Sorry, but it is just too depressing for me and doesn't seem to be progressing anywhere. I have picked it up twice, read a total of 30% and can't pick it up a third time.
Thank you NetGalley for an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest opinion.

Casey has moved to Massachusetts after the death of her mother has blindsided her. She is working to be a writer while working as a waitress to pay the bills. Adulthood with all of its hangups and missteps isn't what she thought it would be.

Casey's grief for her mother and her trials and tribulations while becoming an adult is very relatable for anyone who has lost a loved one or struggled with becoming an adult. However, I don't feel like the romance between her and the guy she ends up with is too rushed. Also, the ending was too clean, something life as King depicted with Casey, never turns out to be.

In Writers & Lovers, Casey is living the expected life of a writer in that she's drowning in debt, she's working as a waitress, living in a garden shed, and doesn't quite know how she's ever going to finish a novel and query it. But throughout this book, Casey also has to deal with her mother's recent death, her nonexistent relationship with her father, and multiple relationships with men that often leave her with the choice of settling or risking what could be.

I think this paints a relatively accurate picture of the post-college writing life. There is no easy or right way to get things done. If you want to survive, you have to spend your time at a job other than writing. If you want to make it as a writer, you have to push the rest of your life aside to get the words on the paper. Casey isn't the first person that gets a career off the ground in fits and starts, and she certainly doesn't let the fate of her book dictate what the rest of her life looks like.

The most interesting thing about this novel is that by the end, Casey's life is tied up in a neat little bow. Yes, the reader can see where there will be huge obstacles to come after they are done reading, but for a literary novel, it's as if the ending is almost too nice. Nothing really happened in Casey's life while we were reading, and she only made a few small decisions with any certainty, yet her hopes and wishes are answered in the span of a chapter or two. You want to be happy for her, but you want to question how quickly everything fell into place.

I have been waiting for Lily King to deliver a new novel and Writers and Lovers proved the wait was worth it. A gorgeous picture of a talented 20-something young woman, who is still figuring things out. King describes the restaurant world with delightful accuracy. As with so many good books, I left satisfied but wanting more.

3.5 {not quite up to par with Euphoria and Father of the Rain, which were both 4* for me] This is a tough one as I found the book quite uneven--read or not? Very slow to get into, but then momentum picked up--about halfway through. And, for me, a disappointing ending.

Casey has a debt-ridden life as waitress at a high-end restaurant while trying to make it as a struggling writer. She is challenged by relationships--especially with her mother--whose sudden death leaves a huge void and unanswered questions. And, on the romance front--she's conflicted/torn between Silas and Oscar.

I never connected with Çasey--I neither liked nor disliked her. And so many characters in the restaurant--all fairly well drawn, but sometimes confusing. I quite liked Muriel--who I saw as a foil.

How autobiographical is this? Certainly the parts about a struggling writer. This must have rung true-- "...a good story is both an allegory and a slice of life. Most writers are good at one, not the other."

Question: was King ever a waitress? These parts [and there is a lot taking place at the restaurant, Iris, seemed very authentic. [I was a waitress, very briefly--for a summer--long ago, but NOT at a high end restaurant]

Some of the language was fabulous. A description I never thought of:
...arguing about Ronald Reagan's legacy... he was a Howdy Doody manquė..."

and humor "Behind the counter a stout woman is working around her breasts, which rest on the counter, in the way of everything she does."

"...three oak trees on the far side of the park. Their limbs are enormous, ribbed with muscles and veins..."

I loved the storyline of Casey's time with Oscar's children; it felt very real. This might have been my favorite part of the book.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/45289222-writers-lovers

First off, if you haven’t read Lily King’s astonishing last novel, EUPHORIA, I couldn’t recommend it more highly. It may be my very favorite historical novel, in that it creates a whole world, but in a way so visceral and immediate that you don’t feel the heaviness of the research.

