Take a photo of a barcode or cover
theciz 's review for:
The Latecomer
by Jean Hanff Korelitz
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This is a book that takes a lot of investment, since the first half is extremely slow, and while there was pay-off, it was a bit too easy. Given all the time spent building up the story until the big blow up at the 75%, I needed a bit more time spent on the resolution - "time heals all wounds", I suppose, but that’s not very satisfying to read in my opinion. Or perhaps a little less time spent with the parents.
That aside, rich New York Jewish family have interpersonal troubles due to their alienation from each other (however contrived) isn’t exactly the most original of plots, and I didn’t feel there was much new added, no matter how hard the author tried to cram in some "contemporary issues" (don’t get me started on the unnecessary 9/11 part). The characters are all their very own brand of insufferable, and none of their self absorbed antics really endear you to them (and why does all the character development happen off screen!). I only finished this because I made it to the middle, where I found the writing the most compelling, but overall I don’t quite think it was worth it.
That aside, rich New York Jewish family have interpersonal troubles due to their alienation from each other (however contrived) isn’t exactly the most original of plots, and I didn’t feel there was much new added, no matter how hard the author tried to cram in some "contemporary issues" (don’t get me started on the unnecessary 9/11 part). The characters are all their very own brand of insufferable, and none of their self absorbed antics really endear you to them (and why does all the character development happen off screen!). I only finished this because I made it to the middle, where I found the writing the most compelling, but overall I don’t quite think it was worth it.