The Three of Us

Praise

One of Lit Hub’s Most Anticipated Books of 2023
One of NYLON’s Most Anticipated Books of 2023

“In this sharp, taught, dark comedy that takes place over the course of one fateful day, the simmering tensions between a husband, a wife, and her best friend come to a boiling point. It’s a tense read that will have you glued to your beach chair!” —Jenny Jackson, author of Pineapple Street, for GMA.com

“[A] striking, often wickedly funny debut . . . Agbaje-Williams brilliantly captures the inner monologue as well as the conversational style of each of the three through which their whole cultural milieu takes shape around them . . . . An original and potent comedy of manners with an ingenious final twist.” —Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

“[An] intoxicating debut…It’s delicious to watch the characters’ long-fermenting tensions come to the fore. It lands as a discerning debut from an author who knows a thing or two (or three) about the ever-shifting dynamics of intimacy.” –Publishers Weekly

“Taking place over the course of a single day, this bold, sharp debut novel explores the intrigue of the ménage à trois in a comedy of manners about the tensions between a husband, his wife, and her best friend.” –NYLON

“A biting comedy of manners with a delightfully simple, but incredibly fertile, premise . . . . Over three acts, as the thin walls of tact and civility begin to erode, all manner of scabrously hilarious confessions and accusations burst through.” —Lit Hub

“Devouring this bold, brilliant satire was refreshing and confronting and completely entertaining. So much is achieved in Agbaje-Williams’ writing: the nuances that make even our closest relationships uncomfortable, the tension of a shifting perspective, the anarchy provoked by a single cunning comment. Beguiling and cutting and admirable—I loved it.” —Ashley Audrain, author of The Push

“The Three of Us is explosive. . . . What rocked me was the naked examination of that coveted construct we call innocence. . . . How easily it’s weaponized and made indistinguishable from guilt; and how the people who are honest about this are the only ones with a real chance at wellness and wholeness. The Three of Us read, wrote, and erased me. Then, it gave me back to myself, giggling and nodding my head. What a keen mind this story comes from. What a calm power this story holds.” —Robert Jones, Jr., author of The Prophets

“Both wickedly entertaining and thought-provoking. I couldn’t stop turning the page!” —Lizzie Damilola Blackburn, author of Yinka, Where Is Your Huzband?

“Three soliloquists audition to be the main character, each with certain claims, certain gripes. As Agbaje-Williams’s trio depart from their hinges, her own grip on events holds tight. With deft plotting, mature control of voice and a wicked enjoyment of perspective, The Three of Us is well-marshalled and full of fun.” —Naoise Dolan, author of Exciting Times

“A taut study of three people, exploring with the lightest of touches how being the child of immigrants affects one’s thinking about gender roles, personal and professional ambition, human intimacy, and much more. The Three of Us is a cunning (and often very funny) book, a wily and promising debut.” —Rumaan Alam, author of Leave The World Behind

“A sharp, humorous, superbly entertaining novel exploring Black love and relationships and the conflicts and tensions that arise from jealousy, desire, control, and cultural expectations. Agbaje-Williams’ cultural references and evocation of the contemporary world within which Black couples build relationships is insightful and impressive.” —Jacqueline Crooks, author of Fire Rush

“An astute, composed, and quietly hilarious observation of identity, marriage, and friendship from a unique storyteller.” —Diana Evans, author of Ordinary People

“Unique and completely captivating, The Three of Us absorbed me. When I finished I wanted to go back and read it from the beginning again.” —Annie Lord, author of Notes on Heartbreak

“Funny, fresh, and full of drama. Not a word goes to waste in this extraordinary debut.” —Sophie Irwin, author of A Lady’s Guide to Fortune-Hunting

“A treat of a debut. Agbaje-Williams has a gift of gliding between the sharpest driest humor and damning emotional revelations to incisively expose the vulnerabilities, fallacies, and messiness that line the relationships with those we are closest to. Dazzling, dextrous, and droll, this millennial noir is a taut exploration of culture and the politics of relationships.” —Bolu Babalola, author of Love in Colour
 
“I’m obsessed. This is a masterful, at times familiar and relatable, yet ultimately disturbing portrayal of a friendship. Constantly surprising, often dark, and at times sinister, it is without fail always entertaining and funny.” —Claire Kohda, author of Woman, Eating