Her new novel, WRITERS & LOVERS, could not be more different in subject or setting. Yet King demonstrates the same power for creating identification with a deeply sympathetic character. In this case, we follow young aspiring writer (and ex-golfer) Casey as she waitresses, frets about her student loans, frets over some medical problems, tries to finish a novel, and dates a series of men—all of them fellow writers with varying levels of success. It’s a wonderful portrait of literary ambition: the solitude, the insecurities, the jubilance when things go right.

Along the way, as she did with EUPHORIA, King has a lot to say about the problems of succeeding as a woman. Her last protagonist was an anthropologist, but the same kinds of double standards and barriers exist for Casey. One of her lovers is a famous novelist, and Casey shrewdly assesses his petulance about his literary career. All of the novel’s feminist messages are delivered subtly.

Lily King is an amazing chronicler of women’s lives. At this point I’d place her in a category with Alice Munro—not a comparison I offer lightly.

I received an advanced copy without knowing much about the author, and enjoyed the read! The book begins by pulling you in with references to some life events for the narrator (who is also working on a novel). Intrigued, I jumped in and the chapters flew by. It's a bit like a beach read, one of those books you can enjoy over a long afternoon or weekend and can keep your thesaurus in the other room :-) I appreciated that the author had a note at the beginning encouraging you to read the book in your own time.

Interesting look at transitions in a young woman’s life. Thanks for the review copy. I may check out other books by King.

A story about a struggling writer, grief, massive student loan debts, uninsured health problems and a complicated love life all while holding down a full time waitress job. I loved the writing but the plot didn't pull me in. I had difficulty connecting or caring about the characters and Lily seemed to exist outside of so many events. I really enjoyed some of the witty dialogue, especially with the 2 young boys but it wasn't enough. I have heard great things the author's other works so I'm looking forward to exploring her catalog. I received an ARC in exchange for a honest review. 3

Euphoria was so well written so compelling I couldn’t wait to read Lily Kings latest.Once again I was drawn right in to this new book excellent character development a story that kept me turning the pages so well written so involving.#netgalley#groveatlantic,

3.5 stars- I liked this book, I just didn't love it. Casey is a broke twentysomething, working as a waitress and trying to use her expensive degree and sad experiences to write herself out of debt and into the life she wants. I think this is the premise but the first half of the book is so slow and uneventful that you're not even sure a story will develop at all. Casey's story does pick up a little and some of the writing is very good, but this book could benefit from some editing and a better title. I really wanted to like it more as it had the potential.

Thank you to Netgalley for the free, advance title.

3.5 stars. I found this to be an uneven novel. Lily King won a bunch of awards for her book Euphoria, which I downloaded a long time ago but never read. Now I’m not sure that I want to read it. Other people have rated the writing of this novel as wonderful, but I’m not impressed except with how she described one of the men wooing her—he’s a successful writer/widower/father of two who, like so many people, can only see what he doesn’t have and what he hasn’t achieved as he compares himself to other writers.

The first 40 to 45 percent of Writers and Lovers is a snoozefest. Casey has been working on a novel for six years and is in massive student loan debt because she spent her twenties traveling and not working. She spent her eight weeks of a retreat mooning over a guy and not writing. Now she’s waiting tables to pay her minimum of her bills.

Her mother died a while back, and she’s still processing that. Her father is a nightmare. While Casey gets along with her brother, he lives across the country. Even with these hardships, I didn’t love the character, although I did empathize with her anxiety and sleeplessness.

Thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book, which RELEASES MARCH 3, 2020.

Wow--could a novel be more different from the marvelous EUPHORIA?

And yet WRITERS AND LOVERS delivers on its own terms--a poignant, compelling and thoughtful story of a young woman testing life and defining for herself who she wants to be. A novel not to be missed!

