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A review by cmaree88
Fun for the Whole Family: A Novel by Jennifer E. Smith
emotional
funny
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Thank you to NetGalley for my first-ever early copy in exchange for an honest review.
This book follows four estranged siblings as they reconnect in a small town during the North Dakota winter. Between real-time chapters they each have a chapter remembering different times traveling together with their neglectful and narcissistic mother, always searching for her acting dream.
I really enjoyed how REAL these characters felt. Yes, it's unlikely for one family to produce an Oscar-winning actress, professional soccer player, AND a National Book Award-winning author. And Gemma, the most normal of all. But the specialness of the Endicott siblings just made their foibles and pain stand more true.
Jude, as the driving force of the reconciliation, had some secrets to share. I guessed the big one but still felt the emotional payout, which is what matters.
I felt that every character had adequate page time from the 4 siblings (Gemma, Connor, Roddy, and Jude) to Connor's kids and the various significant others along the way.
This isn't a groundbreaking story like "Educated" (which yes, is a memoir) or powerfully feminist like "Little Women". But it's comfortable and engaging and I would love to watch the movie. There's already a wonderful set of montage-style vignette chapters past the halfway point, too!
This book follows four estranged siblings as they reconnect in a small town during the North Dakota winter. Between real-time chapters they each have a chapter remembering different times traveling together with their neglectful and narcissistic mother, always searching for her acting dream.
I really enjoyed how REAL these characters felt. Yes, it's unlikely for one family to produce an Oscar-winning actress, professional soccer player, AND a National Book Award-winning author. And Gemma, the most normal of all. But the specialness of the Endicott siblings just made their foibles and pain stand more true.
Jude, as the driving force of the reconciliation, had some secrets to share. I guessed the big one but still felt the emotional payout, which is what matters.
I felt that every character had adequate page time from the 4 siblings (Gemma, Connor, Roddy, and Jude) to Connor's kids and the various significant others along the way.
This isn't a groundbreaking story like "Educated" (which yes, is a memoir) or powerfully feminist like "Little Women". But it's comfortable and engaging and I would love to watch the movie. There's already a wonderful set of montage-style vignette chapters past the halfway point, too!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death
Minor: Death of parent