Good Company: A Novel

Written by Cynthia D'Aprix Sweeney

Narrated by Marin Ireland

""Cynthia D'Aprix Sweeney plumbs the depths of marriage, motherhood and friendship with warmth and wit. I devoured it in one gulp!  Treat yourself to some Good Company."" —Maria Semple, author of Today Will Be Different

A warm, incisive new novel about the enduring bonds of marriage and friendship from Cynthia D’Aprix Sweeney, author of the instant New York Times bestseller The Nest

Flora Mancini has been happily married for more than twenty years. But everything she thought she knew about herself, her marriage, and her relationship with her best friend, Margot, is upended when she stumbles upon an envelope containing her husband’s wedding ring—the one he claimed he lost one summer when their daughter, Ruby, was five.

Flora and Julian struggled for years, scraping together just enough acting work to raise Ruby in Manhattan and keep Julian’s small theater company—Good Company—afloat. A move to Los Angeles brought their first real career successes, a chance to breathe easier, and a reunion with Margot, now a bona fide television star. But has their new life been built on lies? What happened that summer all those years ago? And what happens now?

With Cynthia D’Aprix Sweeney’s signature tenderness, humor, and insight, Good Company tells a bighearted story of the lifelong relationships that both wound and heal us. 

• Language: English
• Publisher: HarperAudio
• Release date: Apr 6, 2021
• ISBN: 9780063087118

Cynthia D'Aprix Sweeney

Cynthia D’Aprix Sweeney is the author of the instant New York Times bestselling novels The Nest and Good Company. The Nest was a Barnes & Noble Discover Great New Writer’s pick and named one of the best books of 2016 by People, the Washington Post, NPR, Amazon and others. Sweeney’s work has been translated into more than 28 languages. She has been a guest on Today, Late Night with Seth Meyers and NPR’s All Things Considered. The Nest has been optioned by AMC Studios and is in development as a limited series. Sweeney holds an MFA from the Bennington Writing Seminars and lives in Los Angeles with her family. 

Reviews for Good Company

[Nicole Hagood · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

I am the constant reader who hopes to the very end that the book will be better and this hope often compels me to finish a book even when it is bad or in this case, extremely boring. The writing was actually pretty decent but it is a downright shame it was wasted on such a boring , absolutely uninteresting plot and characters. Simply put this novel is about an upper middle class wife commiserating over her life choices after discovering her husband had an affair 20 years earlier ( in the first years of their marriage). It is a tired storyline that was made even more tired by characters who lack any sort of depth or insight. This one is for you if you like watching paint dry!

[Marta Em · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

I expected more and thought it was just bland and boring.

[Paige · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

Boring. Had to force myself to get through it and was waiting for it to end. No memorable characters, uninteresting plot.

[Sandy Benemerito Bailey · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

I admit I'm struggling with my review of this family drama, a story involving two households (four adults, two of them parents to one only child beloved by the full quartet) whose tightly integrated friendship spans 3 decades and 2 coastal moves. Theatre buffs will appreciate that 3 of the 4 adults - glamorous, talented Margot; the also talented but more subdued and steady best friend, Flora; and the charismatic, conflicted Julian, Flora's spouse - hold long careers in the arts, allowing the author to skillfully convey the life, sets, struggles, and passion of being an "actor" while revealing the story. You may have also guessed that the eponymous theatre group co-founded by Julian, the actors' virtual home for years, is paid homage through the book's title.

Alongside the adults, we witness Flora and Julian's daughter, Ruby, grow from a shy middle schooler to an independent college-bound young woman (if an utterly self-involved one, due to being an only child also surrounded by her doting surrogate Aunt Margot and Uncle David). Her closeness to Margo seemingly tests the limits of her mother Flora's patience but never overtly offends. More central to the story are how Flora and Julian's relationship flourished, withered, flourished again and is on the verge of withering a final time as Flora uncovers a decades old secret. Margot and David's own marriage has its run of tribulations but the path to where they wind up is murky and (for me) the ending they were given feels unfinished.

As for the struggle I mention at the start of the review, I WANTED to like this book. It has elements that usually tick all the boxes (family drama, decent banter and wit, good pace where I did not want to put the book down, and even "bonus" material for this theatre buff of all the acting references) but...It fell short. The issue for me is that despite the decades, the secrets, and intrigue, nothing major really happens. The ending was deeply unsatisfying, and while I did not want to put it down while reading, I quickly shelved it and di not ruminate after reaching the conclusion. On track to be a 2.5 star read rounded up to 3, I'm rounding down, mainly because of the ending.

[karen0orth · Rating: 1 out of 5 stars]

So confused as to what the point of this book was.

[Kim · Rating: 1 out of 5 stars]

One of the most boring books I have ever listened to. Nothing happens, full and lifeless.

[Mara Lyons · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Good Company by Cynthia D'Aprix Sweeney recounts the relationships/lives of two married couples who have remained close friends through adulthood from their 20s to their 40s. Flora & Julian: voice actor/mother and actor/director. Margot & David: TV star and former pediatric surgeon. They all met and married in NYC around the same time and moved to LA about 10 years later for different reasons. Early on, they formed a small theater company. Since then, they have all lived different lives.