I approached WRITERS AND LOVERS with a bit of hesitation, having fallen head over heels for King's EUPHORIA. I felt it was unlikely this book would measure up. Here's the thing: they are such different books and each stands on its own merit. WRITERS AND LOVERS is a bit more narrow in focus and of course lacks the exotic international setting. It's likely to appeal to a wide variety of readers, but especially to millennials and aspiring writers as it follows a young woman trying to find her way in her artistic endeavors. King's attention to detail is astounding; there were many passages I wanted to highlight for this reason. In some ways, this novel reminds me of SELF PORTRAIT WITH BOY so if you enjoyed that one, give WRITERS & LOVERS a try. It's well worth your time.

This book is about grief, relationships, writing and waitressing! It's about books, reading, mourning and dead mothers! Every detail paints a picture; at times I felt like I knew the main character better than I know my family and friends. Some scenes were so good - I read the scene with the chess match multiple times. I found myself rooting for the main character throughout the entire book as if she was a child of mine - flaws and all.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me an early release in exchange for an honest and fair review.

Writers & Lovers
Lily King
Grove Press (March 3, 2020)
154 West 14th Street, 12th Floor
New York, NY 10011
https://groveatlantic.com
13-digit ISBN number 978-0802148537
$27.00
Suanne Schafer
suanneschafer.author@gmail.com
SuanneSchaferAuthor.com

Lily King’s Writers & Lovers is an extraordinary novel. As a writer I appreciate King’s efforts at capturing the life of a writer. This is King’s fifth novel and good enough that I’ll backtrack and read her prior works.

Her protagonist, Casey Peabody, is fascinating. She’s processing the sudden death of her mother with whom she’s relatively recently reconciled as well as living with the knowledge that her father was a complete ass. She’s been in a series of disastrous failed relationships and has fears of never being loved. To support herself, however poorly, while working on her novel (going on six years now) she works as a waitress in an upscale restaurant. She’s overwhelmed by student loan debt, medical problems, and relationship problems. She endures sexism both in the restaurant and in the writing world. Her hopes, fears, missteps, and triumphs are emotionally compelling.

King’s beautifully documents every aspect of Casey’s character. Casey’s insights into the world of writing are fascinating and often humorous—and I feel at least somewhat autobiographical. I enjoyed reading her thoughts about books, literary criticism, and teaching high school literature. The prose linguistically sophisticated, but clean and uncluttered.

I received a copy from NetGalley in exchange for an impartial review.

Lily King’s 'Writers & Lovers' is one of those rare novels that is as compelling narratively as it is emotionally. King captures a snapshot of a young writer’s life… a life that is complicated, dynamic, and fluid.

Casey Peabody is an enthralling protagonist. As someone who is trying to find her place in a world without her mother, who is processing trauma and anxiety, and who feels crippled by the prospect of love, Casey is achingly human. Her mistakes, her fears, and her triumphs are all deeply woven into this narrative. And we also see the impact that her gender and socioeconomic status play in her life in a way that doesn’t feel overly didactic or heavy-handed. It’s just reality.

To me, one of the most compelling facets of 'Writers & Lovers' are its relationships, be they fraternal, familial, or romantic. The way that Casey interacts with the supporting characters in this novel are fascinating examinations into Casey herself; however, there’s also a universality to said examinations that feel personal to the reader. The arc of the narrative feels complete and satisfying. It’s one of the best pieces of literary fiction I’ve read in quite some time. My copy is filled with highlighted passages, and I cannot wait to read it again. In my opinion, it’s an artistic triumph that should be immediately added to your TBR pile.

**Thank you to NetGalley and Grove Atlantic for the ARC, which I received in exchange for my honest review.**

This slice of an author's life and loves is poignant, sad, hopeful, frustrating, and in the end, triumphant. It explores the minds of writers, the angst of writing and the need to know yourself through the life you live. It is raw, honest, and expressive. - full of life and love on the edge of joy and despair. Many of the characters are authors with narcissistic egos and the fear of unsuccessful self-expression.

