Conversations with friends : Review
Plot
The plot centers around Frances and Bobbi, two college students and ex-lovers with a long history of performing poetry together at local theaters. When Melissa discovers them at one of their performances, she decides to write a piece on them, setting off a series of events that intricately entangle the lives of all four characters in ways that are both thrilling and heartbreaking.
As Nick and Frances become drawn to each other, and Melissa and Bobbi form a connection of their own, the tension between the four intensifies. The story delves into how new relationships can disrupt old ones, with the potential to uproot lives and sever other connections.
The novel also touches on significant themes relevant to modern society, including mental health, extra-marital affairs, and post-modern concepts of love and sadness. The shifting dynamics strain Frances and Bobbi’s friendship and put further pressure on Nick and Melissa’s marriage, creating a cascading series of events that seem to spiral out of control.
Will these relationships survive, or will they ultimately destroy the individuals involved? The answer lies within the pages of this gripping novel.
Characters of ‘Conversations with friends’
Bobbi
Bobbi is a fierce and outspoken college student majoring in History and Politics. Passionate about poetry and history-inspired monologues, her character is refreshingly direct, with no hidden layers. Bobbi’s personality is straightforward—she’s passionate, argumentative, and unafraid to voice her opinions.
Frances
The story unfolds through Frances’ perspective, making her the lens through which we explore the other characters. A literature student, Frances is intelligent in a bookish way but lacks the boldness and wit of Bobbi. Her behavior can be hard to decipher at times, adding a layer of complexity to her character. Frances is also bisexual and shares a past with Bobbi, having dated her for a while.
Melissa
Melissa is a strong, ambitious writer and photographer who embodies modern, progressive values. Her character adds a dynamic and assertive energy to the narrative.
Nick
Nick, an actor from a wealthy European family, grapples with mental health issues and has a tendency to be submissive and agreeable. His character provides a contrast to the others, bringing a sense of vulnerability and complexity to the story.
Conclusion
This book serves as a mirror to the morals and values of contemporary society. In a world where marriage is no longer about exclusivity but about embracing multiplicity—whether through polyamory, open relationships, or non-binary expressions of gender and sexuality—it challenges the traditional, monogamous, heterosexual norms.
I adore this book for many reasons, but above all, for its brutal and raw portrayal of reality. Unlike the idealized visions presented in many novels today, this story feels authentic, as if it could have happened to any of us or someone we know.
P.S. I’m also a fan of the title! “Conversations with Friends” is such an intriguing name—it would have caught my eye even without knowing the plot. For those interested, it’s also a popular Hulu original limited series—definitely worth checking out!
You’ll definitely love these, if you liked ‘Conversations with friends’ : An American Marriage : a tale of love and loss
“𝐌𝐚𝐲 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐫𝐞𝐟𝐥𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐡𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬, 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐟𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐬
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