Adult Fiction

Three generations of Palestinian women, two immigrants and the first generation daughter- granddaughter, wrestle with their duties as Arab women and the desire for selfhood that conflicts with the culture. In this poignant novel, tragedy haunts each of them in their struggle to survive, and they fear passing on a tortured existence to the next generation because other ways are unknown. A brilliant page-turner.

NY Times bestselling writer (author of "Girl with a Pearl Earring") has written a new novel. Set in the town of Winchester, England in 1932, it tells the story of a thirty-eight-year-old woman, Violet Speedwell. Having lost her fiance during the first world war, she is now considered a "spinster" by the current social mores. She works for an insurance company as a typist and then learns to create needlepoint designs for kneelers and cushions to be used in the grand Winchester Cathedral. Violet befriends two women who also do needlepoint, as well as an older married man in his sixties who introduces her to the art of ringing the bells at the cathedral. The narrative unfolds at a fast clip and includes a very surprising and heartfelt ending. It is a very engaging read.

In the tradition of Trollope, this comedy of manners embraces the lives of family and friends and politics from 2010-2017. Trenchant and funny, it makes foibles and courageous stands compelling as it makes sense of the turmoil that leads to Brexit. Indelible characters-- Benjamin, Doug, Sophie and a host of others are people we are glad to know and whose dilemmas illuminate the times on this side of the pond as well.