Ask Again, Yes by Mary Beth Keane

ASK AGAIN, YES by Mary Beth Keane is a thought-provoking novel which will be a popular choice for book groups. In a quiet, but subtly powerful way, Keane encourages her readers to explore their own attitudes towards mental health and alcoholism.  Two families, the Gleesons and the Stanhopes, are at the center of this novel.  The husbands, Francis (from Ireland and married to Lena) and Brian (married to Anne), are both New York City cops.  As young newlyweds in the 1970s, the two couples buy houses next door to each other in a small town called Gillam. The Gleesons eventually have three daughters, including Kate who is the youngest and the same age at Peter Stanhope. This is the story (told from multiple viewpoints) of the parents, their relationships and a tragedy which ensues with consequences for more than one generation: the lives of Kate and Peter become a major focus.

Spanning more than forty years, ASK AGAIN, YES is a well-written novel which is emotionally compelling (I read it in two days) and will likely produce much discussion. Keane’s work could definitely also serve as a “jumping off point” for our Junior Theme researchers who are interested in topics such as parenting and marriage, loneliness and friendship, mental health and/or substance abuse. ASK AGAIN, YES received a starred review from Kirkus (“a solidly satisfying, immersive read”), was positively reviewed on NPR, and was named an Amazon Best Book for June 2019.