Review by serendipitysbooks - Marrying the Ketchups

serendipitysbooks 's review for:

Marrying the Ketchups by Jennifer Close

3.75

emotional reflective medium-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

Marrying the Ketchups is an enjoyable multigenerational family story. The Sullivans own a long standing family restaurant in Chicago and three months in 2016 have been really pivotal for them. Family patriarch Bud dies, their beloved Cubs finally win the World Series, and then there was the Presidential election. Although the novel follows four generations at its core are Bud and Rose’s grandchildren, sisters Gretchen and Jane and their cousin Teddy, who are all dealing with issues of their own. Gretchen’s walked out on her New York band after discovering her boyfriend was cheating on her with another band member, Jane and her husband have different values and seem to be drifting apart plus she suspects him of cheating, while Teddy’s former boyfriend is engaged but the two of them seem to have trouble leaving each other alone. Despite their individual difficulties and interpersonal conflicts the whole family is clearly close and loving and by the end of the book, although more difficulties and challenges arise, everyone seems to be on the path to a better life for themselves. This was warm, engaging and feel good. It went down easy but it lacks the depth or something special needed to make it memorable.

Content Warnings