A nostalgic, coming-of-age story set in the glittering literary world of 1980s Cape Cod — where ambition, art, and love collide during one unforgettable summer.
 
In The Last Book Party, Karen Dukess captures the intoxicating energy of youth, art, and longing through the lens of New England’s literary scene. Set against the sun-drenched backdrop of Cape Cod, the novel beautifully explores ambition, identity, and the search for authenticity.
 
In 1987, aspiring writer Eve Rosen dreams of escaping her uninspiring job in publishing and joining the world of the literary elite. When she’s invited into the orbit of celebrated author Henry Grey and his glamorous wife, her summer becomes a whirlwind of creativity, romance, and betrayal. But as the season ends with the Greys’ famous “Book Party,” Eve must confront what it truly means to live a literary life — and the cost of chasing someone else’s dreams.
 
Told with warmth, wit, and a touch of melancholy, the story reflects on how the people we idolize can shape—and sometimes distort—our sense of self. Dukess’s prose glows with nostalgia, evoking both the excitement and heartbreak of coming into one’s own.
 
A perfect read for lovers of literary fiction and bookish settings, The Last Book Party is a smart, elegant novel about growing up, finding your voice, and learning that every story — even your own — has its cost.
 
💖 Why You’ll Love It
Captures the glamour and disillusionment of the 1980s literary world.
Beautifully written with nostalgia, wit, and emotional honesty.
A perfect beach read for lovers of books about books.
Evocative Cape Cod setting and vibrant summer atmosphere.
A coming-of-age story for writers, dreamers, and readers alike.
 
🌟 Perfect For
Fans of The Paper Palace and Writers & Lovers.
Readers who love literary settings and coming-of-age stories.
Book clubs exploring ambition, art, and identity.
Anyone drawn to smart, nostalgic fiction about growing up.
 
❤️ Fans Also Liked
If you enjoyed The Last Book Party, you might also like:
Writers & Lovers by Lily King — love and creativity in a writer’s life.
The Summer Wives by Beatriz Williams — secrets and class in New England.
The Paris Library by Janet Skeslien Charles — books, passion, and self-discovery.