The characters are fascinating though they're not always likeable. Sweeney skillfully reveals the story and relationships by going back and forth between present day and past. Sweeney does a wonderful job illustrating how romantic relationships and friendships change over time because of children, life events, and job changes. I liked how Good Company makes you think about your own relationships and forgiveness. The audiobook was deftly narrated by the actress, Marin Ireland.

[Варя Натальина · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

прикольно получилась чтоб у тебя была очень много книг которые ты написала давай дерзай! good

[c Kops · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Good but not memorable/ was hoping for a little bit more
#BorrowNotBuy

[Queen Audiobook · Rating: 1 out of 5 stars]

Woefully uneventful. The entire book felt like chapter 1 meaning you are waiting for the plot, climax, and resolution that NEVER arrive. If it was a color it would be beige. Nothing happened! Things were just discussed or mulled over! There is no big unexpected secret revealed like the synopsis indicated. I can’t emphasize enough that nothing really happens

[whitney4franklin · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

If this book were a film, it would be one of those romantic dramas, probably fetauring somebody like Rosamund Pike playing the role of "Margo" and somebody who looks like Liv Tyler playing "Flora". That being said, I think this book would make a good film, but it wasn't one of my favourite books to read. No drama about other peoples marraiges, that does not include a murder, is really my speed. I will however say that this book did keep my interest till the very end I enjoyed the author's insight into the world of theatre and acting. The relationship between Julian and Flora was easy enough to get into; who can't relate to a middle class couple with financial struggles, with one partner giving up more than the other, so that the other can fulfill their dreams.

A decent enough story about love, relationships, and the realisation that as adults we are really just older, unhealed children with responsibilities.

[Anna Pierdiluca · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Interesting and unusual premise. At times sad but true to life and redemptive. Thoroughly enjoyable b

[Sarah · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

What a lovely tale! It grips you at every turn and the way the story is summed up to one moment is magical!

[Amy Giacalone · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This lovely book was a joy to listen to! I loved it.

[Diana Reese Puckett · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Narration was wonderful. A well paced work of women's fiction and domestic drama that tackles the messy parts of marriage, fidelity, friendships, and finding yourself at the crossroads. The ending was beautifully written. Brilliant introspection; Character driven storytelling,

[Oluwaseun Aloba · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Beautiful story of betrayal in relationships. I really enjoyed it but some flashback in between stories almost threw me off balance.

[eve reddin · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I saw several,other reviews stated that they found this book boring. I disagree. I think the beauty of this book is that it is subtle.

The story, of connections made, broken, lost and repaired is delicate in nature, just as are the egos of the main characters. We are offered quiet insight into five very different, yet deeply connected individuals through a variety of life stages. Their life stories are entwined like vines, but the author deftly shows us that each has their own delicate root system, it’s own need to be nurtured and it’s own space to grow fully.

I found this book to be a very satisfying read and I recommend it to anyone interested in family, friendship and the many sides of any long running relationship

[shazjhb · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

I did not love the main character. Some of the other people were ok. Enjoyed the acting stuff. Liked the daughter. Marriage complicated.

[flourgirl49 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This is a quiet, emotional, and honest portrayal of two marriages - not a lot of action but driven by the development of the characters. The dialogue was excellent and authentic. I really enjoyed it.

[bookworm12_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This quiet novel reminded me a lot of Crossing to Safety. Two married couples have been close friends for decades when a secret comes to light. The novel is less about the big reveal and more about the relationships that shape us. The pairs: a TV star and her doctor husband and a voice actress and her a theatre company director spouse. They’ve shared their ups and downs through the years. I appreciated the tender exploration of the choices they’ve made.I read this while visiting my favorite theater company, which puts on Shakespeare at a huge outdoor theater. It was particularly appropriate as the author explores a theater company in the novel that produces immersive outdoor shows. I loved the moments of reflection about the impact of theater on audience and cast members alike.In the end, marriage and friendships are hard. It’s easy to drift apart and difficult to fight to keep those relationships strong. Change in the dynamic is an evitable, but it’s worth the fight for the life you’ve built

[bookwyrmm_1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Well-written, but nothing felt really new.

[nivramkoorb · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

The is my 2nd book by Sweeney. "The Nest" was a 5 star debut and she continues her excellence in this book. Not as good as the Nest but a good follow up. The main characters are Flora and Julian who are actors that have struggled but are now in Hollywood and doing well. They have a 18 year daughter Ruby who is graduating high school as the book opens. The other main characters are Margot(Flora's best friend) and David a doctor. Margot is a very successful actor in a soap opera and also living in L.A. The book deals with lots of back story about how everyone met and their relationships. Sweeney tells the story through the eyes of each character and she is has an engaging writing style.The story begins when Flora finds her husbands long lost wedding ring and realizes there is a problem. The rest of the book does of good job of dealing with all of the ups and downs of marriage, raising an only child and the entertainment industry. This is a worthwhile read. Start with this and then do " The Nest". A couple of excellent books.

