Ask Again, Yes: A Novel
Named one of the Best Books of the Year by People, Vogue, Parade, NPR, and Elle
“A gem of a book.” —Taylor Jenkins Reid, author of The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo
A triumphant New York Times bestseller and Tonight Show Summer Reads Pick about love, forgiveness, and family—perfect for book clubs and fans of Little Fires Everywhere and The Paper Palace.
How much can a family forgive?
Francis Gleeson and Brian Stanhope, rookie NYPD cops, are neighbors in the suburbs. What happens behind closed doors in both houses—the loneliness of Francis’s wife, Lena, and the instability of Brian’s wife, Anne, sets the stage for the explosive events to come.
In Mary Beth Keane's extraordinary novel, a lifelong friendship and love blossoms between Kate Gleeson and Peter Stanhope, born six months apart. One shocking night their loyalties are divided, and their bond will be tested again and again over the next thirty years. Heartbreaking and redemptive, Ask Again, Yes is a gorgeous and generous portrait of the daily intimacies of marriage and the power of forgiveness.
“A gem of a book.” —Taylor Jenkins Reid, author of The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo
A triumphant New York Times bestseller and Tonight Show Summer Reads Pick about love, forgiveness, and family—perfect for book clubs and fans of Little Fires Everywhere and The Paper Palace.
How much can a family forgive?
Francis Gleeson and Brian Stanhope, rookie NYPD cops, are neighbors in the suburbs. What happens behind closed doors in both houses—the loneliness of Francis’s wife, Lena, and the instability of Brian’s wife, Anne, sets the stage for the explosive events to come.
In Mary Beth Keane's extraordinary novel, a lifelong friendship and love blossoms between Kate Gleeson and Peter Stanhope, born six months apart. One shocking night their loyalties are divided, and their bond will be tested again and again over the next thirty years. Heartbreaking and redemptive, Ask Again, Yes is a gorgeous and generous portrait of the daily intimacies of marriage and the power of forgiveness.
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Community Reviews
I was provided an advance copy of this novel from the publisher, Scribner, through Netgalley.
4.5 stars.
The first half of Ask Again, Yes was a solid five star read for me, while the second half seemed to lose a little of its steam. But just a little. I never wanted not to keep reading, though. Keane does a remarkable job establishing the setting and characters for this novel. It's the perfect book club book, plenty to digest, discuss, and debate. Plenty of family drama, with plenty of unexpected results, and with an ending that satisfies. I will be eager to read her next book!
#popsugarreadingchallenge2019 (prompt #40b)
4.5 stars.
The first half of Ask Again, Yes was a solid five star read for me, while the second half seemed to lose a little of its steam. But just a little. I never wanted not to keep reading, though. Keane does a remarkable job establishing the setting and characters for this novel. It's the perfect book club book, plenty to digest, discuss, and debate. Plenty of family drama, with plenty of unexpected results, and with an ending that satisfies. I will be eager to read her next book!
#popsugarreadingchallenge2019 (prompt #40b)
I feel like everyone has a relationship with mental illness. Either they themselves have dealt with one or they know a relative or even a stranger on the street or in a shelter who has. But maybe not. I definitely think that would affect what you think of this book. I loved the messiness and the hope intertwined in all of the different relationships. I also loved that things weren't nearly left behind when a character wanted to move on. A beautiful novel.
The story starts slow, and is told from different characters perspectives. I thought it was an interesting and at times heartbreaking look at how mental health impacts families. I think it suffers from trying too hard to tell too many things - is it a love story? a coming of age story? a recovery story? But overall I enjoyed reading it.
So many triggers. But if you've ever been in a relationship where trust was broken, this will be a healing balm for your soul.
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