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Lydia's Party: A Novel
For fans of Anne Tyler and Anna Quindlen, a mesmerizing portrait of friendship that explores seven women's lives with a generous embrace and wondrous wisdom
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 readers' hearts.
"It is this kind of book: the kind one buys extra copies of to pass out to friends." —Kirkus Reviews(Starred Review)
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 readers' hearts.
"It is this kind of book: the kind one buys extra copies of to pass out to friends." —Kirkus Reviews(Starred Review)
304 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 23, 2014
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1950 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 223 reviews
March 30, 2015
Well written prose does not necessarily mean you have a good book on your hands.
It's not enough to be able to write well. You then have to write about something interesting. Or at least make whatever you choose to write about seem interesting. At least that's what you have to do if you want to squeeze more than 2 stars out of me.
So ya, this was a well written snooze fest. The last part, part 4, had a little more life to it, , but we're talking like a 2.5 on a 1 to 10 scale, and the rest was a 1 or a 1.5. What kept me hanging on was the fact that this incredibly boring story was well written. But I think this is the last time I'll make that mistake. 2 stars. Not so hot.
It's not enough to be able to write well. You then have to write about something interesting. Or at least make whatever you choose to write about seem interesting. At least that's what you have to do if you want to squeeze more than 2 stars out of me.
So ya, this was a well written snooze fest. The last part, part 4, had a little more life to it, , but we're talking like a 2.5 on a 1 to 10 scale, and the rest was a 1 or a 1.5. What kept me hanging on was the fact that this incredibly boring story was well written. But I think this is the last time I'll make that mistake. 2 stars. Not so hot.
February 18, 2014
I absolutely love this cover, it just makes one want to pick up this book to read. A group of friends who had met each other over twenty years before are getting ready to attend their yearly party at Lydia's. The story takes place over the course of one day and by days end Lydia will have made a serious announcement. These are middle aged women, going over their lives, relationships and friendship. Some parts were interesting but really nothing that has not been done before and I actually enjoyed the descriptions of the party planning better than the rehashing of past lives.
February 6, 2014
Lydia's Party is the first book I've read by Margaret Hawkins. I was intrigued by the reviews I'd read about it but ultimately, was disappointed by the book itself. It just didn't live up to its hype.
Lydia is 54 years old when the book opens. She is a tenured professor at a suburban community college in the Chicago area currently on medical leave for an unrevealed reason. She is planning a party, one that has been an annual event for the past 13 years. This party is only for women, and only for her closest of friends. The books first parts focus on the day of the party - on Lydia's preparation for the event and the feelings of the women who will be in attendance.
Lydia met all her friends twenty years ago when she first started teaching. Originally Lydia had hoped that her teaching would support her art career as a painter but her art career went to the wayside and teaching became her primary activity. She regrets this. In fact, she has many regrets.
Her friends include Betsy, a clinical social worker who is married to bi-sexual Ted, who sneaks around with men. He was fired from his job as a music teacher for some unknown reason. Maura was a student of Lydia's who spent twenty years having an affair with a married man who spent all his holidays with his wife and family until he died. Elaine is an angry woman, a breast cancer survivor who now is grieving her mother and dog's death and eating her way to oblivion. Jayne is an attorney, once an art historian, who lives on Lake Shore Drive and looks down on those who are not as rich as she is. Celia is fifty and once planned to become a full-time artist. Instead she married and attended library school. There were no library jobs to be found within a 75 mile radius of her home and so she works as a library assistant in a local hospital. "Mostly Celia delivered laptops to meetings or DVD players to birthing classes. Last but not least, there is Norris, a very successful international artist who has stepped on Lydia's back to get to where she is now. "Norris has flashed past while Lydia stood still."
This group of friends makes up the annual party though sometimes Norris does not attend as she gets depressed being with those not as successful as she is. The chapters go through Lydia's preparation on the day of the party and the feelings of those attending on the same day. We learn all of their histories and connections.
I liked that this book had a lot about art in it. It discussed various classic and contemporary artists and the meaning of their art. Some of the ones I encountered in these pages were Albright, Rembrandt, and Vermeer. The discussions were intelligent and entertaining.
The book reminded me of 'The Big Chill' and other movies and books in this genre. It's the story of old friends getting together and talking about their lives and changes over time. It started out with some promise but fizzled out as it continued. The characters became caricatures of themselves, especially Ted, the singing music teacher who has some deep secret longing for Lydia. Lydia herself does not come fully to fruition. I wanted her to rise above what I was given within the confines of this novel. I had hoped for more and was disappointed though this is still a decent book, one that kept me turning its pages. It just could have been so much better.
