This comedy of adventure showcases the strengths of great women characters as they struggle to define themselves and find a new way forward. It also makes a terrific "beach read."
“I recently came across the novel Foreign Friends and was instantly captivated by its sharp wit, fearless spirit, and the sheer originality of its premise. Ashley Hall’s wild plunge from suburban monotony into the chaos of Central American revolution is not only darkly comic it’s profoundly human. The author has created a heroine who embodies the tension between comfort and conscience, and her irreverent humor serves as both armor and revelation. What I find most compelling is the way Foreign Friends straddles satire and sincerity. Beneath the riotous comedy lies a powerful meditation on freedom, identity, and moral awakening. Lia Giannakis has achieved something rare using humor as a revolutionary act, turning absurdity into insight, and creating a story that feels both wildly entertaining and intellectually alive.” – W. Amanda
“I’ve been reading Foreign Friends, and the way you blend dark comedy with themes of identity, freedom, and rebellion really caught my attention. Ashley’s frustration with a life that no longer fits, and the way that dissatisfaction explodes into something unexpected and dangerous, feels both bold and deeply human.” – Elsie S.
“I recently read Foreign Friends, and what immediately stood out was the quiet emotional depth and authenticity woven throughout the story. Your portrayal of relationships shaped by culture, distance, and personal growth feels both intimate and relatable, inviting readers to reflect on their own connections and experiences. What resonates most is how naturally the characters and their interactions unfold. The narrative captures the subtle tensions and moments of understanding that arise when people from different backgrounds come together, making the story feel grounded, human, and emotionally sincere.” – Stella S.
“Quick thoughts, 5,000-feet flyby . . . Lia’s vocabulary is more than amazing. The story was gripping. I can't imagine what experiences she has garnered to be able to show so many sides of life, people, places, and passions. Her building of the characters and weaving them together into the story was masterful. It was a fun book. I don't often reread books but here is an exception. I guessed at some word meanings I didn’t take the time to look up. I want to review the characters more. I want to experience the story again. There was a lot going on.” – Nancy K.
“I just discovered Foreign Friends, and I have to say the storyline is absolutely captivating! I love how the author has mixed sharp humor with such bold themes of freedom, rebellion, and self-discovery. Ashley’s character feels both relatable and unpredictable, the kind of protagonist readers can’t help but root for.” – Rachel H.
“Just got Foreign Friends—I know it will be a treat. Am going to start in immediately. I had just finished listening to an audiobook, and was actually looking for something to read, and this hits the spot. It is wonderful, pure escapism, being immersed in an entirely different life situation. I'm not finished yet, but have to report, it’s just what I was hoping for. There is also a poetic element to your writing that brings the thought to mind, I bet she’s good at writing poetry, too—good poetry.” – Kathy S.
“Congratulations on your bold and brilliant novels Foreign Friends and your latest journey-based story of Maria and Yasmeen. Your ability to blend comedy, political insight, and cultural critique is rare and powerful. Your work stands out in the Fiction / Coming of Age genre, not only for its humor and originality but for the fearless way it confronts class, injustice, and the search for personal and collective transformation. Your comedic protest approach in Foreign Friends and the global peace-seeking quest of Maria and Yasmeen [in Climbing the Great Pyramid] deserve wider visibility. I'd love to help get your stories into the hands of readers who are hungry for exactly this kind of thoughtful, adventurous, and deeply human fiction.” –Willie
“Foreign Friends is a sharp, darkly funny novel that follows Ashley Hall, a disillusioned 33-year-old desperate to escape her stagnant, conventional life. When a mysterious phone call entangles her with Central American revolutionaries, the story launches into a fast-paced mix of chaos, humor, and heartfelt moments. Ashley’s irreverent voice and the revolutionaries’ depth make their unlikely partnership feel both entertaining and meaningful. The book balances absurd comedy with genuine emotional stakes, exploring freedom, identity, and courage without ever losing its wit. Clever, unpredictable, and full of energy, it’s a refreshing and memorable read.”
– John S.
“I’m a reader drawn to bold, unconventional fiction, especially novels that mix political insight, sharp humor, and characters who refuse to accept the lives they’ve been handed. I recently came across Foreign Friends and was immediately taken by its fearless premise and irreverent tone. Ashley Hall is a refreshingly unpolished protagonist: disillusioned, sharp witted, and trapped in a life that feels absurdly wrong. The contrast between her privileged Connecticut background and her unexpected entanglement with Central American revolutionaries creates both high stakes tension and dark, outrageous comedy. That collision of worlds suburban conformity and revolutionary struggle gives the novel its bite. What stands out most is how the story balances satire with sincerity. Beneath the humor and chaos is a genuine exploration of dignity, freedom, and what it means to fight for one’s life whether that fight takes place in a war zone or within the suffocating expectations of a so called “normal” existence. Ashley’s journey invites readers to laugh, cringe, and ultimately question where real liberation begins.” – Colin H.
“Your novel, Foreign Friends, has caught the attention of our [book club] readers for its sharp wit, political edge, and fearless blend of dark comedy with social commentary. Ashley Hall’s journey from suffocating privilege and personal disillusionment to unexpected involvement with Central American revolutionaries is both outrageous and thought-provoking. The novel’s irreverent humor, combined with its exploration of freedom, dignity, and moral awakening, makes it a particularly compelling and unconventional read. We were especially drawn to the way Foreign Friends balances satire with genuine emotional stakes, using comedy as a lens to examine conformity, power, and the often absurd intersections between personal crisis and global politics. Ashley’s voice—acerbic, restless, and unapologetically flawed—resonated strongly with our readers and sparked lively discussion.” – Julia B.
“Foreign Friends is a sharp, unconventional novel that blends political satire, dark comedy, and international adventure with biting insight and heart.” – Danielle S.
“Foreign Friends immediately captured my attention. Ashley’s irreverent voice, her frustration with privilege and stagnation, and the absurdity of her circumstances create a compelling and often hilarious entry point into much deeper questions about dignity, power, and resistance. What stood out most to me is how the story balances outrageous comedy with genuine political stakes, allowing humor and danger to coexist in a way that feels both bold and fearless.” – Evelyn H.
“Our readers at The European Book Club have shown strong interest in Foreign Friends, particularly its bold satire, political edge, and the way it blends dark humor with social commentary.” – Julia Bridgeway
“Reading [Foreign Friends] felt like discovering a piece of myself I didn't know was missing. Foreign Friends has a bold, restless energy that instantly pulls a reader into Ashley Hall’s chaotic world. Her frustration with a life that feels small, suffocating, and absurd is something many people quietly recognize in themselves. From the very first pages, I felt connected to her sharp humor and fierce desire to break free from expectations she never asked for. What makes your story so compelling is the way you balance humor with genuine tension and emotional depth. Ashley is not a perfect heroine, but that is exactly what makes her feel real. Her journey from bored and trapped to unexpectedly entangled with Central American revolutionaries creates a thrilling contrast between ordinary dissatisfaction and extraordinary circumstances. The absurd comedy woven into serious themes of dignity, freedom, and self-discovery gives the book a unique voice that lingers long after the last page. I also admire how fearlessly you allow the story to take unpredictable turns. The late-night phone call that sets everything in motion, the clash of cultures and ideals, and the unlikely alliances Ashley forms all come together in a narrative that feels both entertaining and meaningful. Beneath the humor and chaos, there is a powerful exploration of what it means to fight for a life that truly belongs to you. That emotional core is what makes Foreign Friends stand out.” – Michael F.
