Ask Again, Yes

It’s such a pure pleasure to get completely immersed in a proper novel. This was very much a proper novel. Exceptionally well written, large, multigenerational tale of families and obstacles. No, actually, that’s way too generic. Try again. Ok, how about a Romeo and Juliet style story middle class American style about two children from wrong families who fall and stay in love irrespective of their parents’ wishes. Yes, that’s more like it. The Gleesons and Stanhopes are neighbors, but not friends and eventually get intertwined together in a terrible tragedy that changes all of their lives. Their children, despite all that, seem fated to be together. That is, at least, until the trials and tribulations of marriage set in, things woven into one’s essential being via genetics and past traumas that come to haunt them. Because no matter wat Gleesons are basically a happy family and Stanhopes are resolutely not and so the union of their children is bound to be fraught with difficulties. The story follows these families, essentially three marriages, for decades from the early 70s until the present day, alternating perspectives to give the readers a more profound understanding of the characters and their motivations. In this the novel shines, even difficult ones to like or care about, like Anne Stanhope, are all fleshed out so cleverly and humanely, it really contributes to how engaging the reading experience becomes. At first it seems like the moral of the story was forgiveness and there’s certainly a lot of that motif in here, but then I realized it’s more about love and specifically marriage. I always thought the reason divorce rates are so high is because no one takes their wows seriously. I mean, they do at the time, but after a while things come up and words get forgotten and the thing is the words are very specific, marriage isn’t a fairweather affair, it’s all seasons, rain or shine, etc. And so this seems very much a story of marriages that get tested to see if they withstand the vicissitudes of life and come through, hence the title…to be able to, if asked again, say yes, to still say yes after all the years together and all the challenges. Very romantic, really, but not at all a romance. Realistic, tragic at times, poignant drama about families you have, chose and make. Not sure if I’m doing it justice with my review, but it was a terrific book and a very enjoyable read. Recommended. Thanks Netgalley.

Literary fiction at its best a book that drew me in from the first pages.Two families co workers next door neighbors children who become friends a tragedy that haunts them.A multi layered read a story that will stay with you.Highly recommend.#netgalley #scribner.

Such a lovely book, deftly and subtly written, portraying the many challenges, different faces and forms, and rewards of family, marriage, parenthood, life and mostly love.

Very well done author Mary Beth Keane. I will need to seek out your other books. Highly recommended.

Thank you NetGalley and publisher Simon & Schuster for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

ASK AGAIN, YES is a truly beautiful, heart-rending story of family. It follows the lives of Kate and Peter, two friends growing up next door to one another in a bedroom community outside New York City. Although their lives look similar from the outside (both of their fathers are police officers) what happens inside their homes is very different. Kate has a loving family while Peter struggles to survive the mood swings of his mentally ill mother and distant father. The two families collide in tragedy when Kate and Peter are in their early teens and Keane's portrayal of the aftermath is powerful and moving. ASK AGAIN, YES shows how out families both help us and harm us and why forgiveness is sometimes necessary for survival. Loved it.

A great story about friendship, family and love. Very well written and thought provoking. I finished several days ago and it’s still lingering in my mind. I can’t wait to check out more of what this author has to offer.