Brandice's Reviews > Friends and Strangers

Friends and Strangers explores the relationship between Elizabeth, a new mom and writer, who has recently relocated from New York City to a small town with her husband, and Sam, an ambitious college senior who is planning for the next steps in her life. Elizabeth hires Sam to watch Gil, her baby, a few days week while she works on her next book.

The story alternates between Sam and Elizabeth and over time, the two women grow close. I liked both of them and found different perspectives from each of them relatable. While they initially get along and find common ground, the contrasts in their lives and upbringings become apparent.

”She wondered if it was in her blood, her cells, her DNA, this inability to be satisfied with what she had.”

I viewed Sam and Elizabeth as good people who seemed to want the best for others, however, as the story highlights, how we perceive ourselves and our lives is not the same as how others do — Not a new concept but certainly always an interesting one.

J. Courtney Sullivan is one of my favorite authors and I always look forward to her next book — Friends and Strangers was no exception!