Been a while since I browsed library shelves, but I was in the mood. A new J. Courtney Sullivan book always bodes well - she's very good at the family saga. Friends and Strangers did not disappoint.
Elisabeth, journalist and new mother, is adjusting to small time life after twenty years in New York City. Her husband, Andrew, is busy and doesn't understand how she's adrift. Determined to continue writing, Elisabeth hires Sam, a local college student who is also struggling in choices. Her academic path is threatened by her long distance love - Colin - and life in the UK.
Elisabeth and Sam become close and in sharing secrets, their lives become too entwined.
Cover blurb - but when Sam finds an unlikely kindred spirit in Elisabeth's father-in-law, the true difference between the women's lives are starkly revealed, and a betrayal has devastating consequences.
J. Courtney Sullivan writes well about money, class, and ambition. Friends and Strangers embraces you and also offers you the contrasts of upbringings, city versus country, and age versus youth. Sometimes, you have to step back and let others lead their lives despite the pitfalls you can see. Then again...you are not perfect yourself. But it is fun to stick your nose in a book and offer opinions. This is a good spring patio read.
Have a good week
