Looking Back : A Novel

New York Times bestselling author Belva Plain goes to the heart of what it means to be a woman, a wife, and a friend, in her powerful and poignant new novel. Brilliantly capturing the behind-closed-doors dynamics of families in crisis, the acclaimed author of Fortune's Hand — and countless other beloved bestsellers — weaves a stunning tale of love and betrayal that measures the limits of loyalty, friendship, and forgiveness.

They met at school and have been inseparable ever since: Cecile, confident, elegant daughter of privilege; Norma, extraordinarily gifted and sadly troubled; and beautiful, ambitious Amanda, determined to rise above her humble Southern beginnings. Two are married. One despairs of ever finding love. Three women. Leading their busy adult lives. Yet first and always: friends.

Then something unexpected happens that forever alters their long, complicated friendship. A pivotal event, a shattering act of betrayal shifts the balance of power between husbands and wives, parents and children, sisters and brothers. And in the months that follow, each of them will look at their families, their lives — and one another — differently.

And Cecile, Norma, and Amanda will never be the same.

Filled with the powerful storytelling and emotional resonance that are Belva Plain's trademarks, Looking Back weaves magic as it captures the profound intimacy and drama in the lives of men and women. Tender, moving, and utterly unforgettable, it is a richly textured page-turner by one of our most gifted and generous authors.