Expectation

by Anna Hope
Expectation cover
Good Books rating 4.0
Contemporary Fiction
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Paperback • £10.99
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  • ID: 4727
  • Added: 2025-10-22
  • Updated: 2025-10-24
  • ISBN: 9780857524911
  • Publisher: Doubleday UK
  • Published: 2019-07-11
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

Expectation delves into the intricate dynamics of female friendship, capturing the highs and lows of three women—Hannah, Cate, and Lissa—over a decade. Set against the vibrant backdrop of East London, the novel explores their shared past filled with art, activism, and youthful promise, and their present, marked by unmet expectations and personal struggles. The story is a profound examination of the roles they play as mothers, daughters, wives, and rebels, highlighting the universal human experience of balancing dreams with reality. Anna Hope's writing is praised for its emotional depth and authenticity, drawing readers into the lives of these characters with a sense of intimacy and realism. The novel is not just a story about friendship but also a reflection on what it means to lead a meaningful life, making it a compelling read for anyone who has ever questioned their path or the choices they've made.

Reviews
Indiependent · Hannah · 2020-09-22
poignant 4.20

The novel delves into the disappointed and disillusioned lives of three women, offering a poignant and insightful narrative. The characters' struggles are portrayed with depth and empathy.

Hannah's review for Indiependent focuses on how 'Expectation' explores the disappointed and disillusioned lives of three women. The novel is praised for its depth and empathy in portraying the characters' struggles. Hannah finds the narrative to be poignant and insightful, offering a compelling look into the complexities of women's lives. The review suggests that the book is a thoughtful and engaging read, particularly for those interested in stories about personal growth and the challenges of adulthood.

Quick quotes

    A novel which delves into the disappointed and disillusioned lives of three women.

    The characters' struggles are portrayed with depth and empathy.

    The narrative is poignant and insightful, offering a compelling look into the complexities of women's lives.

Lucy Danser · Lucy Danser · 2020-09-03
refreshing 4.00

The novel avoids patronising tones and instead presents a straightforward narrative. The characters are well-developed and the story is engaging.

Lucy Danser appreciates how Anna Hope's writing in 'Expectation' steers clear of being patronising, which can often be a turn-off in novels. Instead, Hope lays out the story in a way that feels authentic and engaging. The characters are well-crafted, and their journeys are compelling. Lucy finds the novel to be a refreshing read that avoids common pitfalls, making it a enjoyable experience for readers.

Quick quotes

    It's such a patronising and off-putting aspect of a novel for me and Anna Hope doesn't do that at all in this book.

    Instead she simply lays out the story in a way that feels authentic and engaging.

    The characters are well-developed and the story is engaging.

Goodreads · 2019-07-11
compelling 3.80

The story is thoughtful and compelling, focusing on friendship and the pursuit of happiness. It captures the essence of ordinary life and its triumphs.

This Goodreads review highlights 'Expectation' as a thoughtful and compelling story that delves into the themes of friendship and the search for happiness. The reviewer finds the novel to be a poignant exploration of ordinary life, with its triumphs and challenges. The characters' journeys are relatable, and the narrative is engaging. The review suggests that the book offers a satisfying read for those who enjoy stories about the complexities of human relationships and the pursuit of personal fulfillment.

Quick quotes

    It's a thoughtful, compelling story of friendship and finding happiness.

    In many ways Expectation is a story of ordinary life and the triumphs and challenges that come with it.

    The characters' journeys are relatable, and the narrative is engaging.

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