Synopses & Reviews
It is this kind of book: the kind one buys extra copies of to pass out to friends.” Kirkus Reviews (Starred Review)
For fans of Anne Tyler and Anna Quindlen, a mesmerizing portrait of friendship that explores seven womens lives with a generous embrace and wondrous wisdom
Lydia is having a partyits a party she hosts every year for six women friends who treasure the midwinter bash. Over a table laden with a feast of food and wine, the women revel in sharing newsy updates, simmering secrets, and laughter. As this particular evening unfolds, Lydia prepares to make a shattering announcement.
As we follow these friends through their party preparations, we meet flawed but lovable characters who are navigating the hassles of daily chores while also meditating in stolen moments on their lives, their regrets, their complicated relationships, and their deepest desires. When Lydias announcement shocks them all, they rediscover the enduring bonds of friendship and find their lives changing in unexpected ways.
Tender, wryly funny, and exquisitely written, Lydias Party poignantly considers both the challenges of everyday life and of facing our fears while creating characters whose foibles and feistiness will capture readers hearts.
Review
Praise for Lydia's Party by Margaret Hawkins: “Like Carol Shields's Larry's Party, a completely winning book about friendship, an elusive and almost never written about subject, which makes this a rare achievement.”
—Diane Johnson, author of Le Divorce and Flyover Lives
“With wit and insight Margaret Hawkins gives us a sharp, soulful look at love and regret, womens friendship, art, aging, and ambition, and what it means to live a life. At once funny and moving, Lydias Party is a pure delight.”
—Rilla Askew, author of Fire in Beulah
Synopsis
An exquisite and profound tale for fans of Anne Tyler and Anna Quindlen Glowingly reviewed everywhere from O, The Oprah Magazine and Good Housekeeping to sites across the blogosphere, Lydias Party sparks a-ha” moments and heartfelt conversations about friendship, regrets, and ambitions. Margaret Hawkinss earlier books, all published by small presses, have gained her a devoted following, but this gem of a novel will introduce her to the wider audience she deserves.
Lydia is hosting her Bleak Midwinter Bash,” a late Christmas party that has become an annual tradition. Her guestssix friends who bonded twenty years ago over art, dogs, and their budding careers and romancesthink they know everything about one another, but tonight Lydia prepares to shock them with a devastating announcement.
About the Author
Margaret Hawkins is the author of two previous novels, A Year of Cats and Dogs and How to Survive a Natural Disaster, and a memoir about her sister, After Schizophrenia: The Story of My Sister's Reawakening. She also writes for the Chicago Sun-Times and teaches at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago.