I love contemporary fiction with a high level of suspense (not to be mistaken for a thriller or even a literary thriller) and Pitoniak executed this perfectly in a way that will appeal to fans of political intrigue and conspiracy theories. Our American Friend explores the little known backstory of a fictional First Lady (but, who is clearly based on Melanie Trump) who was born in Cold War - era USSR. I could really feel the Trumpiness of the story in the beginning, but as time went on, I got lost in the fictional Lara's story. And, I loved seeing the inner life, beliefs, and motivations of the First Lady, who usually gets lost in the shuffle and lives in the shadow of the President. While not the most memorable book of the year, this was a thoroughly enjoyable read that kept me quickly turning the pages.

This was a historical fiction book that seemed to be loosely based on Melania and Donald Trump. I thought it started off rather interesting, but found it to lose its steam about halfway through. It’s vaguely entertaining, but then gets rather deep in espionage which isn’t really my thing, but may be a plus for others. 3 stars ⭐️ for this one. Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the copy for review.

I enjoyed this book, although it didn't quite grip me the entire way through. I was left guessing what the truth was and how it was all going to fit together. The parallels between Lara and Sofie - and how I felt about both of them - left me wondering what I would have done in either of their positions.

Political thrillers generally aren’t my favorite (especially those that are thinly veiled reimaginings of current American politics), but I love Anna Pitoniak’s writing, so I gave this a whirl anyway.

Pitoniak’s nuanced, well-written characters don’t disappoint, and though they are less meaningful and relatable to me than those in her other novels, this is a preference rather than a quality issue. The same goes for the basic plot, which is deftly handled and well-paced.

As for the subject matter, it had its moments, but mostly I’ll chalk this one up to not being in my area of interest. I love a well-written spy novel, and this does have elements of that, but it’s more politics than spy craft, and the specifics of it were kind of a bummer.

I was over the whole “let’s reimagine Melanie Trump as a sympathetic figure” trope before it even started, and here she’s apparently some sort of secret American hero, a misunderstood lost soul with a heart of gold. And that’s just…nope.

There are loads of mysterious/nebulously villainized figures in American history for whom such a plot line could work. Melania Trump isn’t one of those people, and it’s clear that it’s she and her husband who are being reimagined here. We’re supposed to buy that the Trump character (who is pretty much the man exactly with a different name) somehow ended up married to not an aging, out of touch model, but a secret Cold War hero disguised in leopard print and aloofness? Nah.

If you like political thrillers and are fond of these sorts of recharacterizations of real-life villains, you’ll certainly like this more than I did. Despite my distaste for the subject matter and disappointment with the plausibility of its characters’ actions, it’s the same high quality writing and thoughtfully complex characters I’ve come to expect from Pitoniak.

Liked this one a lot for what it was. I enjoyed the historical fiction aspect. It didn't grab me right away but I'm glad I finished.

This novel offers a point of view on characters who are almost certainly based on Donald and Melania Trump. The focus is mostly on Lara and not her husband. Readers definitely come to understand the forces that formed her personality.

Lara grew up in a family that was fairly privileged in Moscow. For example they had a dacha and some number of Western goods. Lara’s father, who comes across as a nice man, works for the KGB. The family is sent to Paris, a city that is so different to Moscow, and they live there for many years.

Some things happen to Lara that clearly shape her. Readers will discover these things for themselves as they read the novel. How do these life events impact Lara? How does her being Russian influence her future and decisions that she makes?

The story is told in different timelines ranging from Lara’s childhood to her role as the wife of a (bombastic) president. Readers get to know Lara well (if, in fact, she is honest in talking about herself). They also get to know those around her.

The conceit of the story is that a journalist is hired to write this mysterious woman’s biography. What will this mean to journalist Sofie Morse? Something to be sure, as when the novel opens she and her husband seem to be hiding outside of the U.S.

I found this novel to be engaging. It felt a bit odd to be reading it thinking about Trump and the state of the world now. That said, I do recommend it.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions are mine.

I wanted to like this, but I really could not get into it at all. I gave it a good 35%. it's about a first lady from another country (aka Melania Trump) and the author she has chosen to write her biography.

Thank you for the opportunity to read this novel. Unfortunately, I was not able to finish and won't be leaving a full review.

Sofie Morris is exhausted from covering an amoral and erratic administration, so, after President Caine wins a second term, the White House correspondent quits. When the president's Russian-born (third) wife approaches the reporter to write her biography, Sofie reluctantly agrees. But, as she delves into the First Lady's past, will it bring down the presidency? A gripping tale of the cold war and its legacy.

Really liked this book! At times it was a little triggering just being so close to real life events in so many ways during the Trump years. It took me a bit to get into this book at first - the first few chapters are a bit disorienting with the setting being in Croatia and not having any understanding of what had happened. But once I got into it, I was pretty hooked! I've been recommending this book to friends and family and can easily see it being adapted for TV - perhaps into a mini-series. Thanks for the approval! What an enjoyable ride.

This was a great winding thriller of a tale. I found it a quick read that left me wondering from the beginning. I hope to read more from this author in the future.

I had so much fun with OUR AMERICAN FRIEND!

