Husbands and Lovers: A Novel by Beatriz Williams

 

 Husbands and Lovers: A Novel by Beatriz Williams. Ballantine Books, 2024. Adult fiction.

Single woman Mallory's life has complications. Her young teen son needs kidney dialysis. Her old flame has become a rock star. Her mother apparently was adopted from a Catholic convent in Ireland. Williams begins all of these together in several captivating New England summers circa 2022. The chapters alternate between Mallory's story and that of her mother and grandmother in the 1950's and before. Strong women, family ties, espionage, beach love, privilege and class; all are tied up with ribbons. Just keep reading as the trip is well worth the journey!  

My one quibble in the book is that the Gardner Museum in Boston is misspelled on page 120 and FOUR times on page 204. The editors are listed by name in the author notes at the end. You know who you are!