Book Review: Among Friends by Hal Ebbott
There’s something thrilling about discovering a novel that resonates so deeply it clings to your consciousness long after you turn the last page. Hal Ebbott’s Among Friends is one of those rare gems that didn’t just catch my eye—it ensnared my heart, compelling me to rave about it from the very first page, even though its official release isn’t until June.
At its core, Among Friends weaves the intricate lives of Emerson and Amos, two men whose friendship has stood the test of over thirty years, beginning in the hallowed halls of their college days. Their intertwined families—wives who share an unbreakable bond and daughters who have grown up side by side—seem to epitomize the grandeur of New York City’s opulent lifestyle. However, as with any great narrative, it doesn’t take long for the facade to crack. The story climaxes during a weekend birthday celebration for Emerson, which spirals into chaos following a shocking act that forces the characters to examine the very underpinnings of their relationships.
Ebbott’s writing is the true star here, breathing life into what could easily have been a conventional domestic drama—think Ann Patchett or Anne Tyler. Instead, Ebbott’s prose is electric with uncomfortable honesty, reminiscent of Elizabeth Strout’s unflinching character studies. His ability to encapsulate the human experience in succinct, poignant sentences had me both thrilled and contemplative. I found myself compelled to jot down quotes, like gems in a diary: “For a mind given to buzzing, anxious distraction, a clear sense of desire was like the edge of a pool, a thing off which she could push.” Ebbott captures such profound truths that made me pause and reflect on my own experiences.
The pacing of the novel, with its four-page chapters, invites the reader to savor each moment. I could have easily devoured this book in one sitting, but instead, I found myself lingering on the sentences, allowing the intricate thoughts to sink in deeply. Ebbott doesn’t just tell a story; he invites us to engage with difficult moral questions and the often-uneasy nature of intimate relationships.
The characters—simultaneously relatable and frustrating—are painted with a level of complexity that taps into the darker sides of human nature. The themes of love, sacrifice, and the often unacknowledged parts of ourselves resonate throughout the narrative. As one character reflects, “the thing no one seemed willing to understand or admit was that you could love your children; you did love your children; you would sacrifice for them, go without if need be – but that didn’t mean you loved them more than your own life.” This line, like many others in the book, lingers in your mind, prompting discussions that veer into the philosophical.
For anyone who appreciates the works of Hanya Yanagihara, Donna Tartt, or Lionel Shriver, Among Friends is an absolute must-read. It’s a story that demands conversation, that gnaws at you, compelling you to share your thoughts with anyone within earshot. With accolades from literary greats like Richard Ford and John Irving already accumulating, it’s clear that Hal Ebbott’s future is bright, and I, for one, am eager to see what he conjures next.
In closing, Among Friends was not just a reading experience; it was a journey through the intricacies of human connection and the shadows that lurk beneath its surface. This book is sure to leave an imprint on your heart as it did on mine, making it a contender for the year’s best, and perhaps even forever. Don’t miss it!