Emily, Alone

Stewart O'Nan's intimate novel follows Emily Maxwell, a widow whose grown children have long moved away. She dreams of visits from her grandchildren while mourning the turnover of her quiet Pittsburgh neighborhood, but when her sister-in-law and sole companion, Arlene, faints at their favorite breakfast buffet, Emily's life changes in unexpected ways. As she grapples with her new independence, she discovers a hidden strength and realizes that life always offers new possibilities.