The Cast: A Novel

Amy Blumenfeld explores the frailties of friendship in her debut novel, The Cast. Teenagers Jordana, Lex, Seth, and Holly rally around their friend Becca while she battles for her life against Hodgkin’s lymphoma. In an effort to cheer Becca up in the hospital, they play her a home video in which the four of them star as the cast in their own sketch comedy. Years later, in their 40s, the childhood friends gather to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Becca’s remission. But the carefree reunion quickly dissolves into a shedding of false pretenses as each friend must face the fractures in their personal lives, including marital strife, health concerns, religious doubt, and unsettled feelings.

The Cast certainly offers a bit of humor and fun, but the novel is mostly driven by a sense of ache in each character. While writing from different perspectives, Blumenfeld deals with this coterie of friends with the utmost sensitivity and care; each member of the group is painted in a sympathetic light, despite their shortcomings. The plot takes a back seat to the palpable emotion displayed throughout the book. That is, until a shocking tragedy threatens to upend everything. Readers who enjoy character development and complex relationships will bask in Blumenfeld’s stunning first novel.