While I loved the blurb of this book and the premise, I couldn't help but feel that a couple key scenes were cut in the editing process. I didn't get the impression that The Girls, as they are referred to, are actually good friends, I also found it really difficult to tell the four women apart. It was a great read, I just wish it was a bit more fleshed out.

3.5 stars. I used to love Joanna Trollope's books. And then we parted ways. I don't know if her books changed or I changed, but I found myself losing interest in the struggles of her characters who were inevitably involved in different permutations of domestic life.

When I saw City of Friends pop up on Netgalley, I decided to give Trollope another try. I wasn't wowed, but I was engaged. The book focuses on four women in London in their mid forties going through various crises and changes. Much of what is happening to them has to do with the eternal challenges faced by women trying balance work and family. There are also tensions that have creeped into these lengthy friendships.

Part of what I liked about City of Friend is purely idiosyncratic. I have just returned from a one week trip to London, and I loved the London setting. But I also liked the characters, the fact that they are middle aged, and mostly that the work/life balance discussions were a bit more nuanced than what one usually finds in novels. The four women approach this challenge from different perspectives and Trollope doesn't purport to offer one solution or one moral view point. In fact, I loved that Gaby, who has three children, unabashedly states that her work is crucial and a necessary source of emotional energy to her ability to cope with her family.

What I like less about City of Friends is that at times I felt like the tensions between these four friends were petty and overblown. I couldn't relate to some of the drama. I felt it bordered on portraying some of my least favourite stereotypes about women.

So I'm not sure I'll be rushing to read Trollope's next book. But overall I'm glad I read this one. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an opportunity to read an advance copy.

Thought-provoking, intriguing and deeply moving!

This is Joanna Trollope's twentieth novel and once again she has written a mature story that delves into the complexities and inevitability of change on relationships, both familial and friendship, graciously.

The characters are strong, ambitious, troubled and real. The prose is smooth and sophisticated. And the plot is an engaging mix of depth, emotion, determination, acceptance, communication, love and support.

Overall I would have to say this is an enjoyable, satisfying story that highlights the difficulties and struggles women still face today when juggling high-powered careers, marriage and motherhood and reminds us how far we've come and how far we still need to go.

Thank you to NetGalley, especially Publishers Group Canada, for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.