Expectation

“A Sally Rooney-esque, evocative examination of the nature of female friendship” —i Magazine

In this sharply observed novel set in and around London, three college friends, now in their thirties, must come to terms with the gap between the lives they imagined for themselves and reality.

In her first year of motherhood, Cate is constantly exhausted, spiraling into self-doubt and postpartum anxiety. Her husband Sam seems oblivious, but maybe she’d prefer he remain in the dark. How can she admit the unthinkable—that she misses her freedom?

In contrast, Hannah continues to endure round after round of unsuccessful IVF treatments. The process is taking its toll on her physically and emotionally—and, she worries, creating distance between her and her husband Nathan. She is godmother to Cate’s son, but every time they get together, it’s a trigger.

Beautiful and single, Lissa is re-evaluating what it means to be an actress in her thirties. While she fiercely resists convention, she’s also lonely. A chance encounter with Nathan has her wondering if she missed her best chance at love when she introduced him to Hannah.

As each woman longs for what the others seemingly possess, will their bonds of friendship sustain them—or will envy and desire tear them apart?

“An outstanding novel.” —Mary Beth Keane, New York Times–bestselling author of Ask Again, Yes

“Tender and smart, beautiful and melancholy.” —Polly Rosenwaike, author of Look How Happy I’m Making You

“Hope has a bead on what her readers want—and she delivers.” —Publishers Weekly

“Devastatingly perceptive and emotionally wise.” —The Guardian