Lydia is 54 years old when the book opens. She is a tenured professor at a suburban community college in the Chicago area currently on medical leave for an unrevealed reason. She is planning a party, one that has been an annual event for the past 13 years. This party is only for women, and only for her closest of friends. The books first parts focus on the day of the party - on Lydia's preparation for the event and the feelings of the women who will be in attendance.
Lydia met all her friends twenty years ago when she first started teaching. Originally Lydia had hoped that her teaching would support her art career as a painter but her art career went to the wayside and teaching became her primary activity. She regrets this. In fact, she has many regrets.
Her friends include Betsy, a clinical social worker who is married to bi-sexual Ted, who sneaks around with men. He was fired from his job as a music teacher for some unknown reason. Maura was a student of Lydia's who spent twenty years having an affair with a married man who spent all his holidays with his wife and family until he died. Elaine is an angry woman, a breast cancer survivor who now is grieving her mother and dog's death and eating her way to oblivion. Jayne is an attorney, once an art historian, who lives on Lake Shore Drive and looks down on those who are not as rich as she is. Celia is fifty and once planned to become a full-time artist. Instead she married and attended library school. There were no library jobs to be found within a 75 mile radius of her home and so she works as a library assistant in a local hospital. "Mostly Celia delivered laptops to meetings or DVD players to birthing classes. Last but not least, there is Norris, a very successful international artist who has stepped on Lydia's back to get to where she is now. "Norris has flashed past while Lydia stood still."
This group of friends makes up the annual party though sometimes Norris does not attend as she gets depressed being with those not as successful as she is. The chapters go through Lydia's preparation on the day of the party and the feelings of those attending on the same day. We learn all of their histories and connections.
I liked that this book had a lot about art in it. It discussed various classic and contemporary artists and the meaning of their art. Some of the ones I encountered in these pages were Albright, Rembrandt, and Vermeer. The discussions were intelligent and entertaining.
The book reminded me of 'The Big Chill' and other movies and books in this genre. It's the story of old friends getting together and talking about their lives and changes over time. It started out with some promise but fizzled out as it continued. The characters became caricatures of themselves, especially Ted, the singing music teacher who has some deep secret longing for Lydia. Lydia herself does not come fully to fruition. I wanted her to rise above what I was given within the confines of this novel. I had hoped for more and was disappointed though this is still a decent book, one that kept me turning its pages. It just could have been so much better.
March 10, 2014
A Bleak Midwinter Bash might make for rather bleak reading, but Margaret Hawkins delivers something simultaneously deeper and lighter in her novel, Lydia’s Party. Surface details entertain as the perfect casserole is prepared in a brand new post, but mystery lies behind why careful Lydia is suddenly investing in something so expensive. Perfect clothes are laid out. A perfect table is laid. Meanwhile the (not quite) perfect guests, who always turn up, every year for the last 13 years, make their own preparations with varying levels of reluctant duty, disappointment, promise and hope.
This is a women-only party, and these women, held together by having met 20 years ago in a small suburban art class, might be close friends but they’re very different in outlook from each other. Their maybe-tomorrows have all turned into missed-chances with passing years—except for Norris, who surely has it all. As thelist of things to look forward to shrinks, the certain age of these protagonists makes them particularly appealing to readers of a certain age, who will quickly identify with their quirks and regrets. But there’s joy in this bleakness, always lightened by humor and the mysteries of reality—those secrets we barely confess to ourselves and surely not to others. There will be a party. There will be fun. And it might not be the last time.
Each character brings different strengths and weaknesses to both party and narration. Extrapolating the truths between them is part of the fun of reading this deceptively involving novel. Relationships come into vivid focus with one long-delayed revelation, and a snowstorm of emotions ensues. But there are twists and surprises still in store, beautiful works of art to explore, and curious touches of winter sun breaking through before another Bleak Midwinter Bash. Hauntingly real, evocatively human, deeply perceptive, and intriguingly delivered, Lydia’s Party would be a great book club read. It’s a wonderful tale for women readers, and a marvelous invitation to see into the art inside and outside our heads.
Disclaimer: A friend loaned me her copy of this book to see what I thought of it, and I loved it.
This is a women-only party, and these women, held together by having met 20 years ago in a small suburban art class, might be close friends but they’re very different in outlook from each other. Their maybe-tomorrows have all turned into missed-chances with passing years—except for Norris, who surely has it all. As thelist of things to look forward to shrinks, the certain age of these protagonists makes them particularly appealing to readers of a certain age, who will quickly identify with their quirks and regrets. But there’s joy in this bleakness, always lightened by humor and the mysteries of reality—those secrets we barely confess to ourselves and surely not to others. There will be a party. There will be fun. And it might not be the last time.
