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addiec1's review
emotional
hopeful
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
smalltownbookmom's review against another edition
5.0
LOVED it! Such an interesting and sad but ultimately happy family story. Heartbreaking in the best of ways. Definitely my favourite book of the year (so far). Excited to see what this author writes next.
hudsonpeeps's review
2.0
This was painful to read. A little too close to the dysfunction I've experienced in some relationships to really enjoy.
I did like the part when Rose's aunt Faye tells Natalie about Emily Dickinson and the poem on grief. I thought that was beautiful.
I did like the part when Rose's aunt Faye tells Natalie about Emily Dickinson and the poem on grief. I thought that was beautiful.
dynila's review
2.0
There was no twist in this for me - I knew what would happen when I read the plot summary before I added the book to my To-Read list. This kept me from reading it when it first came in since I didn't think I would enjoy it when it finally arrived.
There was, for me, too much before in this book. A lengthy build-up and then the years just flew by faster and faster. The most engaging thing for me about this book was the nature vs. nurture aspect of it.
There was, for me, too much before in this book. A lengthy build-up and then the years just flew by faster and faster. The most engaging thing for me about this book was the nature vs. nurture aspect of it.
erinrosalee's review
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
kategci's review against another edition
3.0
Rounded up to 3 1/2 stars. A family saga of two brothers, post World War II who share a two-family house in Brooklyn. The family upstairs is all boys, while downstairs, while downstairs, younger brother, Mort is raising three girls. Both wives have their 4th child in a blizzard in 1947, while their husbands are away on a business trip. This is an engaging story with many themes which makes it a great choice for a book club. As a native New Yorker, much of the book was very familiar, for example, place, food and the idea of a two story house.
lizaroo71's review against another edition
3.0
Two brothers share a duplex. One upstairs and one downstairs. Abe and Mort are polar opposites: Abe is outgoing and loving while Mort is quiet and aloof. Their wives, Helen and Rose, become friends and the two families grow up together. Mort and Abe run a business together, but Mort has growing resentment towards his brother because Mort had to leave school to fulfill his familial obligations.
That is the backdrop for the story. Mort's wife, Rose, has three daughters and with each new birth, her husband grows more distant from her as she can't give him what he wants most: a son. Helen has four boys and their house is bustling and busy. How would life be with a sweet girl? When the two women become pregnant simultaneously, we find out.
I'll leave the plot line there so you aren't too taken with what happens. I liked the story line and I appreciated the different POVs we get in the narrative, I just didn't feel things would be as neat as they are presented in the book. But, this is a well-paced narrative that kept me interested until the end. I definitely will read this author again.
That is the backdrop for the story. Mort's wife, Rose, has three daughters and with each new birth, her husband grows more distant from her as she can't give him what he wants most: a son. Helen has four boys and their house is bustling and busy. How would life be with a sweet girl? When the two women become pregnant simultaneously, we find out.
I'll leave the plot line there so you aren't too taken with what happens. I liked the story line and I appreciated the different POVs we get in the narrative, I just didn't feel things would be as neat as they are presented in the book. But, this is a well-paced narrative that kept me interested until the end. I definitely will read this author again.
emjay24's review
4.0
This is the story of two brothers who work together in the family business, and also live together in a split house, and their wives and children. One event spirals out in consequence over the years. I’m used to a book like this being longer. It was very readable, and I read it in less than a day. Afterward, I was left wanting more time with the characters, who were becoming more interesting as they aged. Very good book!