Firefly Lane is a historical fiction novel written by American author Kristin Hannah published by St. Martin's Press in 2008. The story follows the friendship and bond of Tully Hart and Kate Mularkey throughout the years.
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| Author | Kristin Hannah |
|---|---|
| Language | English |
| Genre | Historical fiction |
| Publisher | St. Martin's Press |
Publication date | February 5, 2008 |
| Publication place | United States |
| Media type | Print (hardback and paperback), audiobook, e-book |
| Pages | 479 |
| ISBN | 9780312364083 |
| Followed by | Fly Away |
A 26-episode Netflix streaming television adaptation of the novel with the same name aired 2 seasons from February 2021 to April 2023.[1]
Plot summary
editKatie Mularkey and Tallulah "Tully" Hart are only in middle school when they meet on Firefly Lane in Snohomish, Washington. Tully is dealing with a drug-addicted, negligent mother who goes by the name Cloud, while Katie is trying to feel confident and make more friends. The two quickly become inseparable and share a close friendship their entire lives.
This friendship takes them through many ups and downs and remains strong even as they follow different paths in life. Katie gets married and has three children, while Tully pursues a career in journalism.
Development
editHannah drew inspiration for the novel from her own life growing up in Seattle, Washington in the 1970s and 1980s,[2][3] as well as her experiences studying at the University of Washington.[4]
Reception
editFirefly Lane spent 28 weeks on The New York Times Best Seller paperback fiction list in 2009.[5] As of 2015, the novel has sold more than 1.2 million copies.[6]
Publishers Weekly noted that "Hannah takes the easy way out with an over-the-top tear-jerker ending, though her upbeat message of the power of friendship and family will, for some readers, trump even the most contrived plot twists."[7] Kirkus Reviews stated that "Dated sermonizing on career versus motherhood, and conflict driven by characters’ willed helplessness, sap this tale of poignancy."[8]
Adaptation
editIn 2019, it was announced that Netflix ordered a 10-episode streaming television series adapted from the novel with Maggie Friedman serving as writer, showrunner and executive producer, along with Stephanie Germain; and Hannah as co-executive producer.[9] It premiered on February 3, 2021, starring Katherine Heigl as Tully Hart and Sarah Chalke as Kate Mularkey.[1]
References
edit- ^ a b Ausiello, Michael (December 3, 2020). "Firefly Lane Trailer: Katherine Heigl and Sarah Chalke's BFFs Are 'F—king Stuck With' Each Other in New Netflix Drama". TVLine. Retrieved December 3, 2020.
- ^ Marshall, John (March 22, 2011). "Hannah's 'most personal novel' draws on memories of growing up in the Northwest". Seattle Post-Intelligencer. Retrieved March 26, 2021.
- ^ "Kristin Hannah: By the Book". The New York Times. February 15, 2018. Retrieved March 26, 2021.
- ^ Gutterman, Annabel (February 3, 2021). "What to Know About the Book Behind Netflix's Firefly Lane". Time. Retrieved March 26, 2021.
- ^ Cowles, Gregory (May 3, 2013). "Inside the List". The New York Times. Retrieved March 26, 2021.
- ^ Cartwright, Keith Ryan (February 1, 2015). "'The Nightingale' tells female WWII story". The Tennessean. Retrieved March 26, 2021.
- ^ "Firefly Lane". Publishers Weekly. February 1, 2008. Retrieved March 26, 2021.
- ^ "FIREFLY LANE". Kirkus Reviews. February 1, 2008. Retrieved March 26, 2021.
- ^ Thorne, Will (February 22, 2019). "Netflix to Adapt Author Kristin Hannah's 'Firefly Lane' Into Series". Variety. Retrieved April 28, 2021.