Each character brings different strengths and weaknesses to both party and narration. Extrapolating the truths between them is part of the fun of reading this deceptively involving novel. Relationships come into vivid focus with one long-delayed revelation, and a snowstorm of emotions ensues. But there are twists and surprises still in store, beautiful works of art to explore, and curious touches of winter sun breaking through before another Bleak Midwinter Bash. Hauntingly real, evocatively human, deeply perceptive, and intriguingly delivered, Lydia’s Party would be a great book club read. It’s a wonderful tale for women readers, and a marvelous invitation to see into the art inside and outside our heads.
Disclaimer: A friend loaned me her copy of this book to see what I thought of it, and I loved it.
April 5, 2014
I was very intrigued by the cover of this book, and it was recommended to me by a publisher rep, so I was very excited to read it. However, I found it kind of fell flat compared to my expectations.
I had been imagining that the reader would be filled in on Lydia's "surprise" at the same time her friends were, and once I realized how obvious it was, I wasn't as intrigued to find out how it ended. I also found that there was not enough character development for me A) to be able to remember which girl was which, and B) for me to genuinely care about the characters and their lives.
The first part of the book deals with each of the women individually, divulging their inner feelings and thoughts to the readers. But once Lydia shares her news, the reader does not get a glimpse of how each of the women feel about it - only a couple of them. It made the ending a bit wanting for me.
I had been imagining that the reader would be filled in on Lydia's "surprise" at the same time her friends were, and once I realized how obvious it was, I wasn't as intrigued to find out how it ended. I also found that there was not enough character development for me A) to be able to remember which girl was which, and B) for me to genuinely care about the characters and their lives.
The first part of the book deals with each of the women individually, divulging their inner feelings and thoughts to the readers. But once Lydia shares her news, the reader does not get a glimpse of how each of the women feel about it - only a couple of them. It made the ending a bit wanting for me.
Read
July 20, 2016A slow-grower of a story, the full impact and impression doesn’t seem to arrive until after the book is closed and you have had time to let the threads of the tale tangle with your own experience to create a tapestry of impressions, guaranteed to be different for all who encounter this novel.
I will say that this is a novel that is not geared toward the twenty-somethings of this world, the women are all middle aged, having established their lives both professionally and personally, and many of the lessons and trials shared will be thought-provoking for, yet not relatable to, readers who haven’t achieved a certain polish (or tarnish) from their years.
We follow Lydia as she prepares her annual party for her friends: an annual tradition that brings these long-standing friends together to share updates on their lives, their trials and their successes. And eclectic group of women, married and divorced, happy and not so, career focused or not: they have a striking honesty in their relationships with one another and themselves. We meet each of the women in the group as we see their preparations for the party, their insights on interactions and relationships, as they delve into their fears, dreams and history.
Most prominent is Lydia, as she is preparing for the party, and her reflections on both herself and the guests that are coming. There is a thread of melancholy that winds throughout the story: partly tied to opportunities lost or missed, and partly a delicate longing for different and ‘more’, this tone doesn’t bog the tale down, it merely reinforces Lydia’s ‘everywoman’ status: we all have regrets and wonder what if, yet here she has managed to move past those to find a sense of contentment and connection in her life, or so she (and they all) believe.
What emerges is the strength and reliance that these women have on their bond: that place where total honesty is not off-putting or shocking, but simply accepted and supported: where you can draw from the experience of others to help in your own decisions, choices and attitude. No, the pacing is not perfect and we are distracted by some unnecessary focus on elements that don’t seem to relate to the larger story at hand, but the slower pace allows time for the revelations and lessons to settle and fall into place as you read.
Margaret Hawkins has created a novel and characters that will speak to each reader in a different and unique way, giving a different impression as their story unfolds and their interactions are revealed. Yes, this is a book that many will find engrossing and honest, with moments that will inform their own relationships with their friends of long standing.
I received an eArc copy from the publisher via Edelweiss for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
I will say that this is a novel that is not geared toward the twenty-somethings of this world, the women are all middle aged, having established their lives both professionally and personally, and many of the lessons and trials shared will be thought-provoking for, yet not relatable to, readers who haven’t achieved a certain polish (or tarnish) from their years.
