<DIV><p>“Shows [women’s friendships] to be the saving grace of civilization.”—Gloria Steinem</p><p>“Set in Steventon, an affluent town in the Berkshires, this finely detailed group portrait [of four disparate women] . . . celebrates women’s cherishing friendships and creativity . . . the intelligent and openhearted women and men [French] warmly portrays are compelling.”—<I>Booklist</I></p><p>Now available in paperback, the update by the author of the classic novel <I>The Women’s Room</I> (21 million sold worldwide) explores the truth and realities behind women’s lives during the landmark year 2000.</p><p> <b>Marilyn French</b> is the best-selling author of six novels.</p><p> <b>Stéphanie Genty</b> is an associate professor at the Université d'Evry-Val d'Essonne.</p></DIV>