Among Friends

by Hal Ebbott
Among Friends cover
Good Books rating 4.33
Literary Fiction
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Paperback • £9.99 Hardback • £16.99
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  • ID: 3649
  • Added: 2025-10-18
  • Updated: 2025-10-19
  • ISBN: 9798217082674
  • Publisher: Random House
  • Published: 2025-06-24
  • Formats: 2
  • Reviews: 3

Among Friends by Hal Ebbott is a gripping exploration of the aftermath of betrayal within the sanctuary of long-standing relationships. Set in a comfortable New York country house, the story unfolds over an autumn weekend where two deeply intertwined families gather to celebrate a birthday. The group, consisting of wives, husbands, and their teenage daughters, has been friends for over thirty years, their lives intertwined through shared rituals and bonds. However, this weekend, an unforeseen eruption of envy and resentment leads to an unspeakable act, causing accusations, denials, and shattered illusions that drive wedges between friends, spouses, children, and parents. Written with hypnotic elegance, Among Friends delves into themes of class, marriage, friendship, and power, as well as the things we tell ourselves to preserve our finely made worlds. The novel examines the treacherous fault lines on which these families have dwelt, making it a profound and unsettling exploration of human relationships.

Reviews
Chicago Review of Books · 2025-06-25
provocative 4.00

The book challenges the notion of safety within close friendships and forces readers to confront uncomfortable truths. The narrative is commended for its bold exploration of male friendship.

The reviewer notes that Hal Ebbott's work raises uncomfortable questions about the limits of male friendship and the potential dangers lurking within close relationships. They appreciate the book's boldness in tackling such a sensitive topic and the way it forces readers to confront their own assumptions. The narrative is seen as both unsettling and enlightening, making it a memorable read.

Quick quotes

    Hal Ebbott has raised an uncomfortable reality that our closest friends may not be the safest.

    The book forces us to confront what we might have to sacrifice for the sake of friendship.

    A bold exploration of the complexities and dangers of male friendship.

The Guardian · 2025-06-24
powerful 4.50

The book is praised for its honest and intimate portrayal of abuse and family dynamics. The narrative is described as bracingly candid and emotionally resonant.

The reviewer highlights the raw and unflinching exploration of abuse and self-deceit within family structures. They appreciate the emotional depth and the way the story delves into the complexities of human relationships. The narrative is seen as both affecting and thought-provoking, making it a significant literary debut.

Quick quotes

    Among Friends is a bracingly honest and affectingly intimate depiction of abuse, family dynamics and self-deceit.

    The narrative is both affecting and thought-provoking.

    Ebbott's debut is a significant literary achievement.

Just Read It Already · 2025-06-24
engrossing 4.50

The prose is rich and poetic, appealing to literature lovers. The pacing and writing style are particularly praised.

The reviewer highlights the rich and poetic prose that will appeal to lovers of literary fiction. They appreciate the pacing and the way the narrative draws readers in. The book is seen as a craft masterpiece, with every sentence contributing to the overall emotional impact. The reviewer notes that the book is a must-read for those who enjoy well-crafted, thought-provoking literature.

Quick quotes

    On a craft level, it's great. The prose is rich and will appeal to lit-fic lovers who like to get lost in poetic writing.

    The pacing is excellent, making it a compelling read from start to finish.

    A must-read for those who appreciate well-crafted, thought-provoking literature.

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