Among Friends A Novel
Among Friends A Novel by Hal Ebbott, published by Penguin Group on June 24, 2025, is a literary exploration of complex relationships set against the backdrop of a New York country house. This 320-page novel delves into the lives of two intertwined families who gather to celebrate a milestone birthday, only to find their long-standing friendships tested by unexpected emotions. Ebbott’s prose is noted for its elegance and precision, capturing the nuances of middle age and the dynamics of familial bonds.
Readers will encounter a narrative that begins with celebration but quickly shifts to themes of betrayal and the fragility of trust. As envy and resentment surface, the characters confront the underlying tensions that have long existed within their relationships. The story addresses significant topics such as family life and friendship, providing insight into the complexities of human connections. Ebbott’s work invites reflection on the delicate balance between love and rivalry, making it a thought-provoking addition to contemporary literature.
Official synopsis Publisher
NAMED ONE OF THE NEW YORKER‘S “BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR SO FAR”
“Stylish and assured….Ebbott’s prose is honed and aphoristic, recalling the work of James Salter and John Cheever…The sentences go down easy…but there is substance beneath the gleaming surfaces.” —Washington Post
“Acutely perceptive and beautifully written…A living thing…A huge achievement.” —The Financial Times
“Finely calibrated…[A]s discerning as it is pitiless.” —The New Yorker
What begins as celebration gives way to betrayal, shattering the trust between two families
It’s an autumn weekend at a comfortable New York country house where two deeply intertwined families have gathered to mark the host’s fifty-second birthday.
Together, the group forms an enviable portrait of middle age. The wives and husbands have been friends for over thirty years, their teenage daughters have grown up together, and the dinners, games, and rituals forming their days all reflect the rich bonds between them.
This weekend, however, something is different. An unforeseen curdling of envy and resentment will erupt in an unspeakable act, the aftermath of which exposes treacherous fault lines upon which they have long dwelt.
Written with hypnotic elegance and molten precision, and announcing the arrival of a major literary talent, Hal Ebbott’s Among Friends examines betrayal within the sanctuary of a defining relationship, as well as themes of class, marriage, friendship, power, and the things we tell ourselves to preserve our finely made worlds.
Author
Publisher
Topics
FAQ
What is “Among Friends A Novel” about?
Who is the author of “Among Friends A Novel”?
When was “Among Friends A Novel” published?
What is the ISBN for “Among Friends A Novel”?
What are the book details (language, pages, edition)?
