In a quiet story that takes place over only a few summer months, the Canadian author deftly converges doubt, infidelity and the fragility of family in a narrative that is both thrilling and relatable.
Prickly and compelling ... Within a few pages, Bea establishes herself as a powerfully drawn character. While the novel isn’t a propulsive narrative, readers will find themselves compelled to continue reading ... Every aspect of the novel feels true.
A little cynicism goes a long way; a lot of cynicism perhaps goes less far, and Mr. Gillmor’s continual invocations of 'existential hollowness' begin to seem reflexive and unexamined ... Intelligent but enervating.
The genius of this book is to capture the exact way a familiar world of aging parents and divorcing friends and nice charcuterie platters could go right around the bend ... A smart, funny, and sneakily terrifying version of the way we live now.
