I'll Take What She Has

March 4, 2013
Best friends since childhood, Annie and Nora, are now in their early 30s and staff members at a small New England boarding school. At an all-faculty turnout for the funeral of an elderly teacherâs cat, Wildeâs irreverent tone immediately emerges. But amusement fades when glamorous new hire Cynthia Cypress shows up, forcing overweight Annie and insecure Nora to handle their envy. Nora becomes Cynthiaâs adoring friend while Annie is openly hostile, especially after Cynthia and her husband move into a larger campus house previously promised to Annie. Cynthiaâs immediate popularity at the school and Noraâs friendship with her so intensify Annieâs acerbic mood that it nearly severs the latter pairâs friendship. As Annie explores her rage, Noraâs life assumes tragicomic proportions. Her outspoken sex therapist cousin, in town on an extended visit, reveals Noraâs intimate past to Cynthiaâs husband while Noraâs straight-laced mother and 93-year-old grandmother descend on her and her long-suffering husband. With wit, compassion, and a keen ear for dialogue Wilde (This Little Mommy Stayed Home) explores issues of insecurity, envy, young motherhood, and friendship in this fast-paced work. Agent: Christina Hogrebe, Jane Rotrosen Literary Agency.