November 3, 2205 By Carol Britton Meyer
Alexandra Slater’s latest novel, “The Messy Years “ – set against the backdrop of her hometown of Hingham – is a heartfelt, humorous, and honest portrait of friendship during the painful years of adulting.
The “messy years” generally refers to a period of life – often encountered in one’s 20s and 30s – “characterized by significant life changes, increased responsibilities, and a lack of clear direction or stability,” Slater explains.
The novel will be especially compelling to Hingham readers, who will enjoy the many local references: a date at The Snug, drinks at Locales Tacos, scenes during Christmas in the Square and Friday Night Lights football, working out at Krigsman Yoga studio, and many more. There’s even a reference to the Hingham Anchor.
“As a four-year resident, ‘The Messy Years’ is based on an insider’s outside view of Hingham,” Slater told the Hingham Anchor. “I love this town, so it’s sort of a tribute to it as well.”
Transition from reporter to author a natural fit
Slater is an award-winning journalist and a former NPR reporter, who found the transition from reporter to writing novels to be a natural fit.
The plot revolves around three friends since their college years – Maeve, Hadley, and Lizzie – who thought they’d figured it all out by now only to find that life, love, and loss have altered their best-laid plans.
All three characters live in Hingham – one in Crow Point, another on Fearing Road, and the third, in a World’s End neighborhood.
“I wanted to write a book while living in Hingham that picked up on its nuances and immersed readers in a fictional world based in my reality,” Slater said.
Maeve, a widow, is determined to rebuild her life until a co-worker – “golden boy Pope“ – not only steals her promotion but starts finding his way into her reluctant heart.
Southern Belle newlywed Hadley – “with steel beneath the pearls” – is trying to conceive while unrealistically clinging to her vision of the perfect life.
Glamorous divorcee Lizzie – a high-achieving realtor, is “publicly unraveling – still obsessing over her ex and questioning every choice that has led her to where she is today,” Slater explained in a sneak -preview of the book.
“This novel is perfect for Elin Hilderbrand, Annabel Monaghan, and Emily Henry fans,” she said.
The novel reflects Hingham’s ambience
The town itself “is sort of a character in the book – which reflects Hingham’s ambience in the different settings and references – similar to Elin, whose novels are set on Nantucket,” Slater said. “I think everyone in Hingham should read it!”
Slater’s other books include “Honor Girl” and Friends with Boats.”
For more information, go to https://alexandraslater.com/.
To purchase a copy of “The Messy Years,” visit https://tinyurl.com/Messyyears.