New Works Reading: The Rent Party

For 15 years, Julia Harris cared for her aging mother, Bessie. When Bessie died, the family home passed to Julia, sparking a bitter dispute between her and her sisters. Julia and her husband Hamp turned their house into the center of their community, hosting free lunches, education programs, and meetings to organize—until Hamp was arrested on a false charge.

Trying to keep the family afloat while drowning in legal fees, Julia decides to throw a party to raise funds. As she prepares for the party, her family—including the family ghosts—come together to support the cause. But will secrets, lies, old patterns, and grudges get in the way?