A review of “If You Leave” in 100 words by Catherine Stover
When everyone reaches the same conclusion about a book, I’m apt to skip reading it. Instead, I look for novels that draw a range of responses and descriptions. Look at how these five summaries of this book seem to describe five different books: “It’s about friendship and motherhood” “Choice and chance.” “Obligation and resentment.” “Abandonment and loss.” And my favorite: “A piercing exploration of what we owe to each other, and to ourselves.” All of these are true. That’s a sign that the book is rich with ideas, surprises, and layers. It’s my kind of book, and I savored it.
Work cited:
Hutton, Margaret. “If You Leave.” Regal House Publishing, 2025, p. 8.