Lydia’s Party, by Margaret Hawkins, drops us into an annual
ladies’ party with a group of old friends.
But we start with the afternoon preparations and realize that the
hostess is likely dying from cancer.
And, indeed, she might not have long to live. Each character is facing her own internal
questions and external conflicts.
What I really enjoyed about the book was how insightful
Hawkins was in sharing the complexities of long-term relationships, both male
and female. We all do need to make
compromises if we’re to be intimate as all individuals are deeply flawed. Over time, as our compromises get larger, we
begin to find the right justifications for those we love.
The characters in the book are richly drawn and
believable. Mostly, they do fall into very
narrow categories, which can work as they’re all friends. Even the success of the lot is conflicted and
not sold completely on her own choices and character. I was at that party while reading.
What didn’t work for me is the book’s end. I still think the book is a worthwhile read
but I do want to point out the flaw. The
book gets, frankly, silly and a little too touchy feely for me as the story
comes to a close. A shame…as the book
before then is fabulous.
So I do recommend it.
To reflect on life, death, friendship, aging and the choices and
compromises we all make in life. Just
suspend disbelief at the end. Perhaps
life is like that anyway.
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