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3.98 AVERAGE
3.98 AVERAGE
4.5
In some ways, this is a pretty standard dysfunctional family story (which is fine, I LOVE these stories) -- the family here, the Oppenheimers, is a rich New York brood doing rich New Yorker things, like buying art and managing a hedge fund. Also, the father is kind of a tool and has an affair, and this affects all the children.
But this terrific novel also strikes out on its own and breaks many of the conventions of the traditional dysfunctional family story. The bulk of the story is about the kids: A set of triplets who all hate each other. It is fascinating to watch their dynamic play out here as we switch between their perspectives. Two of the three are sympathetic, root-able-for characters, and the third, like his father, is a tool. But they're all interesting, and do lots of interesting things.
Then of course, as per the title, there's a new sibling. The Latecomer. And that's when things start to get REALLY dramatic.
This is a novel that starts slowly and builds over time (this novel's a SHINING EXAMPLE of why you don't DNF after 50 pages
In some ways, this is a pretty standard dysfunctional family story (which is fine, I LOVE these stories) -- the family here, the Oppenheimers, is a rich New York brood doing rich New Yorker things, like buying art and managing a hedge fund. Also, the father is kind of a tool and has an affair, and this affects all the children.
But this terrific novel also strikes out on its own and breaks many of the conventions of the traditional dysfunctional family story. The bulk of the story is about the kids: A set of triplets who all hate each other. It is fascinating to watch their dynamic play out here as we switch between their perspectives. Two of the three are sympathetic, root-able-for characters, and the third, like his father, is a tool. But they're all interesting, and do lots of interesting things.
Then of course, as per the title, there's a new sibling. The Latecomer. And that's when things start to get REALLY dramatic.
This is a novel that starts slowly and builds over time (this novel's a SHINING EXAMPLE of why you don't DNF after 50 pages
Wow, I really enjoyed that. It takes a lot to get me interested in a plot—but this plot was so character-driven (and honestly, so unexpected) that I wanted to know what would happen next.
Another slow one for plot development. Weird, dysfunctional family dynamics with triplet siblings who are outright mean and distant to one another and seemingly odd as they come. Plenty of complex storylines touching on trauma, guilt, grief, family traditions, belonging, class, art, and race. Just not my speed with such unlikable characters and a grinder at over 500 p.
Salo and Johanna met after tragedy struck Salo. He was still suffering from PTSD. After several years of fertility issues, they end up with 4 embryos. Three are implanted and miraculously take hold leading to triplets. The triplets cannot be more different from each other. They do not enjoy each other’s company as children, teens or adults. As the triplets prepare to head their delegate ways in college, Johanna decides to implant the final embryo in a surrogate and restarts motherhood with an 18 year age gap.
As Phoebe approaches the age of 18 she is lonely and wonders if she can get reacquainted with her siblings (who are all struggling in their own way) and bring her family back together.
Interesting story of family dynamics good read.
As Phoebe approaches the age of 18 she is lonely and wonders if she can get reacquainted with her siblings (who are all struggling in their own way) and bring her family back together.
Interesting story of family dynamics good read.
Wow! This was such a satisfying book! Think Succession meets The Goldfinch...such captivating characters and plot with an excellent ending; this is very different from her previous books...so good.
I listened to this book in short bursts and for a long time, I wondered “where is this going? what is this book even about? ‘the latecomer’ isn’t even in it!” But it all came together in a way that made the slow slog through the first 75% worth it.
emotional
funny
inspiring
reflective
sad
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
To start this is a long book and I wasn’t sure at first if I was going to be able to get past the first hour (I listen to the audio). I’m so glad I kept going. To be honest, I had to find out if this was based on a true story or real people, because that is the impression you get from the amount of detail of the characters and setting. Interesting but not very likable characters, a tale that is woven back-and-forth and through many different plot twists, it was hard to put down once you are invested. I highly recommend it.
And a huge plus for having the queen of audio, Julia, Whelan, to be the narrator.
And a huge plus for having the queen of audio, Julia, Whelan, to be the narrator.