Joan is a professional thirty-something New Yorker who lives alone and is beyond dedicated to her role as a well respected doctor. About halfway through this novel I thought, no, Joan is not okay. I speculated that she must be exhausted, on her way to burn out, so very lonely, and I felt sad for her. Others seem to also. Her new neighbour tries to take her under his wing and help her rectify the lack in her life. Joan’s brother and his wife try to convince her to move out to the suburbs, to begin the next phase of her grown-up life and find more work/life balance. 

The novel is written simply and directly from Joan’s perspective and the style isn’t for everyone. Joan’s personality and demeanour can be frustrating, however, just when you get to the point where you may want to throw the book against the wall, it all starts coming together beautifully. The story explores family relationships and love, immigration, the importance of knowing oneself and living authentically, and allowing others the freedom to forge their own path to happiness and joy. Best of all, Joan really is okay. 

Thank you to Random House Publishing and Net Galley for the advance reader copy in exchange for my honest review.