Triplets Lewyn, Sally, and Harrison are the much-wanted product of their mother's IVF. Johanna, their mother, dotes on them, but is oblivious to them as actual people. She insists that they love each other, and doesn't seem to notice that they prefer not to be in each other's company. Salo, their father, is largely uninterested (although not unloving), preferring to spend his time with his art collection, and, eventually, his mistress, until he is killed on 9/11. As the triplets are about to move out, Johanna decides that she wants one last chance at motherhood, and has the fourth embryo of the bunch implanted. Enter Pheobe, who, at 17, is the only member of the family able to see things (more or less) clearly.
After much excellent exposition setting up the family dynamic, the crux of the matter becomes apparent. The details would spoil the experience, but suffice it to say that Pheobe must overcome her siblings' old resentments and her mother's hang-ups, all formed long before she was born. Naturally, she'll uncover old secrets and learn a few things about herself along the way. But Phoebe is quite determined and not about to let her family members hide behind their usual evasive tricks.
Phoebe's narrative voice makes this book worth reading, even if, for most of the book. A strong and surprising young woman, you may find yourself wishing that she would bring her considerable talents and persistence to solve the problems in your life.
After much excellent exposition setting up the family dynamic, the crux of the matter becomes apparent. The details would spoil the experience, but suffice it to say that Pheobe must overcome her siblings' old resentments and her mother's hang-ups, all formed long before she was born. Naturally, she'll uncover old secrets and learn a few things about herself along the way. But Phoebe is quite determined and not about to let her family members hide behind their usual evasive tricks.
Phoebe's narrative voice makes this book worth reading, even if, for most of the book. A strong and surprising young woman, you may find yourself wishing that she would bring her considerable talents and persistence to solve the problems in your life.