No matter how much the world has changed and how far we have moved toward gender equality, young women still grow up infused with the notion that they should strive to become — simultaneously — beloved wives, ideal mothers, successful professionals, keepers of lovely homes and fulfilled individuals . . . while sporting figures that are the envy of the neighborhood.

Then, as it almost always does, reality intrudes, with competing demands and promises, with forced compromises and shattered dreams, turning the fantasy into the often-grim reality of the distressed damsel looking for real-life happiness in a world of fairy-tale expectations.

Israeli writer Lihi Lapid understands the clash intimately, from her own experience as wife to a former Israeli prime minister, mother to a daughter with autism and years writing a popular newspaper advice column.

In her novel I Wanted to Be Wonderful, an Israeli bestseller recently released by Zibby Publishing, Lapid artfully depicts the loneliness of a woman caught between her husband and her children, between her youthful dreams and day-to-day reality, between dedicating herself to others and trying to fulfill her promise to herself — to who she was and who she still wants to be.

Lihi joins us to discuss this enduring dilemma and finding the strength to gather up the pieces and learn to smile again.

Lihi Lapid is a bestselling Israeli author of three novels, a photojournalist, columnist and activist. She will be in conversation with Jill Kargman – author of Momzillas and Sprinkle Glitter on My Grave and star of the Bravo TV show Odd Mom Out – and Zibby Owens, author, podcaster, bookstore owner and CEO of Zibby Media.