It’s certainly not the fault of this book or its author that I am tired of books set among social-climbing New Yorkers. But I am, and it is, and I could not get through it mostly for that reason alone.

As much as I wanted to like this book I was not able to be involved in the plot and gave up at 20%. There was a lot of possibilities but it just seemed they were at skin level.

Laura and Emma is catalogue of a mother daughter relationship with one being a foil of the other. Set in NYC, the writer portrays Laura raising a child alone, in a period where her monied upbringing is at odds with the rebellious streak Emma brings to the table. While the premise is interesting, the story failed to engage me overall, although the ending is well wrought,

Thank you Netgally for the free arc in exchange for an honest review.

I had a really difficult time connecting with Laura, her family or friends but loved Emma. I almost did not finish this book but I pushed through it.

An intelligent, thoughtful novel. Ms. Greathead has written a story about characters I came to care about - sometimes laughing out loud, sometimes getting a bit teary, but always caring. I think the author must be immensely observant of people and of human nature. The ending was stunning, but, after some thought, just right, I think.

I am torn between loving everything about this book or between half way hating it.
Laura and Emma has so many of those qualities you just aren't sure you like, you think you do, but then when its happening you aren't so sure.
"Am I so annoyed by her? Why would she do that!!!" - I found myself exasperated with the characters actions.
They are so well written and described I genuinely felt so annoyed with Laura through oit the story.
Everyone knows someone that they love..mostly..ish..cause you have for ever..
That is Laura for me. So human and fallible, likeable yet she drives you slightly batty with annoyances.
This book left me slightly jaw agape, "wait what, did that just happen?!(Checks again) They DID end like that!!!"
It was enjoyable and descriptive and painted such clear images, definitely not your run of the mill open and shut novel!

It is always difficult selecting a book from a debut author. As a presenter on the Moth Radio shows, and after reading the first few pages, I thought I had found a great new author with whom to explore the world. I was extremely disappointed. The book has several interesting themes running through it, from class privilege to mother-daughter relationships, but the author keeps them all above ground, never really delving into and exploring the range or depth they offer. A number of vignettes, that by themselves are quite creative, never add to the story line or character development. I would recommend this book go back into editing mode. I will not post this review online.

This is such a special and charming book about an odd and delightful heroine, Laura, and her relationship with her daughter, Emma. Told in a series of vignettes that begin with Emma’s unusual conception and end with the sad separation of the two.

Greathead paints an authentic portrait of the WASPS who inhabit Manhattan’s old money’s Upper Eastside. Every word is perfectly chosen so that the reader can see each character and empathize with the unusual Laura and her life choices.

Living in Manhattan, having a child in an Eastside school (public), I spent years walking among these denizens. The uniformed children, their virtually identical mothers, made it clear that the eccentric Laura would face many issues. Her home is on the edgy street that is the line of demarcation between the two distinct areas of Manhattan’s Eastside. It is a wonderful metaphor for Laura and her child.

The charicature that is Laura’s mother, Bibs is spot-on. Each segment of fading WASP life is examined, even the money issues that plague the old rich. We even get to sit through an agonizing dating experience with Laura.

This is such a wonderful book and I was so invested in the characters that it broke my heart when there was a chasm between mother and daughter. The end was left to the reader, I want mine happy, because I was so enamored with these two women.

I read about 10% of this before setting it aside. The characters just didn't interest me.