"Elizabeth Merrick has written an ambitious and moving first novel, an intimate family epic."
— Tom Perrotta, author of Little Children and Election

"It's a thrill to discover a new writer like Elizabeth Merrick. Sharp, smart, and on the edge - GIRLY breaks all of the rules, deliciously."
— Hannah Tinti author of Animal Crackers and editor of One Story

For all Girly reviews and interviews with Elizabeth as text, click here.

About the book:

Girly is Elizabeth Merrick’s acclaimed first novel, an epic which investigates the intersection of women’s spirituality and sexuality through the compelling saga of Hart family.

In Girly, Racinda Hart survives her fundamentalist Christian upbringing and the tumult of her wild and dangerous older sister, Ruth. When Ruth disappears, Racinda rejects the Jesus of her rural Pennsylvania childhood to rush headlong into her sexuality and ultimately the exploits of a California rock band. Unmoored, and encountering several captivating adventuresses along the way, Racinda must discover the truth about her mother’s and her grandmother’s lives, as well as her own.

From a goddess who keeps an eye out for Racinda, to Racinda herself, Girly’s seven narrative voices form an intimate, lyrical journey into an irresistible world.

To read an excerpt from the book click here.