Lydia's Party

by Margaret Hawkins Narrated by Marguerite Gavin

Overview

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.

Editorial Reviews

Publishers Weekly

10/14/2013
Hawkins (A Year of Cats and Dogs) sets a sumptuous table for a last supper like no other: a repast that’s alternately uncomfortable and soothing, weepy and jubilant, evocative and realistic. Party host and art teacher Lydia is having her annual dinner for her women friends—Elaine, Celia, Maura, Jayne, Betsy. This year she’s also invited Norris, a former teaching colleague who’s become a successful artist. But a howling Chicago blizzard will turn their boozy dinner into a raucous slumber party, where Lydia confesses she’s dying of cancer and reveals her secret fears and nagging regrets. “My life is a heap of remnants,” she laments. Norris is with Lydia in her final moments, and he also witnesses the death of her dog, Maxine, who dies an hour after her adored mistress. With Lydia’s passing, egotistical Norris, best friend Celia, and old friend and spurned lover Ted face their fears and regrets. And in a quirky, impossibly magical and sweetly charming twist, Lydia helps guide them all to forgiveness. (Jan.)

From the Publisher

"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

From the Publisher - AUDIO COMMENTARY

"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

Library Journal

11/01/2013
Hawkins (A Year of Cats and Dogs; How To Survive a Natural Disaster) celebrates the bonds of female friendship at the midpoint of life as well as the private sentiments of seven women who come together annually for Lydia's party. This year, however, Lydia has some news that will alter their relationships and change things rather dramatically. Before the guests convene for the evening, each woman is portrayed in the crux of her daily life and is caught reflecting upon moments she has experienced—disappointments, regrets, mistakes, and deeper desires. Although Lydia's friends are dissatisfied with the way their lives have turned out, it doesn't mean that they can't act as agents of change for themselves and set things in a different direction. Maybe with a little guidance from Lydia, they can find a more fulfilling place, if they are willing to listen. VERDICT This is an uncomplicated read that skims the surface of heady topics but doesn't take the full plunge. Although Hawkins's protagonists are well drawn and interesting, more exposure to each of them would have helped readers understand their motives better.—Anne M. Miskewitch, Chicago P.L.

Product Details

BN ID:	2940170816606
Publisher:	Tantor Audio
Publication date:	05/22/2014
Edition description:	Unabridged

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