Modern Family, but make it a funeral
This novel has been compared with This Is Where I Leave You, and for good reason. The plot line is very similar, as is the general warm-but-sad vibe.
Some reviewers said they found the family tree difficult to follow. Even I, who sometimes struggle with focus and read multiple books at once, did not. Once you get past the first chapter or so, the connections are quite clear, and the author includes subtle reminders of who is related to whom and how.
What WAS confusing was the author's overuse of modifying phrases and (most distractingly) parenthesis. This was especially noticeable in the first chapter, when you're still trying to learn the characters, so each unnecessary sidebar is just another thing to try to keep track of. In the first 3 pages, she has 7 sets of parenthesis. Sometimes they are cute and the commentary is witty, but they are used inconsistently and (often) deter from the story.
However, the writing, especially the dialogue, is generally good. The characters are realistic and vastly likable, and they represent a number of demographics. Most of the plot points were believable.
A fabulous debut from an author I will watch for.
Some reviewers said they found the family tree difficult to follow. Even I, who sometimes struggle with focus and read multiple books at once, did not. Once you get past the first chapter or so, the connections are quite clear, and the author includes subtle reminders of who is related to whom and how.
What WAS confusing was the author's overuse of modifying phrases and (most distractingly) parenthesis. This was especially noticeable in the first chapter, when you're still trying to learn the characters, so each unnecessary sidebar is just another thing to try to keep track of. In the first 3 pages, she has 7 sets of parenthesis. Sometimes they are cute and the commentary is witty, but they are used inconsistently and (often) deter from the story.
However, the writing, especially the dialogue, is generally good. The characters are realistic and vastly likable, and they represent a number of demographics. Most of the plot points were believable.
A fabulous debut from an author I will watch for.