Ask Again, Yes by @marybethkeane (#7 in 2020)
Two families... one suburban town... a conflict arises between the families... tragedy ensues... relationships are torn apart...
For someone who refuses to spoil books for others, this review is quite difficult to write because so many of the plot details come as surprises.
Despite spanning multiple generations, the plot can actually be drawn out like a web with the conflict between the Gleesons and the Stanhopes at the center. What I can say without spoiling the plot is that aside from the tension between the two families, a romance sparks between the neighboring children, Kate and Peter. Think of this budding romance like Romeo and Juliet-- two children fell in love and were constantly kept apart by their feuding families.
This story does more than just tell a gossipy forbidden love story as it forces the reader to consider the repercussions for our actions and the way that situations from our formative years shape us as adults. I love that Keane wasn't afraid to illustrate the imperfections in her characters, actually focusing on those imperfections to show their very realistic personalities. Aside from the Romeo and Juliet aspect, the plot alternates between three couples and their distinct relationships, the challenges each person in the relationship faces, and the choices they make to hold onto the feelings that remain. Ask Again, Yes is a character-focused story under what feels like a magnifying glass as each character is scrutinized. 4 stars
I almost suggest not going into this book with too much knowledge of its intricacies. I, personally, simply knew that this story was about the drama between two families before I began reading. I think that because I knew so little, I appreciated the surprising parts of the plot as they presented themselves and really grew to dissect the characters in the way that Keane intended us to.
Thanks to everyone who joined this buddy read with @pattyisbooked and me! We look forward to the next one
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