From the very first page, this book draws you into its world with engaging prose, well-developed characters, and a compelling narrative. The author's storytelling is confident and immersive, weaving together themes that resonate long after the final chapter.

I thought this book was incredible, I loved it so so much and even when it frustrated me, I couldn't put it down. loved the blurred lines of the friendship between Ruth & Maria, the blurred lines between love and hate, and the way this story explored envy and the ceaseless pain of comparison. I loved Maria, low-key had a crush on her myself, or was fascinated to say the least, but also was so irritated with her through so much of the book - I found her selfish and inconsiderate and yet I rooted for her relationship with Ruth, the deep ties they had, and wanted them to just figure out their shit and treat each other better. similarly, Ruth got on my damn nerves, always moping about her life, but I also wanted her to be happy, truly happy. I really was rapt through this whole story and while the ending sort of irritated me, I still loved every second.

This was an interesting read, but it was also infuriating because the characters made such bad decisions, which I found so, so, so frustrating. I wanted a bit more about art school and the art world of the 90s, but it was mostly about Ruth and Maria's interpersonal drama and manipulations over the years. Aside from the fact that there were no cell phones in the book, it felt like it could have been set more recently.

Not really for me, but ymmv. Thanks so much to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.

Lonely Crowds is one of the strongest debut novels I have read in years. With echoes of My Brilliant Friend and Simone de Beauvoir’s Inseparable, Lonely Crowds follows two friends, Ruth and Maria, as they grow up, become artists, and occupy a space in each other’s lives that oscillates between friend, sister, and lover. Wambugu writes with clear, self-assured prose that is a pleasure to read. She executes such a mature and delicate character study of Ruth, a woman conflicted between her conventional, religious upbringing and her desires. I highly recommend this book and will be sure to pick up whatever Wambugu writes next.