The Latecomer

The Latecomer

Jean Hanff Korelitz

Enjoyment: Quality: Characters: Plot:

From the New York Times bestselling author of The Plot, Jean Hanff Korelitz’s The Latecomer is a layered and immersive literary novel about three siblings, desperate to escape one another, and the upending of their family by the late arrival of a fourth. The Latecomer follows the story of the wealthy, New York City-based Oppenheimer family, from the first meeting of parents Salo and Johanna, under tragic circumstances, to their triplets born during the early days of IVF. As children, the three siblings--Harrison, Lewyn, and Sally--feel no strong familial bond and cannot wait to go their separate ways, even as their father becomes more distanced and their mother more desperate. When the triplets leave for college, Johanna, faced with being truly alone, makes the decision to have a fourth child. What role will the “latecomer” play in this fractured family?A complex novel that builds slowly and deliberately, The Latecomer touches on the topics of grief and guilt, generational trauma, privilege and race, traditions and religion, and family dynamics. It is a profound and witty family story from an accomplished author, known for the depth of her character studies, expertly woven storylines, and plot twists.

Publication Year: 2022


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  • amorecita
    Apr 15, 2025
    Enjoyment: Quality: Characters: Plot:

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  • Bnrhem
    Apr 27, 2025
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  • travelingpages
    Apr 09, 2025
    Enjoyment: Quality: Characters: Plot:

    Thank you NetGalley, Celadon and Jean Hanff Korelitz for a e galley version for my honest opinion.

    First thing I will say is that I am surprised I can enjoy a book so much, when I truly am not a fan of any of the characters. Jean did a wonderful job composing this novel that extends over 60 years of time. She was able to integrate the stories of 6 main characters while adding snippets of history, that kept you pulled in the entire time. There were even some surprise twists that I NEVER saw coming!

    I was truly enamored by the author's story telling of love, loss and what a family means. I can't wait to get the chance to read more of her books! I truly urge you to read this book when given the chance.

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