SOLVED. Novel by female author. Unsatisfied school teacher whose interest in a middle-eastern boy in her class leads her to a friendship with his mother, a successful artist, and with his father, a noted professor. [s]

[Jan]

by woman, story involves unsatisfied school teacher whose interest in a middle-eastern boy in her class leads her to a friendship with his mother, a successful artist, and with his father, a noted professor. The teacher and the artist end up sharing a studio as the teacher tries to get back into her art which is constructing dioramas.

[Lobstergirl, au gratin]

Jan, please provide plot details (no spoilers) and the genre of the book you’re looking for in the Topic header, not something vague like "Help! can't remember this book". Someone is more likely to recognize your book.

When did you read this? Children's, YA, or adult? What genre is it? Remember the cover?

[Jan]

I just remembered the name - The Woman Upstairs - very powerful story!

[Kris]

Glad you found your book, Jan. Here's the link - The Woman Upstairs by Claire Messud.

I added plot details to the topic header. This might help people looking for this book in the future.