Mhairi McFarlane (Mad About You; Just Last Night; If I Never Met You) is gifted at writing novels that look like humorous romantic comedies on the surface but pack an emotional punch. In Between Us, McFarlane explores the unraveling of a decade-long relationship and the impact of that breakup on a close-knit group of friends.
Roisin, a teacher, got together with her partner, Joe, long before he was a famous screenwriter. But when Roisin and Joe join their old friends for a weekend at a country house for a triple celebration--one friend's birthday, the engagement of another, and the debut of Joe's TV show--she is appalled to realize that either fame has twisted Joe, or perhaps she never really knew him. His new show is all about her and their friends, and it has a main character who is clearly based on Joe--a character who serially cheats on his girlfriend. Reeling that Joe would reveal private details of their lives, even fictionally, she splits up with him. Roisin, after the breakup, is further surprised by the ripples in her friendships, her love life, and even her complicated relationship with her mother.
Clever, witty, and yet a bit sad, Between Us is a thoughtful look at the impacts of infidelity and mistrust. Anyone who has ever had their friend group impacted by someone's breakup or divorce will connect with the story. Perfect for fans of Jojo Moyes or Sophie Cousens, Between Us is an irresistible novel. --Jessica Howard, freelance book reviewer