Ask Me Again

by Clare Sestanovich
Ask Me Again cover
Good Books rating 3.5
Literary Fiction
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  • ID: 3656
  • Added: 2025-10-18
  • Updated: 2025-10-19
  • ISBN: 9780593311202
  • Publisher: Random House
  • Published: 2025-06-03
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

At sixteen, Eva and Jamie meet by chance, their worlds colliding in a friendship that defies their different backgrounds. Eva, from middle-class Brooklyn, is cautious and observant, while Jamie, from upper Manhattan's elite, is bold and full of mysteries. Their bond is tested by societal forces as they each seek to define their values and purpose. Eva pursues conventional success, while Jamie embarks on radical self-exploration, renouncing his family and joining political movements. Clare Sestanovich's exquisite prose carries readers through their journeys, exploring themes of identity, destiny, and faith. /n/n The novel delves into the complexities of creating a sense of self while discovering one's role in society and the pursuit of justice. Eva and Jamie's paths diverge but circle the same profound questions, making 'Ask Me Again' a compelling exploration of intimacy, growth, and the search for meaning in a changing world.

Reviews
A Life in Books · 2025-01-22
insightful 3.00

The reviewer finds the novel introspective and observational, with a focus on character speculation. They note that while little happens plot-wise, the character's observations are insightful.

A Life in Books reviewer notes that 'Ask Me Again' is an introspective novel with a lot of observation and speculation about characters. They mention that while the plot may not be action-packed, the character's observations are insightful and thought-provoking. The reviewer appreciates the depth of the character's introspection and the subtle exploration of relationships, making it a compelling read for those who enjoy character-driven stories.

Quick quotes

    Little happens in this introspective novel.

    There's a good deal of observation, something at which Eva excels.

    Speculation about characters' motivations and behaviors is a central theme.

The Guardian · 2025-01-09
thoughtful 4.00

This debut novel is praised for its subtle exploration of friendship and coming-of-age themes. The reviewer appreciates the nuanced portrayal of relationships and self-discovery.

The Guardian's review highlights the rare and authentic portrayal of friendship in Clare Sestanovich's debut novel. They particularly enjoy how the story delves into the complexities of relationships and self-discovery, making it a standout in contemporary fiction. The reviewer finds the characters' interactions and personal growth to be compelling and thought-provoking, offering a fresh perspective on coming-of-age stories.

Quick quotes

    Opposites attract in this subtle coming-of-age debut from an American author known for her short stories.

    A finely drawn portrait of the kind of friendship we rarely see in contemporary fiction.

    Sestanovich's austere, elegant prose is a delight.

The New York Times · 2024-06-11
engaging 3.50

The reviewer notes the novel's tonal consistency with Sestanovich's short fiction, focusing on the protagonist's emotional journey. They appreciate the book's introspective nature and the character's development.

The New York Times review points out that 'Ask Me Again' maintains the same tone as Sestanovich's short fiction, which is a strength for fans of her work. The reviewer enjoys the introspective nature of the novel and the protagonist's emotional journey. They find the character's development to be well-crafted and the exploration of her relationships to be particularly engaging, making the book a worthwhile read.

Quick quotes

    Sestanovich's first novel, 'Ask Me Again,' is tonally of a piece with her short fiction, following the book-smart, emotionally tentative Eva.

    The novel excels in the precision of its images.

    As with Sestanovich's short stories, many of which have been published in The New Yorker.

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