We follow Lydia as she prepares her annual party for her friends: an annual tradition that brings these long-standing friends together to share updates on their lives, their trials and their successes. And eclectic group of women, married and divorced, happy and not so, career focused or not: they have a striking honesty in their relationships with one another and themselves. We meet each of the women in the group as we see their preparations for the party, their insights on interactions and relationships, as they delve into their fears, dreams and history.
Most prominent is Lydia, as she is preparing for the party, and her reflections on both herself and the guests that are coming. There is a thread of melancholy that winds throughout the story: partly tied to opportunities lost or missed, and partly a delicate longing for different and ‘more’, this tone doesn’t bog the tale down, it merely reinforces Lydia’s ‘everywoman’ status: we all have regrets and wonder what if, yet here she has managed to move past those to find a sense of contentment and connection in her life, or so she (and they all) believe.
What emerges is the strength and reliance that these women have on their bond: that place where total honesty is not off-putting or shocking, but simply accepted and supported: where you can draw from the experience of others to help in your own decisions, choices and attitude. No, the pacing is not perfect and we are distracted by some unnecessary focus on elements that don’t seem to relate to the larger story at hand, but the slower pace allows time for the revelations and lessons to settle and fall into place as you read.
Margaret Hawkins has created a novel and characters that will speak to each reader in a different and unique way, giving a different impression as their story unfolds and their interactions are revealed. Yes, this is a book that many will find engrossing and honest, with moments that will inform their own relationships with their friends of long standing.
I received an eArc copy from the publisher via Edelweiss for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
July 9, 2021
"She'd saved. She'd waited. She'd been patient, and all of a sudden she felt overdue for something good to happen. She began to feel afraid she'd die- just a theoretical possibility at that point- with too much of everything left."
If this is what growing old is like, shoot me now.
I get it- I'm the fresh-faced nineteen year old that cannot possibly fathom the passage of time and how it affects you, but good! Lord! Have a little hope and empathy for the world! Everyone in this book spends all of their time bemoaning how horrible everything in their life is, how terrible everything in their live was, and how ghastly everything in their life will be. How flipping' difficult is it to marry someone you actually like?? Be content in the successes you achieved?? Am I simply too young to understand why having a child is more of a death sentence than cancer?? Do I even want to grow old enough to understand????
But the writing was simply scrumptious. So good job for that, I guess.
If this is what growing old is like, shoot me now.
I get it- I'm the fresh-faced nineteen year old that cannot possibly fathom the passage of time and how it affects you, but good! Lord! Have a little hope and empathy for the world! Everyone in this book spends all of their time bemoaning how horrible everything in their life is, how terrible everything in their live was, and how ghastly everything in their life will be. How flipping' difficult is it to marry someone you actually like?? Be content in the successes you achieved?? Am I simply too young to understand why having a child is more of a death sentence than cancer?? Do I even want to grow old enough to understand????
But the writing was simply scrumptious. So good job for that, I guess.
November 6, 2015
I had this on my to-read list for quite a long time and I finally got around to reading it, thinking it would be nice for this time of year (November). Not so. It was depressing. The only reason I kept reading was because the writing was good. I wish I had removed it from my list when I re-evaluated my choices.
November 28, 2015
2.5 stars. This book had all the makings for the type of novel I usually love, but somehow didn't come together. Weighty topics that just felt too passive? Semi-flat characters who I never warmed up to?
January 8, 2023
I would really rate this book a 3.5. I enjoyed reading a book centered around women and their friendship. I enjoyed that the book was divided into four parts and each chapter was very short and from a different perspective. I did not expect the book to be so sad and shocking. I thought it would have been a more joyful story.
January 23, 2014
Lydia's Party by Margaret Hawkins is a bittersweet and melancholy novel about the intricate bonds of longtime friendship. A yearly gathering of former co-workers turned friends, this year's Bleak Winter Bash will forever change their lives and ultimately, their friendship.
As Lydia prepares to host this year's gathering, she is very contemplative about the friendships that have endured for close to twenty years. She is also very reflective as she thinks back on her various relationships and her career decisions. While Lydia is content with some decisions, she is regretful for others and clearly sees where she might have done things differently.
Interspersed with Lydia's musings are chapters written from some of her guests' perspectives as they prepare for the upcoming party. All but Lydia have moved on from the community college where they originally met. They are an eclectic blend of happily married, divorced and single women who have found various degrees of personal and professional success. But overall, they, too, suffer from different levels of dissatisfaction about how their lives have turned out.
