Rules for Visiting by Jessica Francis Kane

Rules for Visiting by Jessica Francis Kane

May Attaway, a university librarian, finds deep comfort in the hushed rustle of turning pages and the predictable solitude of her well-ordered life. Her connections are mostly with books, her social interactions governed by carefully observed, often unspoken, rules. Then, a letter arrives: an unexpected inheritance from a beloved former professor—not money, but a key to her legendary, rambling garden in the English countryside. This surprising bequest plants a seed of an idea. Perhaps it’s time to cultivate more than just her quiet routines. Feel the gentle trepidation and budding curiosity as May decides to embark on a series of visits to four old friends, people she’s let drift away. With each awkward phone call, each thoughtfully chosen hostess gift, each hesitant journey, May steps further out of her shell, navigating the often unwritten, sometimes perplexing, rules of re-engagement. In reconnecting with others, amidst their messy, vibrant lives, May begins to see the subtle beauty and profound necessity of the connections she almost let wither.

Why You’ll Love This Book

Jessica Francis Kane's novel is a charming and insightful exploration of adult friendship, solitude, and the quiet courage it takes to open up to the world. May Attaway is a wonderfully relatable protagonist whose journey of self-discovery, prompted by an unexpected gift, unfolds with gentle humor and heartfelt observations. Readers will appreciate the witty, graceful prose and the book's warm reminder of the importance of nurturing human connections.