Oh that’s interesting I can see that! ME TOO and I feel like I’ve found nothing. I personally didn’t love the ending because I was a bit disappointed at Ruth’s lack of character growth overall
Yeah, and the mention of the look on his face similar to when someone has to break terrible news! I think the interpretation of her being dead could lend to Ruth having some freedom of sorts? I've been trying to find more online on what people have to say about the ending!
"I almost wish Wambugu had kept their bond strictly platonic." I agree! In general I want more female friendship stories (especially with Black women) that are platonic and slightly less toxic just for variety. But I enjoyed the novel even though I found the ending unsatisfying as well it had some stunning moments (like Ruth's father's breakdown, maria meeting her father and the trip to kenya). Appreciate you all letting us read your discussion
I really shouldn't be taking my own store's books, but this has convinced me to quietly snag the last copy of Lonely Crowds. Thank you, and sorry to our shoppers!
Also, I love how you put this: "I’m fascinated by the pathology of intense, unequal female friendships." Have you read Idlewild by James Frankie Thomas? One of my favorites of the genre.
I’m late to this conversation….but I just finished Lonely Crowds and I cannot find the answer to my question anywhere…
Can we insinuate by the final scene of this book that Maria is dead?
I think, yes
Okay. You just made it make sense to me.
I just finished the book, and I want to say yes as well...
Right? For me, it was when he said, “ you should sit down”
Oh that’s interesting I can see that! ME TOO and I feel like I’ve found nothing. I personally didn’t love the ending because I was a bit disappointed at Ruth’s lack of character growth overall
Yeah, and the mention of the look on his face similar to when someone has to break terrible news! I think the interpretation of her being dead could lend to Ruth having some freedom of sorts? I've been trying to find more online on what people have to say about the ending!
Thought you might enjoy this one — our recent conversation with Stephanie for Women of Letters: womenofletters.substack.com/p/stephanie-wambugu
"I almost wish Wambugu had kept their bond strictly platonic." I agree! In general I want more female friendship stories (especially with Black women) that are platonic and slightly less toxic just for variety. But I enjoyed the novel even though I found the ending unsatisfying as well it had some stunning moments (like Ruth's father's breakdown, maria meeting her father and the trip to kenya). Appreciate you all letting us read your discussion
I really shouldn't be taking my own store's books, but this has convinced me to quietly snag the last copy of Lonely Crowds. Thank you, and sorry to our shoppers!
Also, I love how you put this: "I’m fascinated by the pathology of intense, unequal female friendships." Have you read Idlewild by James Frankie Thomas? One of my favorites of the genre.