The characters are well-developed and their honesty about their lives and their friendships is refreshing. While I was not able to relate to the women's situations or their regrets, their life lessons are interesting and thought-provoking. The story begins strongly but it eventually becomes bogged down in superfluous details that seem to add little to the developing plot. However the end of the novel is fast paced and the growth of the characters is quite impressive.
Lydia's Party by Margaret Hawkins is a moving novel of friendship and loss, and it is a timely reminder to live life to its fullest. It is a little sad, but it is also uplifting as each of the women emerges from tragedy a little bit stronger. All in all, a worthwhile read that explores the bonds of friendship.
As Lydia prepares to host this year's gathering, she is very contemplative about the friendships that have endured for close to twenty years. She is also very reflective as she thinks back on her various relationships and her career decisions. While Lydia is content with some decisions, she is regretful for others and clearly sees where she might have done things differently.
Interspersed with Lydia's musings are chapters written from some of her guests' perspectives as they prepare for the upcoming party. All but Lydia have moved on from the community college where they originally met. They are an eclectic blend of happily married, divorced and single women who have found various degrees of personal and professional success. But overall, they, too, suffer from different levels of dissatisfaction about how their lives have turned out.
The characters are well-developed and their honesty about their lives and their friendships is refreshing. While I was not able to relate to the women's situations or their regrets, their life lessons are interesting and thought-provoking. The story begins strongly but it eventually becomes bogged down in superfluous details that seem to add little to the developing plot. However the end of the novel is fast paced and the growth of the characters is quite impressive.
Lydia's Party by Margaret Hawkins is a moving novel of friendship and loss, and it is a timely reminder to live life to its fullest. It is a little sad, but it is also uplifting as each of the women emerges from tragedy a little bit stronger. All in all, a worthwhile read that explores the bonds of friendship.
August 6, 2016
Lydia's Party is a book that tells the story of Lydia, who invites her friends over for a big dinner every year. At these dinner parties, her friends bring lots of food, wine, and share what is going on in their lives. This year, Lydia has a difficult announcement to make to her friends, and so she prepares for what will be her last party with them.
One thing that I immediately liked was the cover of the book. It seemed really warm and inviting...like a bunch of great friends were coming for dinner. So after reading the blurb for the book and looking at the cover, I thought I would be reading a story that was sad but that also celebrated friendship. It also seemed that this book would be a bit funny, and would be a touching story.
I didn't find that was the case at all with Lydia's Party. I felt the most of the 'friendships' seemed rather forced, and there were some bad or hurt feelings between most of the characters.
Lydia's friends were interesting enough, and I did like getting to know some of them. I found that other friends could be a bit hard to keep track of, and I had to flip back a bit to read previous pages in order to remember who they were.
There were also a lot of pages devoted to describing the food that Lydia was serving at the party, and what she was going to wear. I understood that the party was a big deal for Lydia, but after a while I was skipping through the book to get to the 'good' parts.
Overall, I felt like I was flipping back and forth through this book and that was disappointing. I was hoping for a great story about friendship, but I felt that Lydia's Party left me confused. The ending seemed odd to me, and the story just was not what I expected.
I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads. Thank you!
One thing that I immediately liked was the cover of the book. It seemed really warm and inviting...like a bunch of great friends were coming for dinner. So after reading the blurb for the book and looking at the cover, I thought I would be reading a story that was sad but that also celebrated friendship. It also seemed that this book would be a bit funny, and would be a touching story.
I didn't find that was the case at all with Lydia's Party. I felt the most of the 'friendships' seemed rather forced, and there were some bad or hurt feelings between most of the characters.
Lydia's friends were interesting enough, and I did like getting to know some of them. I found that other friends could be a bit hard to keep track of, and I had to flip back a bit to read previous pages in order to remember who they were.
There were also a lot of pages devoted to describing the food that Lydia was serving at the party, and what she was going to wear. I understood that the party was a big deal for Lydia, but after a while I was skipping through the book to get to the 'good' parts.
Overall, I felt like I was flipping back and forth through this book and that was disappointing. I was hoping for a great story about friendship, but I felt that Lydia's Party left me confused. The ending seemed odd to me, and the story just was not what I expected.
I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads. Thank you!
February 28, 2014
This book was different from anything that I ever read. The cover is beautiful and was what caught my attention and the description seemed like something I would enjoy.
It took me until I had read half the story to really start to understand the purpose and I don't think that you can completely understand until you finish the book.
What I loved is that the story is about seven women. You get a good idea of what their lives are like not only now, but also around the time that Lydia met them. But in my opinion, there are three that really stand out above the others. Lydia, of course, Celia, and Norris. Lydia writes lists all the time. Lists about everything, but in the book she is making lists about regrets, things she hasn't done, and things that she wished she had done more. It really gets you to think about your own life. Which is something that all the women do to some extent.
