A review by tsmithers
Wait: A Novel by Gabriella Burnham

emotional

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Publishing May 21, 2024

Wait is a coming-of-age story focused around Elise, freshly graduated from college, and has to rush home to Nantucket when her sister, Sophie, says their mother, Gilda, is missing. We learn that their mother has been deported to Brazil and now Elise and Sophie have to figure out how to live on their own and for themselves. They’re lost. Elise’s college friend, Sheba, happens to have a massive summer house on the island where they end up staying. 

It’s an interesting amalgamation of coming of age, class inequality, and how some relationships have a place and time. I liked Elise and Sophie, but as soon as I felt they were starting to blossom and grow, the story ended abruptly! 

Thank you to the author and publisher for providing an advanced copy through Netgalley.