Go Gentle

The protagonist of Semple’s (Today Will Be Different) new novel is philosopher Adora Hazzard, a divorcée who works as a Stoic tutor and adviser to the Lockwood billionaire and his children in New York City. Adora lives in an older building with her teenage daughter, surrounded by her “coven,” a group of other single women who combine their finances, subscriptions, and resources to help one another as they age. She is accustomed to a disciplined and constrained way of life, but it all comes crashing down when she has a chance encounter with a handsome stranger named Digby at the ballet. They have an instant romantic connection that disturbs Adora’s outward calm, and she runs away. However, Digby tracks Adora down and asks her to spy on the Lockwoods; he’s seeking information on a recent art acquisition made by the family. What follows is a zany adventure of missteps as Adora accuses her employers of arms deals and more.