Over all it was very enjoyable. Part Four was a great way to show that ties with people last longer than the person itself. I do believe that it would be better read and understood by the 35 and up demographic.
It is important to note that I received this book via NetGalley in return for a honest review. All thoughts and opinions are mine.
October 18, 2016
It's been quite some time since I've read a women's friendship novel. I used to love this type of book, but after a while they all tend to follow a similar pattern: one divorcee, one single involved with an unattainable man, one with a cancer diagnosis, yada-yada-yada. The cover art for Lydia's Party caught my eye when the book was first published, but I held off, not really needing to buy another book, only to have it sit on one of my shelves for years. I came across the book while perusing the shelves at my library and decided to finally give into my curiosity about this novel.
Lydia's Party begins on the morning of Lydia's annual winter party, bringing to mind Virginia Woolf's classic Mrs. Dalloway. I enjoyed the domestic details as Lydia prepares for her guests, but the alternating points-of-view led to some confusion about which character was which and the overall tone of the story went from something light to a more negative read. I began to look forward to finishing in order to move on to my next book.
Final Thoughts:
I loved Five Fortunes (Beth Gutcheon) and Talk Before Sleep (Elizabeth Berg), but Lydia's Party was a disappointment. I love the cover art, but I can't even come up with a single favorite passage to share. I'm glad I didn't spend my money on the book and I'm sorry that I can't even recommend borrowing a copy from the library. Perhaps it's time to reread Mrs. Dalloway!
Lydia's Party begins on the morning of Lydia's annual winter party, bringing to mind Virginia Woolf's classic Mrs. Dalloway. I enjoyed the domestic details as Lydia prepares for her guests, but the alternating points-of-view led to some confusion about which character was which and the overall tone of the story went from something light to a more negative read. I began to look forward to finishing in order to move on to my next book.
Final Thoughts:
I loved Five Fortunes (Beth Gutcheon) and Talk Before Sleep (Elizabeth Berg), but Lydia's Party was a disappointment. I love the cover art, but I can't even come up with a single favorite passage to share. I'm glad I didn't spend my money on the book and I'm sorry that I can't even recommend borrowing a copy from the library. Perhaps it's time to reread Mrs. Dalloway!
May 12, 2018
1.5/5
"Lydia's Party" tells the story of six friends, who meet each year at the end of January for an ever evolving party. An event which first hosted couples, children and more, the party has now developed in to six women and their dogs, sharing bottles of wine and good food. This year, the host, Lydia, has an unfortunate, surprise health announcement and spends her time getting ready for the party and reminiscing.
While this book is well-written, the plot and characters are lacking. Lydia's big announcement drags on and on, and isn't even mentioned until almost the very end. We receive almost no insight in to how the other women feel about the announcement. Moreover, it felt like there was very little interaction between the women who spent their own chapters reminiscing about their lives, and as such for a book centred on a twenty year friendship I didn't feel like I saw much of the women's friendships.
Overall, this unfortunately wasn't the book for me, although readers who are looking for a book based on style over content may enjoy this more.
"Lydia's Party" tells the story of six friends, who meet each year at the end of January for an ever evolving party. An event which first hosted couples, children and more, the party has now developed in to six women and their dogs, sharing bottles of wine and good food. This year, the host, Lydia, has an unfortunate, surprise health announcement and spends her time getting ready for the party and reminiscing.
While this book is well-written, the plot and characters are lacking. Lydia's big announcement drags on and on, and isn't even mentioned until almost the very end. We receive almost no insight in to how the other women feel about the announcement. Moreover, it felt like there was very little interaction between the women who spent their own chapters reminiscing about their lives, and as such for a book centred on a twenty year friendship I didn't feel like I saw much of the women's friendships.
Overall, this unfortunately wasn't the book for me, although readers who are looking for a book based on style over content may enjoy this more.
October 9, 2014
2 STARS
(I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review).
It is late January and Lydia is throwing her annual winter party with the usual suspects - at one time or another were also her colleagues. As she preps for the evening she thinks about her friends, family, lovers and career over two decades. In between Lydia's thoughts we get each friend's story.
I found this story on the dull side. It was not the "middle age women thinking back on their lives" that bothered me. I have been reading books with this plot since I was in my mid-teens. Elizabeth Berg is one author that does well with this subject matter. I think it was the "tell" not "show" approach to the story and that it fell flat after a few pages. I really wanted to like this novel as it sounded promising. Personally I prefer Elizabeth Berg, Anne Tyler and Sue Miller.
