Firefly Lane
From the New York Times bestselling author Kristin Hannah comes a powerful novel of love, loss, and the magic of friendship. . . . now a #1 Netflix series!
In the turbulent summer of 1974, Kate Mularkey has accepted her place at the bottom of the eighth-grade social food chain. Then, to her amazement, the "coolest girl in the world" moves in across the street and wants to be her friend. Tully Hart seems to have it all---beauty, brains, ambition. On the surface they are as opposite as two people can be: Kate, doomed to be forever uncool, with a loving family who mortifies her at every turn. Tully, steeped in glamour and mystery, but with a secret that is destroying her. They make a pact to be best friends forever; by summer's end they've become TullyandKate. Inseparable.
So begins Kristin Hannah's magnificent new novel. Spanning more than three decades and playing out across the ever-changing face of the Pacific Northwest, Firefly Lane is the poignant, powerful story of two women and the friendship that becomes the bulkhead of their lives.
From the beginning, Tully is desperate to prove her worth to the world. Abandoned by her mother at an early age, she longs to be loved unconditionally. In the glittering, big-hair era of the eighties, she looks to men to fill the void in her soul. But in the buttoned-down nineties, it is television news that captivates her. She will follow her own blind ambition to New York and around the globe, finding fame and success . . . and loneliness.
Kate knows early on that her life will be nothing special. Throughout college, she pretends to be driven by a need for success, but all she really wants is to fall in love and have children and live an ordinary life. In her own quiet way, Kate is as driven as Tully. What she doesn't know is how being a wife and mother will change her . . . how she'll lose sight of who she once was, and what she once wanted. And how much she'll envy her famous best friend. . . .
For thirty years, Tully and Kate buoy each other through life, weathering the storms of friendship---jealousy, anger, hurt, resentment. They think they've survived it all until a single act of betrayal tears them apart . . . and puts their courage and friendship to the ultimate test.
Firefly Lane is for anyone who ever drank Boone's Farm apple wine while listening to Abba or Fleetwood Mac. More than a coming-of-age novel, it's the story of a generation of women who were both blessed and cursed by choices. It's about promises and secrets and betrayals. And ultimately, about the one person who really, truly knows you---and knows what has the power to hurt you . . . and heal you. Firefly Lane is a story you'll never forget . . . one you'll want to pass on to your best friend.
Reviews
The last 100 pages pushed this to 4 stars for me. The entire first 3/4 of this book was incredibly slow. With that being said, I still think this is a beautiful story of the peaks and valleys of friendship and life’s hardships and beautiful moments. I can see why this story has the following it does. I just wish it was a little bit more intriguing from the beginning. I am looking forward to Fly Away (book 2) in hopes the ending of this will kickstart this need read.
By adip2017
Great book that was beautifully written.
By Kristyditch
This is a fabulous novel. Great relatable characters, I loved them all. Very well written, so good that I read it in one week. Do purchase this novel and enjoy this magnificent story. Ms. Hannah , please keep writing and sharing your experiences. You are a great writer, Congratulations. LADY Gen Freeport New York February 2024
By Moses Belle
It took me a few chapters before I realized I couldn’t put the book down. I finished the book in just one week. Definitely recommend this book.
By Tatorjo91
I didn’t love this book. Perhaps it is because I read it too soon after Magic Hour by Hannah (I loved that book) and I needed to hear a different voice. Perhaps because it was a bit too sad or depressing or maybe went on for just a little too long so I was really wishing for the end long before the final chapter. It is readable. Hannah writes well.
By NotSoCookieGirl