The book opens with journalist Sofie Morse living in Croatia with her husband and wondering if she's made a terrible mistake. A former journalist, Sofie gets worked up when a reporter stops her on the street and explains she tracked Sofie down because she's got some important questions to ask her -- she wants to know the truth. But the truth, "if revealed, could cause the entire operation to collapse." !!!

The intrigue! I loved letting this one unfold so I'm hesitant to say more about the plot, which involves a fictional First Lady. This was the sort of book that I kept thinking about after putting it aside to go to work etc. -- I kept wanting to get back to these characters and continue on with the story!

I've seen it described as a "political thriller" which is probably the closest fit, though I'd advise one not to expect non-stop action. I wish it were a bit sharper or snappier but still: It's a fun ride!

My Review: ⭐️⭐️⭐/ 5 stars
This is a historical fiction/political thriller that jumps back and forth between the present in Washington and the Cold war era Soviet Union & Paris. The story revolves around Soviet born First Lady Lara Crane, who is married to a very Trump-like president. She is a mystery to the world, complicit with his policies and polarizing ideologies. When she enlists the help of journalist Sofie Morse to write her biography, her earlier life story finally unfolds from when she discusses her early life in Moscow to when her KGB officer father gets stationed in Paris (where she met her first love).. Sofie finds it hard to believe why the first lady even chooses her for this life-changing story.

The story is well-written and the premise very intriguing. However, half way through all the way to the end, I was incredibly bored. There were so many parallels to Melania, that I couldn’t see past this being a fanfic for her. Other than that, I wish the pace was faster. Lara was in love, but I didn’t truly feel a thing on the page for the two characters. The women were filled with such strong female characters, but the men seemed very faceless: Ben, Walter, President Crane..

Thank you to Simon and Schuster for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review!

Our American Friend by Anna Pitoniak is a historical fiction with a little bit of mystery that will keep you fascinated. White House correspondent Sofie Morse has recently quit her job because she was tired of the politics and dysfunction of Washington. However, when First Lady Lara Caine requests that Sofie write her official biography, Sofie is suddenly sucked back in. This story was very well done. I honestly thought this story was going to be light and a little bit cheesy based on all the summaries I'd seen, but it is actually somewhat deep, and the backstory and history were very interesting to me. Highly recommend! Thanks to NetGalley for the free digital review copy. All opinions are my own.

Former White House correspondant Sofie Morse finds herself in an unusual position. Two weeks after quitting her high stress job, she is approached by the First Lady’s chief of staff. Why? To write the elusive woman’s biography.

Lara Caine is an enigmatic figure in American politics. Her husband, Henry Caine is known for his brash and over the top ways and Lara is stone, where he is fire. A Russian immigrant, former model, with baggage as a heavy as battleship - Sofie quickly finds there is more to this First Lady than meets the eye.

With many parallel lines to recent American history, Anna Pitoniak envisions a different type of White House story, where the truth is more wild than the fiction could ever be.

I genuinely enjoyed this, but had hoped for some more character development and less description. Some chapters felt heavy and overly verbose, but still a good read.

Thanks to Anna Pitoniak, Simon and Schuster, and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

If I could ask Anna Pitoniak any question, it would certainly be, “Were you inspired by a certain First Lady with a modeling career, an icy cold demeanor, and a flamboyant husband?” This spy novel imagines a thrilling past and complex inner life for a woman usually judged only by her fashion choices and ability to throw a State Dinner. Much like Sofie, I was charmed by Lara and her story. The chapters alternated between timelines with some great cliffhanger chapters to propel you along. There were hints dropped here and there which allows the reader to be a few steps ahead of Sofie, but Pitoniak saved a few surprise reveals for the end. I loved this entertaining spy thriller!

This ARC was provided by @netgalley and @simonandschuster. The opinions are my own.

dnf @30%
I’ve made a resolution this year to DNF things that I am not enjoying instead of pushing my way through it. It’s not that I didn’t like this book but I have been trying to push through it for several months and I realize that I just have no desire to return to it so I’m gonna call it an official DNF.

This was a very interesting story that rings true. After what the country has lived through, it is very believable. Well written.
Many thanks to Simon & Schuster and to NetGalley for providing me with a galley in exchange for my honest opinion.

Why did I not read this sooner! This book was amazing, Thrill, intrigue, left me on the edge of my seat good. telling the story of a journalist writing the biography this book checks all the boxes of string female characters who are well written and have a lot more to "say" beyond what's written not he page. If you like shows like Scandal this book is definitely for you!

Just a decade or so ago, the premise of this novel—a corrupt president whose wife was once a spy— would have seemed ludicrous. But in 2022, it is entirely plausible. The speech cadence of fictional president Henry Caine is eerily similar to another recent president’s, although President Caine is not quite as evil as the person on whom he is clearly based.

Journalist Sofie Morse is planning to take a break, when First Lady Lara Caine approaches her about writing her biography. Sofie is initially hesitant, but she agrees, and quickly finds herself drawn in to the First Lady’s inner circle. She can’t believe Lara’s candor, particularly with the information she is sharing.

But when Lara drops a bombshell. Sofie isn’t sure what she should do. Eventually she learns the extent to which Lara has orchestrated her story.

This is an unputdownable suspense story, with Cold War intrigue that is all too relevant today—even more so than when the book was released a scant two weeks ago. #OurAmericanFriend #NetGalley