We Would Never is a riveting literary page-turner that maps the extremes to which a family will go in order to protect their own.

No one appears more surprised than Hailey Gelman when she comes under suspicion for the murder of her soon-to-be ex-husband Jonah. Hailey—nicknamed Sunshine by her mother for her bright outlook and ever-present smile—has always tried to do what is expected of her and is regarded as the family peacemaker. But is anyone, including Hailey, who she has always seemed to be?

Inspired by a true story, We Would Never is a gripping mystery, an intimate family drama, and a provocative exploration of loyalty, betrayal, and the blurred line between protecting and forsaking the ones we love most.

Tova Mirvis is the author of the memoir The Book of Separation as well as four novels, We Would Never, Visible City, The Outside World, and The Ladies Auxiliary, which was a national bestseller. Her essays have appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Boston Globe Magazine and Real Simple, and her fiction has been broadcast on NPR. She lives in Newton, Massachusetts with her family.

Our conversation explores the fine line between what it means to be an insider vs an outsider, the way the past retains a pull on the present, and the stretchiness of moral boundaries. Throughout, Tova reflects on the ways in which venturing beyond our comfort zones can be both enriching and destabilizing.

Tova Mirvis’ Five Books:

All-of-a-Kind Family, Sidney Taylor
My Name is Asher Lev, Chaim Potok
The Postcard, Anne Berest
Songs For the Brokenhearted, Ayelet Tsabari
We Would Never, Tova Mirvis

Find us on Instagram @fivebookspod

The Five Books has the advisory and promotional support of the Jewish Book Council. Jewish Book Council is a nonprofit dedicated to amplifying and celebrating Jewish literature and supporting authors and readers. Stay up to date on the latest in Jewish literature! https://www.jewishbookcouncil.org/events/celebrate

The Five Books is fiscally sponsored by FJC, a 501c3 public charity.

Hosted by Tali Rosenblatt Cohen

Produced by Odelia Rubin

Artwork by Dena Friedman

Music by Dov Rosenblatt and Blue Dot Sessions.

Tova Mirvis on Community, Belonging, and Forgiveness