Julia Ames is an unhappy person. She's having a little series of breakdowns until she confides her miserable days to Helen Russo, a stranger. Julia finds it easier to get along with Helen after their fateful meeting. Helen helps her become a better mom, wife, and person. She enjoys Helen's company. Their friendship breaks through silence and without explanation. The ending of friendships can be as strange and devastating as romantic endings but sometimes it is necessary.
What I see is the most unlikeable character in history. Julia is a narcissistic sociopath and has no social finesse. She doesn't get along with her mother, betrays her husband, and defaults to negativity. I tried not to hate her but ended up feeling bad as things got out of hand.
This story explores the lives of female protagonists, focusing on their many-layered relationships with spouses, parents, children, and friends. I think motherhood, infidelity, dysfunctional families, and balancing these aspects are too much for Julia. It is an engaging story full of heartfelt drama and reconciliation over time.
Thanks to @times.reads and @putrifariza for the review copy. All views are my own 💙
*Available at all major bookstores in Singapore and Malaysia and their online stores