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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.
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A complex, slow-burn but richly developed family drama, compulsively readable, mesmerizing and moving and bitingly funny. There are few “likable” (but many deeply recognizable) characters, and the build-up to the ultimate conclusion takes a while. But those unlikable people are compellingly, realistically drawn, and the build-up, momentous and dramatic in its own right, makes for a worthwhile, unforgettable journey.
Thank you to Celadon Books for the advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
3.25
Super interesting concept, but just didn’t really do anything for me. All the twists felt super predictable. I wouldn’t say it was bad, just a really long book without much special stuff going for it other than the initial concept.