russell32789 's review for:

The Latecomer by Jean Hanff Korelitz

5.0

---

One of my favorite books of the year, but if you’re seeking a page turner or The Plot 2, look elsewhere. Tons going in this iterative, reflective novel about family, generations, class and privilege and identity, art, sex and sexuality, and belonging, while deeply exploring character from different perspectives. I read The Latecomer slowly, savoring the beauty and intensity of both the writing and the narrative, aching to get back to it each time I took a break. Friends have said they find most of the characters unsympathetic — and I think to myself, you read novels to meet “nice” people? role models? The Latecomer is full of complicated, warts-and-all characters, the sort who populate my most satisfying reading experiences. Mon semblable, - mon frère! (To be frank, I least liked the latecomer herself.) If you have enjoyed Jonathan Franzen, or John Irving, or Hanya Yanagihara, this novel might be for you.