[yourotherleft_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

On the afternoon of her daughter Ruby's high school graduation, Flora Mancini, while hunting for an old family photo, stumbles across a lost wedding ring, a ring that was supposed to have been lost and forgotten at the bottom of a pond for years, but somehow has reappeared. The discovery of the ring throws Flora's life into turmoil and casts her history with her husband, Julian, into doubt. Flora always thought she and Julian were the real thing, now she's not so sure. Over the course of the book, Sweeney weaves the present with the past of Flora and Julian and their friends Margot and David, creating a rich drama of family and relationships that comes to a reckoning at the very place where the photo that lead Flora to the ring was taken. Poor Good Company seems to be having a rough go of it in the reviews I've read so far. People seem to think it doesn't live up Sweeney's smash hit debut, The Nest. Lucky for Good Company, I'm not that great at reading books, so I haven't even read the much-acclaimed The Nest, so Good Company gets to stand on its own merits. And it has them! Frankly, the way that the plot unfolded, acquainting readers with the characters and the histories by spending time with each character reminded me a bit of Maggie O'Farrell's style, which I love. I love a story with layers that slowly pulls them off until the characters and their stories feel real, and I long for their redemption as much as they do. I love the slow burn of this style, and I love the payoff, the moment of redemption or the moment when that redemption at least seems possible. I think Good Company accomplishes that without making things that are hard seem too easy. In addition to what Sweeney does with her characters, I appreciated her talent for setting scenes. The book takes place primarily in three places - California, where Flora and Julian are finally both making a good living after years as struggling theater actors; New York City, where both characters got their start in the theater; and Stoneham, an idyllic upstate New York farm that hosts a yearly outdoor, avant-garde theater production. Sweeney captures the languor of a countryside summer interrupted by the excitement of a theater production. She brings to life a California that was meant to be a temporary stop for Flora and Julia, but a sun-washed spot where they made a home. New York and the theater scene is arguably the most well-drawn, and Sweeney captures the excitement of the theater people with big ideas trying to make them work and eke out a living, the scraping and struggling for roles, the living in a miniscule apartment, but also the magic of when it all just works. I enjoyed Sweeney's sophomore effort, and if it is, indeed, the lesser of her two novels, then I imagine I'll quite love The Nest!

[tibobi · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

The Short of It:Marriage for some, is like walking a tightrope without a net.The Rest of It:When Julian and Flora first met, they were both struggling artists in the process of finding themselves. Scraping to get by was never enjoyable but there was something to be said for blood, sweat and tears and being able to build something together meant something. Good Company, a small theatre group born out of Julian’s dreams to run his own theatre took center stage for many years but when they each started to have their own successes with acting and then had a beautiful daughter of their own, they moved to Los Angeles and there, the romantic lure of acting wasn’t as shiny as it was when they were newly married yet still an important part of who they were.The benefit to being in Los Angeles is that Flora is once again close to her dear friends Margo and David. Margo, also an actress but much more recognizable than Flora had ever been, is the friend that always grounds Flora no matter what is going on. Years and years of friendship and Margot’s own challenges with her husband who suffered a stroke, do nothing but bond them tighter together. That’s why Flora finds herself completely lost when a secret comes out and she’s not sure if she can turn to Margot for support.This is one of those dishy reads that you zip through. There is a lot of mature drama. Marriage difficulties, insecurities, trying to keep up appearances for your adult child, the threat of an empty nest, success and what happens to a relationship when it’s been strained. Flora and Julian’s story is intermingled with that of Margot’s and I found it to be a good balance. This isn’t an “escape” read because it’s too rooted in real life for that feeling to overcome you but I didn’t mind spending time with these characters and felt that the ending was appropriately realistic.I think I felt the same way about Sweeney’s previous book, The Nest. A good read but probably not one that will stick with me. I would have liked the story to go a bit deeper into Flora’s character. She had a lot going on and was presented with some very difficult choices. I would have appreciated more of her.For more reviews, visit my blog: Book Chatter.

[jillrhudy · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Thanks to HarperCollins for an advanced readers copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.Married couple Julian and Flora both finally have stable careers and stable lives, and their only daughter Ruby is graduating from high school. Flora's old friend Margot is riding high as the star of a medical TV drama, and Julian too is a successful actor. Then Flora finds Julian's hidden wedding ring that he claimed to have lost years ago during a summer that Flora remembers fondly. The true story of that happy summer looms like a threat over their previously settled and contented lives.Meanwhile, Margot may be about to fall prey to Hollywood's disinclination to keep older women in starring roles.Julian, Flora, and Margot are California transplants from New York City, where they were happy amateur actors in a theater troupe named Good Company. The past looms large in the novel—the pull of a simpler time, in which pressures were few and creativity and satisfaction ran high even if paychecks did not. Raising Ruby has been Flora's priority, but Flora has found an income stream doing voiceover work. The discovery of Julian's ring sets off a ripple effect in the lives of all of the characters, and bonds of family and friendship are tested. Like young Ruby, everyone will need to figure out who they are and what they need, and find a path forward. Thanks to HarperCollins for an advanced readers copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.