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)

Disappointed. Did not care for writing style. Weak character development.
I received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review

I loved this book! I was hooked from the beginning. The details she used to describe the characters and events were so spot on. I chuckled to myself as I read them . They are little things we all notice about people but never utter. The descriptions of the sudsy forms she created with baby shampoo on the two little boys she was babysitting were instantly recognizable to me as I had made them with my children. Her job waitressing was clearly something she must have experienced... they were so well written. The novel is narrated by Casey and her first person point of view is essential to the success of the story. This is a personal story and it reverberates throughout this wonderful book.

If you've ever loved, lost, or done both at the same time, please read this book. 31-year-old Casey is a writer trying to figure her life out after her mother passes away suddenly. Saddled with unending student loan debt, a dead-end waitressing job, a recent heartbreak, and a novel on it's 6th year of completion, Casey wonders how she can go on.

This novel explores being both a post-collegiate young person in the U.S. today and a beginning writer trying to break in to a cutthroat and cruel field. Along the way you will laugh with Casey, share her heartbreak, and celebrate her joys.

The beginning started out a little slow for me and I wasn't sure I would be able to get into the novel, but her descriptions of working at the Iris restaurant and the cast of characters working along side her drew me in. It was an excellent and engaging read for the remainder of the story.

A solid 4 stars!

Thank you to Net Galley for the Advanced Reader Copy and the chance to share my thoughts!

Well written and as other reviews have pointed out great imagery of Iris. it was interesting that Lily
King as a mature writer would chose to portray a millennial perspective, While it didn’t seem timeless
in a Sally Rooney type way it stuck with me and I appreciated it more as I tried to read other fiction on offer

A sharply observed tale of a writer’s tumultuous journey. 31-year old Casey Peabody is the very definition of a struggling writer — deep in debt from student loans, living in near-squalor, and six years into her “Great American Novel.” Her mother’s sudden and recent death coupled with a devastating breakup have left her with debilitating panic attacks and general anxiety. Making it through each day is not a done deal.

So what makes this book worth reading? For me it’s King’s writing and her ability to meticulously document every aspect of this character’s experience — both personally and as a writer. In many ways, it was hard for me to read about Casey — because we really don’t know her that well, we also live the stress of not knowing if she will be able to get through this period (I’m going to cheat and tell you that she does get through it). In other ways, though, Casey is such an appealing character — her insights and experiences as a writer are fascinating, as are her thoughts about books, teaching literature, and literary criticism. I particularly enjoyed the details of a writer’s workshop near the end — her engagement with the exercises were intriguing.

I love her writing — I felt like I was highlighting every other line. The opening paragraph was perfect — it set the stage and drew me in with just few short lines:

“I have a pact with myself not to think about money in the morning. I’m like a teenager trying not to think about sex. But I’m also trying not to think about sex. Or Luke. Or death. Which means not thinking about my mother, who died on vacation last winter. There are so many things I can’t think about in order to write in the morning.”

A few more great quotes:

“I look back on those days and it feels gluttonous, all that time and love and life ahead, no bees in my body and my mother on the other end of the line.”

“It’s like a dream, the way they transform from sloped strangers, a man with a crackled bald spot and a woman in a gold jacket, into my father and stepmother.”

“Bob chooses this moment to put his hind legs through his front legs and produce a soft tan coil of poop at the base of a Japanese lilac.”

“I didn’t much like the writers Paco did, men who wrote tender, poetic sentences that tried to hide the narcissism and misogyny of their stories.”

“I should be wary of the guy who locks in too soon. It’s a sort of premature commitulation.”

“There’s a particular feeling in your body when something goes right after a long time of things going wrong. It feels warm and sweet and loose.”

“All problems with writing and performing come from fear. Fear of exposure, fear of weakness, fear of lack of talent, fear of looking like a fool for trying, for even thinking you could write in the first place. It’s all fear. If we didn’t have fear, imagine the creativity in the world.”

“Admire me. Admire me. Admire ‘judge’ and ‘courthouse’ and ‘seven sharp.’ I don’t like myself around Adam. I don’t think he wants me to.”

“The bees in my chest stir. A few creep down the inside of my arm. One conversation can destroy my whole morning.”

“I love these geese. They make my chest tight and full and help me believe that things will be all right again, that I will pass through this time as I have passed through other times, that the vast and threatening blank ahead of me is a mere specter, that life is lighter and more playful than I’m giving it credit for.”

I am always grateful for Netgalley allowing me to read and review books...this book is certainly one I am thankful for.

Narrated by Casey, an author/waitress whose life has spun out of control after the mysterious death of her mother. Despite her own sorrow and depression, the world is unkind, further cutting into her fragile emotional state.

The concept of well-educated people living in poverty, trying to pay back endless student loans, afraid of needing medical care, because they are uninsured, is very timely in our current political climate. References to “Me Too” and other sex scandals and coverups are blended into the plot.

Somehow, with all the issues that Casey faces (there are many, which I won’t enumerate) the novel has a sense of hope and triumph. I was totally engaged by the beautiful writing and the heroine who never lost her ability to love and care. I’m still rooting for Casey and thinking about her....that’s what makes for a great novel.

The synopsis for Writers & Lovers by Lily King sounded like it would be a book I would enjoy. Unfortunately, the story fell flat for me. I was unable to connect or care for the main character and found myself reading just for the sake of getting through the book. The book did have some witty dialogue between the characters and interesting takes on the struggles of a writer. Overall, an okay book for me. I want to read other books by Lily King because I did like her writing style, and I also may return to this book at a later time to give it another chance.

#WritersLovers #NetGalley

Writers and Lovers was a different read for me. I must say it is very true to its title. An aspiring, if that’s the correct term, is dealing with the sudden loss of her mother on vacation,and Luke a would be poet writer ,she met at a symposium out in the woods. The heroine is both writer a long time waitress, the latter being the only way to keep her head above water from defaulting on her student loans. With her it’s not just writers block that keeps her from succeeding it’s the fact of losing her mother so far from home and family that compounds her loss. I found the element of her life at the restaurant intriguing and revealing at the same time. I also found the restaurant scenes very real. A tried to rally for her triumph but in the end I found her too self important to surrender to her craft. Writing!

I love Lily King. In this novel, Casey is a server at a high end restaurant which is so spot on I dreamed about my own experience waiting tables in college. Cast is also an aspiring writer with an interesting and heartfelt synopsis centered around a character based on her recently deceased mother. She is looking for love and we get to experience the early doubt and witty dialogue of new relationships. Her take on other writers, her art, her debt, are just a few of what makes this character grow. I will be reading this one again!

Copy provided by the Publisher and NetGalley