(I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review).
It is late January and Lydia is throwing her annual winter party with the usual suspects - at one time or another were also her colleagues. As she preps for the evening she thinks about her friends, family, lovers and career over two decades. In between Lydia's thoughts we get each friend's story.
I found this story on the dull side. It was not the "middle age women thinking back on their lives" that bothered me. I have been reading books with this plot since I was in my mid-teens. Elizabeth Berg is one author that does well with this subject matter. I think it was the "tell" not "show" approach to the story and that it fell flat after a few pages. I really wanted to like this novel as it sounded promising. Personally I prefer Elizabeth Berg, Anne Tyler and Sue Miller.
January 26, 2014
I won this book on Good Reads. It hasn't been released yet. I am a 60 year old woman, and this book is about a group of women in the their 50's/60's so I certainly related. This book is all about reflection, pondering life past, present and future. Considering I have been quite nostalgic lately about my own life (perhaps a normal thing at this age), I found myself possibly relating very much with Lydia....are my friends like Lydia's...not so sure, but you can certainly know people like all of the characters in this book. It was a fast and easy read, but I am not sure I thought the last chapter is the best this author could have done to wrap up the story. I won't give away the plot, but I thought some of the last chapter didn't do any justice to the first 3/4's of the book. How you wrap up something like this I don't know. Is there ever really an ending?
November 3, 2014
I received this book from goodreads. It was a bit slow moving at first; however the feelings expressed by the characters concerning how one envisions ones life when young to the reality of how ones life turns out was spot on. I found the characters very relatable as I am in the same age bracket and have looked back and wished I had done certain things differently. To avoid putting a spoiler out there; we see these women who have sometimes gotten caught up in the drudgery of day to day issues; as we all do at times. After Lydia's announcement, perspectives change and these friends realize the importance of their friendships. This book was very touching and left me pondering about living life to the fullest and taking the time to cultivate strong friendships.
March 2, 2016
I received this book through the First Reads program. The plot revolves around one day and a group of friends coming for their annual evening together on the coldest night of the year, but we gradually learn how they came together and their individual stories. One of the beginning chapters gives a good outline of each woman and is helpful for future reference. There are many books written about circles of women who stay connected through the years, supporting each other through the joys and crises of life. This one stands out for having integrity and honesty. Friendships are as fragile as any relationship, and the lasting ones require patience and work. This is a book about examining one's life, about regrets...as well as the lasting impact and endurance of true friendship.
February 16, 2014
Lydia's Party, by Margaret Hawkins
I loved this book and devoured it in one sitting. Lydia throws an annual Bleak Midwinter Bash for her 6 closest friends. Sometimes the party has a theme, but this year, is different. Lydia has news that she must finally share with her friends. Time is short and friendship precious. I was shocked to see that this book received so many low ratings , because I found it a thoroughly engrossing and humorous read. Recommended for fans of Anna Quindlen and Anne Tyler.
I loved this book and devoured it in one sitting. Lydia throws an annual Bleak Midwinter Bash for her 6 closest friends. Sometimes the party has a theme, but this year, is different. Lydia has news that she must finally share with her friends. Time is short and friendship precious. I was shocked to see that this book received so many low ratings , because I found it a thoroughly engrossing and humorous read. Recommended for fans of Anna Quindlen and Anne Tyler.
January 14, 2022
Terrible Book
It was hard to get through this book, I just found it to be boring, very boring. I did not like that when Lydia finally tells her friends she is dying, the author jumps to them dividing up Lydia’s jewelry. We don’t know how she told her friends or what their first reaction was. Terrible, terrible, terrible!
It was hard to get through this book, I just found it to be boring, very boring. I did not like that when Lydia finally tells her friends she is dying, the author jumps to them dividing up Lydia’s jewelry. We don’t know how she told her friends or what their first reaction was. Terrible, terrible, terrible!
May 10, 2014
A perceptive look at friendship, aging, and death. A little depressing, to be honest, but nicely written.
October 27, 2020
I saw the cover of this book and it looked so warm and inviting. After reading, I discovered it was not the most warm story I've read, in fact quite sad. Although it was painfully realistic, and I really enjoyed that aspect of realism about it, I felt there was a little something missing from the story as a whole. From the very beginning things almost just go wrong and its all downhill from there with no relief in sight.
