River Ridge, New Jersey, 1978: As feminism takes root in this tight-knit Modern Orthodox community, women are starting businesses, rethinking their marriages, and challenging their synagogue's long-standing rules.
Not Marilyn Weisfeld.
Once a promising writer, Marilyn gave up her literary dreams twenty years ago when she married Jerry, a self-important professor of economics. Now, she's too busy raising children, braiding challahs, and entertaining her husband's insufferable colleagues to think about what else her life might have held... until the night an old friend comes to dinner.
When bestselling author Henry Goldfarb asks for Marilyn's feedback on his new novel, something long buried inside her stirs back to life. And when he encourages her to write again, she starts sneaking into Manhattan every week to see him. In long afternoons of shared stories, easy laughter, and soul-baring conversations, Marilyn catches glimpses of a more fulfilling life she could be living - if only she can find the courage to reach for it.
But change always comes at a cost. And as Marilyn's feelings for Henry begin to blur boundaries and test loyalties, the tidy existence she has woven so carefully in River Ridge begins to unravel. Caught between the comfort of old rhythms and the thrill of new possibilities, she will have to decide exactly what price she's willing to pay to live bravely, authentically, and without regret.
Warmhearted, funny, and relatable, All Afternoon is a powerful debut about the quiet ache of losing yourself and the courageous work of finding your way back.
