Have you ever read any of J. Trollope's novels? All set in England, with an acute sense of everyday life, describing the way you squeeze a tea bag against the inside of a cup or how our stream of consciousness runs as we sit on a train, looking at the other passengers, imagining what their lives are like (Well, Sally Rooney is excellent at that too).
Here, Emilie Pine knows how to invite the reader into her characters' lives: both heroines have a special day ahead, the kind you know you are going to remember for a long time.
Ruth's husband is away on a work trip, he is obviously reluctant to come back home as Ruth analyzes their last conversation before she makes a decision. On that same day, teenage Pen gets ready to meet a friend and expand the boundaries of her life.
The grown-up remembers her past crushes, meets someone nice and good-looking, thinks her marriage may be over while Pen looks forward to her date and the surprise she got for her friend.
Their lives will briefly collide, in a critical and fortunate encounter.
Emilie Pine's novel is funny with a slight twinge of sadness though, full of empathy for her characters, as they put up with crucial decisions or stages that may change their lives forever.
If you enjoyed Eleanor Oliphant is completely fine by Gail Honeyman, you'll love Ruth&Pen.