Expectation

August really is being good to me, I have read some absolutely brilliant books this month. Last night, I finished Expectation by Anna Hope and it really does deserve all the wonderful reviews it’s been getting. Hannah, Cate and Lissa are the best of friends. Their story weaves back and forwards from their university days when they are living life to the max full of hopes and dreams; and then ten years on when where they are not quite where they hoped they would be. As women in their forties, between them they have flailing careers, crumbling marriages and hopes that are dwindling, each hungers for what the others have. And each wrestles with the same question: what does it take to lead a meaningful life?

While this is quite a slow moving read, it is a brilliant and raw exploration of female friendships. As the women move through their thirties and forties it is a very melancholy. In particular Hannah’s battle with infertility, IVF and miscarriage touched a nerve for me, as they were struggles I also faced. This is such a beautifully written, thoughtful and bittersweet novel, that at times made me angry and others made me cry. Anna Hope has tackled issues of infertility, infidelity, motherhood, ambition and created a relatable and gripping portrayal of female friendships. I am going to an event that Anna is speaking at next week and I can’t wait to hear her talk more about this brilliant book. This is the first of her books that I have read and I’m really keen to read more from her. Have you read any of hers that would recommend?