A family saga over the course of a week.
A family saga over the course of a week.
If We're Being Honest opens with the Williams family together for the funeral of their patriarch, Gerry - husband to Ellen; father to Wilma, JJ, JJ's wife Jennifer, and Carol Anne; and grandfather to Alice, Delia, Grant, and Red. The book bounces from character to character; each of these family members has their own little story arc.
I found Ellen's story particularly meaningful, though I also personally felt for Wilma, Jennifer, Delia, and Red. I would have liked another 50 pages or so - debut author Cat Shook does a lot here, but I think a bit more room would have helped some of the individual storylines land better.
It felt like what Shook got most right is that feeling of grief that hits so hard, it takes your breath away. Not to mention what we accept from those we love, and how it is we convey that love in ways subtle and not. Certainly a good read for those who like family stories, such as All Adults Here by Emma Straub, and I'll be interested in whatever she writes next.
If We're Being Honest opens with the Williams family together for the funeral of their patriarch, Gerry - husband to Ellen; father to Wilma, JJ, JJ's wife Jennifer, and Carol Anne; and grandfather to Alice, Delia, Grant, and Red. The book bounces from character to character; each of these family members has their own little story arc.
I found Ellen's story particularly meaningful, though I also personally felt for Wilma, Jennifer, Delia, and Red. I would have liked another 50 pages or so - debut author Cat Shook does a lot here, but I think a bit more room would have helped some of the individual storylines land better.
It felt like what Shook got most right is that feeling of grief that hits so hard, it takes your breath away. Not to mention what we accept from those we love, and how it is we convey that love in ways subtle and not. Certainly a good read for those who like family stories, such as All Adults Here by Emma Straub, and I'll be interested in whatever she writes next.