Livia is hosting a massive fortieth birthday party to compensate for the wedding she never had. As guests arrive, she harbors a secret: she has discovered her adult daughter, Marnie, may never return home. Meanwhile, her husband Adam has just received devastating news about Marnie’s flight from Cairo. He decides to withhold this information until the celebration ends so Livia can have her perfect night. The narrative unfolds over twenty-four hours, alternating between their internal monologues as they navigate the social expectations of the party while burying catastrophic truths from each other and their friends.
Readers of domestic suspense find this story useful for its examination of moral paralysis and the unintended consequences of shielding loved ones from pain. The book attracts those interested in the psychological pressure of a ticking clock and the logistical difficulties of maintaining a facade during a crisis. A reader walks away with a perspective on how different personalities prioritize emotional protection over honesty and how a single delay in communication can fundamentally alter a family’s ability to process grief.
- Published
- 2019
- Language
- EN
