. A winning, offbeat romp for all ages.' Kirkus Reviews, USA 'Will appeal to readers who are looking for something unique...An intriguing and twisting plot keeps readers turning the pages...' School Library Journal, USA '[A] very good book. It is also young adult. A decade ago, I'd have called that disclosure, but these days the admission is an endorsement in itself: balanced in structure and breathless in telling, good pacing for young adult makes reading a downright pleasure for the leisurely adult...

Censorship history

In 2024, "The Girl, the Guy, the Artist, and His Ex" by Gabrielle Williams was banned at the school level in several districts across the United States due to its LGBTQ+ and sexual content. Notably, the book faced challenges from parent-teacher associations and school boards in states such as Texas and Florida, where formal complaints led to votes for its removal from school libraries. As of late 2024, the ban remains upheld in these districts, reflecting ongoing debates over educational content and censorship.