From the British writer who specializes in domestic tales with an
edge (A Spanish Lover, 1997, etc.), a wonderfully calibrated story
of an old high-school friendship that in middle age turns suddenly
treacherous and destructive. Trollope is one of those rare writers
who creates fully human characters living in recognizable worlds
doing regular jobs and suffering all the bitter disappointments
that flesh is heir to. Gina, whose mother Vi - a character with her
own fierce passions - was abandoned by the American soldier who got
her pregnant, became friends with Laurence in high school in the
small English town where they both lived. And even after she
marries Fergus, and after Laurence marries Hilary, they remain
splendidly close. Gina's teenaged daughter Sophy and Laurence's
three sons are also good friends. And so when Fergus moves out of
the beautiful home he and Gina have created, announcing that their
marriage is over, he sets in motion events that almost destroy not
only his own family but Laurence's as well. A distraught Gina turns
to Laurence for consolation, and Laurence, who has been feeling
overwhelmed by work and family - he runs a hotel and restaurant -
ardently responds. Divorces are planned. An anxious Vi, whose dear
friend Dan dies in the midst of it all, watches from the side.
Sophy runs off to Fergus, who, though not gay, is living with a man
who loves him; and Sophy quickly realizes that life with Dad is no
solution either. Laurence's boys are equally upset, but, when
Hilary decides to fight for Laurence, good sense and solid
affections prevail, albeit not without compromise and unexpected
change. A wise and sympathetic take on the strains and strengths
that friendship provokes, by a writer who seldom strikes a wrong
note. A moving, convincing, satisfying novel. (Kirkus Reviews)
Let multi-million copy bestselling author Joanna Trollope draw you
into this perceptive and prescient novel that will keep you
gripped. She has a real skill in creating credible characters - and
delving into our deepest thoughts and emotions. Perfect for readers
of Elizabeth Noble, Erica James and Amanda Prowse, this is a novel
that will stay with you for a long time... 'Trollope at her best'
-- Spectator 'Undeniably warmhearted and socially topical...above
all a novel filled with good advice' -- Observer 'Truly, I couldn't
put it down. I'm telling you, Trollope is a significant chronicler'
-- Daily Mail 'Trollope has a keen ear for the yelps of distress,
as lives are sliced in half by shabby betrayal... A book that is as
enjoyable as it is thoughtful' -- The Times 'An absorbing read' --
***** Reader review 'Great story, very touching but - a wonderful
read' -- ***** Reader review 'An excellent book which I couldn't
put down' -- ***** Reader review 'Joanna Trollope never fails in
her story telling' -- ***** Reader review
****************************************************************************
DOES 'FRIENDS' EVER REALLY MEAN JUST 'FRIENDS'? Gina and Laurence
have been the best of friends ever since they were teenagers. Love
has never been a factor. Now, Gina is married to the exquisitely
tasteful Fergus and lives in stylish perfection in a huge house;
Laurence is married to down-to-earth Hilary and lives in the Bee
House, a home and hotel. When, with elegant disdain, Fergus
announces that he is leaving Gina and their teenage daughter,
Gina's misery ricochets through the two homes and she turns for
emotional support to Laurence, her dearest friend. And as Laurence
gives comfort, so his own marriage and the stability of his
children edges towards destruction ...
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