Our Country Friends

Taking place in the first several months of the pandemic, this novel portrays a story of a cast of six friends, old and new, of varying ethnicities, backgrounds, and careers quarantining together on a country estate in upstate New York.

From the outset, the book is written like a classic Russian novel, including many of the same tropes and literary devices. But the setting is so distinctly contemporary, with the uneasiness and paranoia of the virus, the isolation of quarantine, the political polarization, cancel culture, and questions of race and nationality all at the forefront, creating perfect alchemy for intense relationship dynamics.

This is a novel about relationships, personal identity, and American identity. The characters are so beautifully developed, and the writing is truly exquisite and perfectly paced. It's funny, it's self-aware, it's devastating, and it is immersive. I felt so invested in the characters that I may as well have had my own bungalow. I think this book really captures a moment in time with characters and writing that are timeless. I found this book captivating and relatable and truly couldn't put it down.