The Golden Spur by Dawn Powell
The novel is a satirical exploration of the New York City art world through the eyes of a young Midwestern man who arrives in the city in search of his biological father, a reputed artist. As he delves into the bohemian circles of Greenwich Village, he encounters a colorful cast of characters, including eccentric painters, writers, and critics. His journey becomes a rite of passage, revealing the pretensions and absurdities of the artistic elite, while also offering an affectionate portrait of the city's creative milieu during the mid-20th century. The protagonist's quest for identity and acceptance leads to both comic mishaps and poignant realizations about the nature of art and the complexities of human relationships.