Lydia's Party

De: Margaret Hawkins

Narrado por: Marguerite Gavin

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 listeners' hearts.

©2014 Margaret Hawkins (P)2014 Tantor

Reseñas de la Crítica

"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, Starred Review)

Barely scratches below the surface

Shallow insight into the lives of these women. The author never lets us get close. She didn't even share the women's reactions or feelings after Lydia's big announcement. Just an ok read.

No life at this party.

What would have made Lydia's Party better?

This was just boring. It wasn't poorly written, but there was nothing of interest here. The characters were dull and there was next to no plot.

Would you ever listen to anything by Margaret Hawkins again?

No, this is my first and last.

Did Marguerite Gavin do a good job differentiating all the characters? How?

I'd have to say not really. I wouldn't say I was wowed by this narrator. She wasn't terrible, but nothing special either. I have to cut her some slack since this was what she was working with: a true snooze-fest.

What character would you cut from Lydia's Party?

There were no interesting characters in this book. I guess I liked the dog the best, and I'd cut everyone else and make it into a 10 page picture book.

Any additional comments?

Skip this one. There is so much interesting women's fiction out there. This one was dullsville.