What's Next? discussion

What a fun book I did not know I needed this summer!

This is a contemporary novel about two American teaching professionals and their interactions with the place and people during the few months they spent in London. The characters are well written and their insecurities are very relatable. I started the book not knowing it was written in the early 80s until they said people could smoke on planes... but the rest of it did not feel out of date, the scenes of London and the English country side, the characteristics of the English people all still feel modern day and spot on!

This read is a worthy replacement of my usual 2-week summer break in London. I recommend it to anyone who is looking to check out a book that is not a heavy read and is written by a Pulitzer Prize winner.

Thanks for the review - I’ve been wanting to read this Alison Lurie novel for a few months (I used to live in London so it was of particular interest). I worried the writing might be too dated for today but it sounds like a fun read. Will move it up on the TBR.

I'm in too!

Thanks for the recommendation! Truly enjoyable London book, including nice mixture of cross Atlantic tensions and love affairs - the pun in the title - as well as tours of London neighborhoods and cultural events. The prose is original and refreshing with the author occasionally breaking the fourth wall. Subject matter feels bit light to win the Pulitzer prize for Fiction (1985) but recommended read.

Ok I’m definitely now moving this up to September TBR. I’m trying to finish A Space Between Worlds, The Pull of the Stars and The Night Swim before then!