Review: Firefly Lane by Kristin Hannah

First line: They used to be called the Firefly Lane girls.

Why I read this: I picked this up at a book sale last year after not having read anything by this author in a while.

From the back cover: 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.

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.

My thoughts: I haven’t read a Kristin Hannah book in a while and I’m not sure why because I always love her books and this one was no exception. It is a touching, powerful story of two women and the friendship that becomes the great strength in their lives and it also takes a look at other relationships including mother-daughter and wife-husband that are equally complex and fascinating.

Firefly Lane is the story of TullyandKate. Tully Hart and Kate Mularkey become friends in 1974 when they are both 14-year-old girls in Washington State. Their friendship weathers the changes of fashions, careers, children, and miles as they grow up, apart and together. Tully is the daughter of a drug addicted hippie who wanders in and out of her life. Kate is grounded by her strong Irish Catholic family, and each envies the others’ lifestyle. Tully provides Kate with a much needed makeover, and Kate gives Tully a family and direction in her life.

Emotional and touching, Kristin Hannah writes from the heart. Hurt, laughter, anger, jealousy, heartache, and love abound in this story. This was definitely one of those books I didn’t want to end. While the last part of the book is very emotional – have some tissues handy – it leaves you feeling happy to have met these women and shared in their life journey. I will definitely be picking up more of Kristin Hannah’s books.

(I purchased this book.)