Casey Peabody, the main character, dances of the edge of financial ruin while trying to write, grow into adulthood, and find a balance between loving and giving up yourself. The loss of her mother plays an important role throughout the book. It leaves you wondering about so many of the characters, in particular, I want to know what happens to the little boys of one of her love interests. It is thoughtful, insightful, and thought-provoking. You care about the people and feel like you're getting to know them just when it ends. As they say, leave them wanting more, and I do.

I was not fond of this book. I felt it was quite disjointed and the main character is a woman who could not get her life together. I asked to preview the book based on the description of the book, but I was disappointed. I did not read the entire book. I received a complimentary advanced reading copy of this book from NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

Boston University Bridge, connecting Boston to Cambridge, referred to as the BU Bridge, is mentioned many times throughout “Writers & Lovers”.

Casey Kasem, rides her banana seat bike over the BU bridge to and from work. Each time Casey crosses the bridge — it feels like a monumental moment —symbolic—
a life in transition….a new start….hope for connection and stability.
As she pedaled across the BU Bridge, often at dusk, I got the feeling it was where Casey measured her healing, her strength…taking personal inventory of thyself.

I’m not sure if this book is for everyone — (I already saw a couple of low reviews —which I read carefully & respected), — but for me — this book was heaven!!! I enjoyed it every bit as much as I did “Euphoria”) ….

Casey is a 31 year old woman….
…..She is struggling to become a writer.
…..She was once a golf prodigy at Duke College —at age 14 —
…..She is struggling to gain financial independence. She has debts.
…..She has medical problems
…..She wants romantic and sexual fulfillment.

Years ago, I once lived in a tiny furnace room with no windows & unfinished walls — for $35 a month —in a large house in the Oakland Hills, while attending school at UC Berkeley.
It was easy to imagine the “Potting Shed” that Casey Kasem lived in. (there was room for a twin mattress, a desk, chair, hot plate, and toaster oven in the bathroom).

Casey’s landlord, Adam, (attorney and friends with her brother, Caleb), took an extra $50 off her rent (besides already giving her a deal), in exchange for walking his dog, *Oafie*, each morning.
Conversations between Casey and Adam were limited —Adam was not the ‘guy’ or ‘guys’ Casey got romantically involved with….(Luke, Silas, and Oscar are the lucky ones) ….
But I had a great laugh over a morning exchange between Adam (dressed for work in his spiffy suit) — and Casey (dressed in sloppy sweats about to walk his dog) …
Adam asks Casey:
“How many pages have you written?”
“Couple hundred, maybe, Casey says”
“I find it extraordinary that you think you have something to say”. (Ouch!!)

Casey had been accepted to attend a writers group for eight weeks, “Red Barn”. But, then her mother died....wishing she could postpone the dates —but it was ‘take it’ now —or forget the opportunity. She took it…….and brought her grief from Bend, Oregon, to Cambridge - making it very difficult to focus on writing.
Luke was from New York…in the workshop with Casey. He told her he lost a child —and that he and his wife were divorced. (Not divorced) — but for a short time —they had a ‘thing’ together. Casey even thought her dead mother brought Luke to her -to help with her grieving.

Later we meet Silas —and Oscar — (and their back stories)
Torn between two lovers —Casey will eventually choose. There was a hilarious conversation about ‘choosing’.
Ha, not wanting to share any profanity-words-to-describe the dialogue between friends and Casey —(as to which guy to pick) — I’ll just add — the many ‘friends’ of Casey’s in this novel were wonderful!

I loved the atmosphere Lily King painted.
One night, Casey was watching other writers in the workshop enjoy the night air. They were rocking in chairs on a porch.
“The Sky was violet, the trees dark blue. The frogs had started up in the pond across the road, louder and louder the closer you listened”.
I found myself listening to Casey’s inner thoughts….’louder & louder’ in the same way Casey listened to those frogs.
I was torn between wanting to plow forward quickly - to slowing down my reading - to savior Lily King’s lovely sentences.
I chose to slow down. 

