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THE EMILYS
By Heather Abel

The Emilys by Heather Abel follows Eve, a lonely mother of two whose husband spends most of his time pursuing a music career in New York. When she reconnects with her childhood friend Demeter, she becomes involved in a mysterious illness affecting people who can no longer go outside during daylight.

The novel is written in a literary style with a quiet pace. It blends family drama, friendship, community relationships, and a touch of mystery.

Abel’s writing is thoughtful and ambitious, but the large cast of characters and shifting perspectives sometimes made the narrative feel disjointed. While the novel’s themes are compelling, it took quite a while for the various storylines to come together, and the flow wasn’t always smooth.

The tone is reflective, hopeful, and often emotional, exploring themes of connection, belonging, and caring for others.

I did enjoy Eve’s development over the course of the novel, from feeling isolated and unsure of her place in life to gaining confidence and purpose. She learns to balance her responsibilities while discovering what matters most and what sacrifices she is willing to make for those she loves.

This was my first book by Heather Abel. While I didn't love it, I appreciated its ambition and would consider reading more of her work in the future.

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House for the eARC.