A Cup of Tea: A Novel of 1917

By Amy Ephron

Book Overview

Rosemary Fell was born into privilege. She has wealth, well-connected friends, and a handsome fiance, Philip Alsop. Finally she has everything she wants. It is then, in a moment of beneficence, that Rosemary invites Eleanor Smith, a penniless young woman she sees under a streetlamp in the rain, into her home for a cup of tea. While there, Rosemary sees Eleanor exchange an unmistakable look with Philip, and she sends Eleanor on her way. But she cannot undo this chance encounter, and it leads to a tempestuous and all-consuming love triangle -- until the tides of war throw all their lives off balance. Inspired by a classic Katherine Mansfield short story, A Cup of Tea engages with its vivid -- and often amusing -- cast of characters, wonderful period detail, brilliant evocation of the uncertain days of World War I, and delightfully spare and picturesque sense of story.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: B008SMBK4W
• ISBN13: 9780060786205
• Release Date: June 2005
• Publisher: William Morrow & Company
• Length: 224 Pages
• Weight: 0.35 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 5.3" x 7.4"

Customer Reviews

One of 3 Favorite Books

This book proves that a perfect story can be told in just a few pages. It has become one of my 3 favorite books, along with Forever by Mildred Cram and Right From Wrong by Cindy Bonner. A perfect book.

Good Book For A Rainy Weekend!

A Cup Of Tea is an excellent book about two young women. One born into poverty and the other born into wealth. Rosemary takes Eleanor in for a cup of tea and to help her new friend find a way into the world, but the tables are turned and Rosemary's finacee falls in love with Eleanor. The affair continue's until Phillip goes off to the war. When he returns he finds a twist in his new life with Rosemary and Eleanor. Amazing what happens next! I read Amy Ephron's "A Cup of Tea" on a rainy Saturday afternoon. What a wonderful book on a cloudy day! Enjoy!

Delightful, could not put it down book.

I was fascinated how the author brought the characters into and around the subject matter. It was challenging to keep it all straight and great subject matter. I wish more books had this content

a lovely way to spend an evening

I can't say when I have spent a more enjoyable evening lost within the pages of a book. The characters and situations are rich and the ending disturbing but satisfying. All in all, a fascinating little novel that I found I could not put down until the last page was turned. While this kept me up reading into the wee hours of the morning, the loss of sleep was most definatly worth it.

An exquisite little novel.

A quick read, yet the characters are so fully developed within the story line and time setting that you feel you are a part of their lives and have great empathy for each one's dilemma.