The Hopefuls: A novel

by Jennifer Close Narrated by Jorjeana Marie

Overview

A brilliantly funny novel about ambition and marriage*from the best-selling author of*Girls in White Dresses, The Hopefuls*tells the story of a young wife who follows her husband and his political dreams to Washington, D.C., a city of idealism, gossip, and complicated friendships among the young aspiring elite.*

When Beth arrives in D.C., she hates everything about it: the confusing traffic circles, the ubiquitous Ann Taylor suits, the humidity that descends each summer. At dinner parties, guests compare their security clearance levels. They leave their BlackBerrys on the table. They speak in acronyms. And once they realize Beth doesn't work in politics, they smile blandly and turn away. Soon Beth and her husband, Matt, meet a charismatic White House staffer named Jimmy, and his wife, Ashleigh, and the four become inseparable, coordinating brunches, birthdays, and long weekends away. But as Jimmy's star rises higher and higher, the couples' friendship-and Beth's relationship with Matt-is threatened by jealousy, competition, and rumors. A glorious send-up of young D.C. and a blazingly honest portrait of a marriage, this is the finest work yet by one of our most beloved writers.

Editorial Reviews

AUGUST 2016 - AudioFile

Narrator Jorjeana Marie's lively performance and perfect pacing make this audiobook a compulsive listen. The story features an up-and-coming couple and their involvement with Washington, DC, society and the underbelly of political ambition. Beth is reluctantly swept up in a campaign season as her husband puts aside his own dreams to manage their best friend's race for office. Listeners will easily pick up on Beth's conflicted feelings, arising from her astute observations of the sometimes fragile facades that Washingtonians erect to bolster their political and social images. In addition, Marie's subtle yet effective accents and tonal modulations highlight the characters' personalities, strengthening listeners' connection to the story. With its vivid details of life in DC, this is a must-listen for an election year. C.B.L. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2016, Portland, Maine

AUGUST 2016 - AudioFile

Narrator Jorjeana Marie's lively performance and perfect pacing make this audiobook a compulsive listen. The story features an up-and-coming couple and their involvement with Washington, DC, society and the underbelly of political ambition. Beth is reluctantly swept up in a campaign season as her husband puts aside his own dreams to manage their best friend's race for office. Listeners will easily pick up on Beth's conflicted feelings, arising from her astute observations of the sometimes fragile facades that Washingtonians erect to bolster their political and social images. In addition, Marie's subtle yet effective accents and tonal modulations highlight the characters' personalities, strengthening listeners' connection to the story. With its vivid details of life in DC, this is a must-listen for an election year. C.B.L. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2016, Portland, Maine

Product Details

BN ID:	2940169295344
Publisher:	Penguin Random House
Publication date:	07/19/2016
Edition description:	Unabridged

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