Ask Again, Yes

A Novel

By: Mary Beth Keane

Narrated by: Molly Pope

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.

Critic reviews

"Narrator Molly Pope delivers this character-driven exploration of two families whose stories intertwine over decades. With sensitivity and insight, she creates believable, multilayered characters, leading listeners through shifting narratives across time. Keane's exploration of love, family, mistakes, and regret is rooted in the long haul of everyday life and considers how perspectives and consequences shift and shade over time. Rookie New York cops Francis Gleeson and Brian Stanhope become neighbors and begin families next door to each other; eventually, they experience a rift that shocks their neighborhood, complicating—but never destroying—the bond between their children. Pope's steady pace and excellent voicing of dialogue work well. Like the event at its center, this story unfolds with long-lasting reverberations for listeners."

Not as Good, but Not as Bad Either...

I have struggled with my impressions of this book. On the one hand are the 5 star reviews with glowing comments about the reality, beauty and depth of the story. And one cannot argue that the author was not ambitious enough in capturing life’s woes: alcoholism, infidelity and mental health. However, the writing style was so plain, the language so low key and average that I had to fight through the desire to stop reading. But I am glad I reached the end, it was worth the effort. Would I recommend the book? No, but I would enjoy discussing it.

Moving and real

Wonderfully paced. I loved and Pope’s narration. I found myself saying, “Yes, exactly,” at the many spots of emotional insight. Re-listened to several parts.

A page turner for me

I really enjoyed this story of family, neighbors, love and their intertwined history. Well done.

Solid 4 star story

Childhood friends Kate and Peter have very different home lives but as they become teenagers innocent love begins. Then trauma and tragedy involving their families pull them apart. The book is the story of their lives together and apart.

Little Fires Everywhere Vibes

Overall, I really loved this book. A bit of historical fiction, with a family story that is slowly untangled. The character development was great, the story's pace was entertaining and the whole plot had me hooked. Fun read and made me think about trauma, family, and how much those things can impact us, but also how resilient we can be too.