after she accepts a teaching position in the UK, and they get divorced. In 1996, Larry collapses and falls into a coma for twenty-two days. Beth does not visit him, but Dorrie and Ryan do. The following year, Larry decides to throw a dinner party. He invites his friends, his girlfriend Charlotte, and both of his former wives. As the party is winding down, he experiences a vision of another reality in which he and Dorrie settled their quarrels and never divorced. Dorrie stays behind to help Larry clean up, Charlotte takes a liking to one of Larry's guests, and Beth recognises that Larry still loves Dorrie. Larry and Dorrie say they have always loved each other. References External links Larry's Party at Random House of Canada: Larry's Party at CanStage 1997 American novels Novels by Carol Shields Novels set in Manitoba Knopf Canada books Women's Prize for Fiction-winning works