Something Borrowed by Emily Giffin

This excerpt from Emily Giffin’s novel Something Borrowed centers on Rachel White, a disciplined Manhattan attorney approaching her thirtieth birthday. The narrative explores the complex, lifelong friction between Rachel and her glamorous, self-centered best friend, Darcy Rhone, who is engaged to a man named Dex. After a night of heavy drinking at her surprise party, Rachel ends up sleeping with Dex, triggering a summer of clandestine romance and deep reflection on her history of being overshadowed by Darcy. As the wedding approaches, Rachel grapples with guilt, her dissatisfaction with her legal career, and the realization that she has spent her life playing it safe. The story eventually reveals that Darcy has also been unfaithful with a friend named Marcus, leading to a dramatic confrontation that dissolves the engagement. Ultimately, the text examines themes of disloyalty and the shifting power dynamics of adult friendships.