Lydia's Party (Thorndike Press Large Print Core) - Hardcover

Hawkins, Margaret

2.93

1,038 ratings by Goodreads

9781410468932: Lydia's Party (Thorndike Press Large Print Core)

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1410468933 ISBN 13: 9781410468932

Publisher: Thorndike Pr, 2014

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"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 women's lives with a generous embrace and wondrous wisdom Lydia is having a party--it's 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 Lydia's 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, "Lydia's 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.

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Review:

Praise for "Lydia's Party "by Margaret Hawkins:
"A tender and clear-eyed look at the tangles in women's lives."
--"Good Housekeeping" (A New Book Pick)
"This book feels like what lifelong friendships really are."
--Minneapolis "Star Tribune"
"With shades of "Mrs. Dalloway, " much of the novel takes place in a day, as Lydia prepares for her annual winter party. . . . Hawkins's novel is beautiful . . . and the plot takes a number of unexpected, hugely enjoyable turns. It is this kind of book: the kind one buys extra copies of to pass out to friends."
--"Kirkus Reviews "(Starred Review)
"Plot is one of the great strengths of the book, beyond the expert characterization of these women. The story takes several entirely unpredictable and yet satisfying turns. . . . [A] lovely life-affirming tale, making this meditation on mortality and friendship a pure delight for readers."
--Bookreporter.com
"Hawkins's smart, crackling novel is a snowy, midwestern "Mrs. Dalloway," with Elizabeth Berg-ish charm and Hawkins's own edgy, artfully particularized humor. . . . As Lydia and her circle pull together in her time of need, Hawkins considers the profound gift of friendship and the ways art and life converge to forge meaning and preserve truth and memories."
--"Booklist "
"Sumptuous . . . a repast that's alternately uncomfortable and soothing, weepy and jubilant, evocative and realistic. Party host and art teacher Lydia is having her annual dinner for her women friends. . . . In a quirky, impossibly magical and sweetly charming twist, Lydia helps guide them all to forgiveness."
--"Publishers Weekly"
"Hawkins's protagonists are well drawn and interesting."
--"Library Journal"
"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 "Fly

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," as well as a memoir about her sister, "After Schizophrenia: The Story of My Sister's Reawakening." She has also written for the "Chicago Sun-Times "and is a Senior Lecturer at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Visit www.margarethawkins.com. A reading guide is available both there and at www.penguin.com.

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