Our Country Friends by Gary Shteyngart

A group of friends plus an actor gather at a house in the country outside of New York City. They are an international eclectic group of artists, writers, a doctor and one very adult eight year old. Everyone has been friends for years except for the actor who serves the same purpose as a mosquito on a summer day or ants at a picnic. It is the beginning of COVID and it seems that only the hostess, Masha is concerned and taking precautions. At times this story reads like an international version of THE BIG CHILL with themes of old friendships, jealousies, secret relationships and betrayal all playing a big part. Sad, funny and bittersweet when thinking about the start of the seclusion and how we would all be affected by it. Gary Shteyngart has a warm writing style that makes you feel like you are part of the group from the first chapter. 4 stars