I loved many ’tidbits’ in King’s storytelling……
Wandering through the Museum of Fine Art...Casey is on a date with Silas.
She remembers her mother use to bring her when she was little.
Casey & Silas drift over to ‘Art of Americans’, and stop at a painting -
‘Sargent’s: The Daughters of Edward Darley Boit’. (Considered the most psychologically compelling painting of John Singer Sargent’s career)...
I also love that painting.
It’s a painting of the four little girls... wearing white pinafores.
The conversation/interpretation about the painting between Casey and Silas was fascinating - I just liked it!!
I also loved what Casey said when she viewed the painting:
“If I could write something as good as right there, right where that belt cinches her pinafore. It’s hard to pull my eyes from it. I don’t know why it’s so moving to me, and I could never explain. There’s a madness to beauty when you stumble on it like that”.
I LOVE THOSE TYPE of MOMENTS IN LIFE!!! I live for them, too!!!!

I’m a reader — (never -ever- claimed to be a writer —in fact —I hate writing —always sure I can’t get any of the words right) …. Thank heavens for a little freedom on Goodreads. (We don’t have to all be writers) —some of us just want to share -and connect with others who might be interested in the same books we are.
But this is true:
I thought…
This book…
Was…
***BEAUTIFUL - THOUGHT PROVOKING - INTROSPECTIVE & REFLECTIVE!!***
I LIKED IT A LOT!!!!!!!
I loved my private quiet time with the characters -the college town - the restaurant - (the people, descriptions of foods, wines, plants, customers), the lovely insightful writing -
I didn’t even want to write this review —because I liked this book soooo much —

I loved little things that I’m not sure anyone else would care. I really grew from this book —and its embarrassing to share that!!!! (Makes a girl feel pretty small)

At the museum Casey and Silas were standing in front of Van Hogg’s oil painting....’Houses at Auvers’....then Henri Matisse’s ‘Vase of Flowers’ ...I was in enjoying their museum stroll. I looked up the paintings on google simply to enjoy them....
Those paintings alone slowed down my reading. I was totally enjoying savoring Lily’s new book! And I was feeling sad —wanting to really visit the New York Museum of Art. I haven’t been. I haven’t been to Boston — I haven’t been to Cambridge — I actually had tears feeling the loss of a place I’ve never been -but have wanted to go.

In the meantime, I’m writing a crappy review — (I’m sure I need an editor), —
ha….of a book I *totally loved*!

There was a scene a little too close to home. I had five surgeries for skin cancer two years ago -which many people know (I lost 1/2 of a nose) —
Reading about Casey’s squamous carcinoma —brought back too many memories I’d rather forget. Living with the scars is a daily reminder in itself.

Casey didn’t tell her dermatologist that she used to lie in the sun with baby oil. Ha, not sure I told my doctors, either….(but I figured they knew).

Casey also got a call from her gynecologist who explained she had severe dysplasia on her cervix and needed to come in for a scraping. 

So this young woman — was dealing with the loss of her mother — (remembering the phone calls - memories - and the loved they sincerely shared together ) —
She was faced with too many bills —
Felt rejection — and less than —
She was invited to ridiculously expensive weddings —(only to make a woman feel worse)
She longed for love/ passion and a creative-meaningful life — (so easy to understand!!)
She had medical issues to seriously deal with — (ha —know that one too)
And….
she was trying to finish her novel — (ok, not me —I’m just trying to finish this review)

YEP….I loved this novel!!!!


*** On Writing…. Casey says:
“I try to write something new. It’s bad and I stop after a few sentences. Even though I didn’t feel it at the time, I got into a rhythm with the old novel. I knew those characters and how to write them. I heard their voices and I saw their gestures and everything else feels fake and stiff. I ache for them, people I also once felt we’re stiff and fake, but who now seem like the only people I could ever write about”. 


Thank you Netgalley, Grove Atlantic (always grateful) — and Lily King. (If you plan to come speak in the Bay Area about this book —I’ll attend)