For me there wasn't really an ending I was hoping for. I was left literally turning looking for more pages after the last page of the book. I enjoyed the read and how it did resemble real life and how relationships with friends can be, it just sort of felt "meh" to me. It wasn't bad -- but not a book that kept me on edge looking for any possible time to continue reading it.
For me there wasn't really an ending I was hoping for. I was left literally turning looking for more pages after the last page of the book. I enjoyed the read and how it did resemble real life and how relationships with friends can be, it just sort of felt "meh" to me. It wasn't bad -- but not a book that kept me on edge looking for any possible time to continue reading it.
May 4, 2023
Tonight I turned the last page of this book. It was a fast read about a group of women friends. Each year Lydia hosts a late Christmas party called the “Bleak Midwinter Bash”. All the women arrive in different stages of their lives and Lydia herself has a big secret to share.
This book was not what I imagined it would be. I won’t give away too much in case you decide to read it. But it was about friendship and life and death.
I do have to say, I found parts of it odd and fragmented. There was sadness in the women’s life, due to their own dissatisfaction and larger issues and loss. Some of the friendships didn’t seem to fit together.
I could see the themes of the book, the friendships were mostly sweet and some growth after loss which felt positive.
But, if reading it I would be curious to know what others thought. Once in a while a book is just “meh” for me. This was one for me.
This book was not what I imagined it would be. I won’t give away too much in case you decide to read it. But it was about friendship and life and death.
I do have to say, I found parts of it odd and fragmented. There was sadness in the women’s life, due to their own dissatisfaction and larger issues and loss. Some of the friendships didn’t seem to fit together.
I could see the themes of the book, the friendships were mostly sweet and some growth after loss which felt positive.
But, if reading it I would be curious to know what others thought. Once in a while a book is just “meh” for me. This was one for me.
February 6, 2022
I didn't know what to expect from Lydia's Party, however, as the story progressed it came into it's own.
Lydia's Party is about a group of middle aged women whom have been friends since college and in an attempt to get the group together after the holidays, their one mid-winter bash becomes a yearly occurrence hosted by Lydia; only this time, Lydia has a secret to share.
Lydia's Party is more like a reminder to us all to be more, do more, and don't wait for later because sometimes the later doesn't come. This book also plays homage to friendships as well as hardships to to treasure those moments because they tell you that you are alive.
Lydia's Party is about a group of middle aged women whom have been friends since college and in an attempt to get the group together after the holidays, their one mid-winter bash becomes a yearly occurrence hosted by Lydia; only this time, Lydia has a secret to share.
Lydia's Party is more like a reminder to us all to be more, do more, and don't wait for later because sometimes the later doesn't come. This book also plays homage to friendships as well as hardships to to treasure those moments because they tell you that you are alive.
January 2, 2018
I liked some parts of this book and didn’t like others. Since I’m in my early 50s, the part about Lydia knowing she was dying and thinking about her fears and regrets really spoke to me. It made me tell myself I need to do the things now that I keep putting off. However there were more things I didn’t care for. I think it should have been done after she died. After that it felt like it wandered around aimlessly with no purpose. And I wish the book had been more about the party rather than telling what happened at the party after the fact.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 22, 2021
This book has a beautiful cover and it makes you just want to read it. It isn't a bad story but I think young people wouldn't get it and it might just make old people sad; however those in between who haven't read a jillion stories about women and their get togethers and problems and are in a women's book club might find much to talk about. I've read so many and am in the old age group so I find I did need to skim some of it; didn't make me unhappy, just wasn't interested in Norris and her art so I skimmed that.
January 3, 2018
I really liked a lot of the book, I liked the ideas that Lydia had about life and really living your life. I think it resonated with me because of my own circumstances. I think as we get older or complacent about our life, we may not appreciate the shortness of life. I've adopted a word for this year, fearless because I feel like I need get out of my own way and really enjoy life. And appreciate all the blessings I have received.
April 30, 2022
Lydia's Party Hawkins, Margaret 3 F women friends from 1950s get together for mid winter party starting 25 yrs. Before when just starting out careers in art: college professor, artist, English professor, Social worker, Librarian what gives meaning what takes dreams deferred, all own lives when learn leader has terminal cancer- sad, become truer selves as look at meaning & let go to take care of friend 8/8/2016 8/4/2016
January 12, 2025
I read this in one afternoon. Very readable, descriptive and relatable, even the characters we were meant to dislike. I could picture every scene so clearly, and especially felt for Lydia facing this huge thing ahead of her. (No spoilers here!) Very enjoyable, and with several gems of sentences that illuminated real truths for older women and the messiness of life, relationships and what you thought you wanted your life to become.
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