Friendship

The author uses her protagonist May’s search for closeness and intimacy as the basis for her explorations regarding friendship. She introduces this thematic interest in the novel’s opening chapter, “Departure.” While en route to Connecticut to see her childhood friend Lindy, May sees a woman’s bag printed with the words “A best friend is someone who…” (1). May feels frustrated that she is unable to see the rest of what the bag says, because she has been trying to define what a friend is and what friendship means for some time. At 40 years old, May has lost touch with most of the people with whom she was once close. The author therefore uses her unexpected paid time off to catalyze her reconnections with Lindy, Neera, Vanessa, and Rose. Each of these experiences challenges and reshapes May’s understanding of and regard for friendship.

Indeed...