I went into this book anticipating a thriller. It is not that and that’s totally on me for assuming. I wish I had a better understanding of what to expect going in.
What The Latecomer is is a dysfunctional family drama, deeply character driven, and literary; exploring themes like class, privilege, race, sibling and family dynamics, and the echoes of grief and trauma across generations.
The story follows the wealthy Oppenheimer family of NYC beginning in 1972 when a tragedy results in parents Salo and Johanna meeting; through the 90s and aughts while the Oppenheimer triplets, born via IVF after years of fertility struggles, never live up to their mother’s idealized expectations of family; up to present day when the coming of age of their sibling, with whom they shared a petri dish, but not a womb, who wasn’t born until 18 years later, has impactful ramifications on their family unit.
This book is close to 500 pages long and it’s one to really settle in with and be patient. I found it well written and immersive and enjoyed the ride, but this is not going to be the book for readers who require a quick moving plot to keep their interest.
Definitely one to pick up if you appreciate messy family dynamics.
Thanks to Celadon Books for the ARC.
That Bookish Life 