Anthony Veasna So, a promising writer who died tragically in December at only age 28, grew up there. Stockton, California, is home to the country’s largest community of Cambodian Americans. But even with its brutality, I felt compelled to keep reading and eagerly await the next book.

Leila Slimani is a doggedly unsentimental writer the romance between Mathilde and Amine is a complicated and often violent one her characters, particularly the women, grapple with the reality of their limited choices. Now they live on a blighted farm with their two children as tensions between French colonists and Arabs fighting for independence for their country escalate. Malthilde is a headstrong Alsatian woman who falls in love with Amine, a similarly stubborn Moroccan soldier who fought on behalf of the French in World War II. Inspired by her own family history, In the Country of Others centers on an interracial couple living in post–World War II Morocco. Her third novel, the first in a planned trilogy, turns to the past. Thanks to Edelweiss and HarperCollins for the ARC of this book in exchange for the honest review provided here.This Moroccan-French author became internationally famous for The Perfect Nanny, a compelling story about a Parisian nanny who murders her client’s two children, and a withering critique of the impossible choices of modern motherhood. The book is perfect for those that love women’s fiction and romantic comedies. I loved that the story is about Laurie’s self-discovery as a person, as well as being able to see the flaws of the relationship she had with Dan. She tells Laurie’s story with humour and compassion. The author’s ability to develop likeable, meaningful characters is a gift. The two develop a relationship of mutual benefit – acting as though they are a couple in hopes that they will both get what they want. Laurie wants Dan to see the mistake he made and come back to her. Jamie has requested to be made a partner in the firm, but has been told his playboy lifestyle would not get him there. A chance elevator breakdown with her law firm’s playboy Jamie leads to drinks together and a frank discussion about what is happening in their lives. Needless to say, Laurie is grief-stricken and humiliated but trying to carry on with life. He assures her there is not another woman involved, but has to take a step back from this when he announces ten weeks later that he has met someone from a competing law firm and they are expecting a baby together. Then, out of no where, Dan announces to her that he’s leaving her to “go find himself”. They have a mortgage, successful careers and have recently discussed starting a family. Laurie is a 36 year old successful lawyer who has been in love with her boyfriend and co-worker Dan for the past 18 years. If I Never Met You is a beautiful story of friendship, heartbreak and self-discovery.

If i never met you book summary