and with MashableReads social book club claiming it to be 'your ultimate summer read', we can't have gone too wrong in our selection. Right? Let's see about that. These sparkly reviews should capture your interest in the novel, too:
“Delicious . . . richly riveting . . . The Vacationers offers all the delights of a fluffy, read-it-with-sunglasses-on-the-beach read, made substantial by the exceptional wit, insight, intelligence and talents of its author.”
— People (four stars)
“The Vacationers is a beautifully told story that walks the tightrope of family angst and connection with hilarity and truth. Get ready for the Post family drama, where the near empty nest collides with the dreams of the new generation. Emma Straub's writing is deft, clear and wise in ways that will surprise and delight you. It's a beyond the beach read. It's Ms. Straub at her dazzling best.”This book already sounds crazy-good.
— Adriana Trigiani, author of The Shoemaker’s Wife
Honestly, I think that this book was full of people who were deeply flawed characters. I had an issue with a 60 year old man, who for whatever reason, thought it was a wise decision to have an affair with a 23 year old woman. And then act like it would not have an earth shattering reaction for his wife and family. Who would risk throwing away a long, distinguished career in such a way.
ReplyDeleteThe wife, who is judgmental of all those in her life, including her children. Who does that?
Bobby, the narcissistic one, who refuses to grow up. I really did not see anything inherently wrong with Claire. Other than she put up with his antics for far longer than she should have.
Lawrence and Charles. Happy, but are the really?
Sylvia being with Joan that one time. Made me wonder if she had something in mind other than losing her virginity. Was he a potential ticket out of living in NY and going to college.
Again, another book with things left undone. I wish that I could think that a marriage is saved and fixed after a punch in the eye, and babies are just given when it appears to be ones last chance, and basically random sex fixes something missing in ones life.
This book, while I think good reading, is not something that I would rate highly. 2 stars.
"It seemed like folly to imagine that one could fill a house (or a tent) with relatives and still expect to have a pleasant vacation."
ReplyDelete... yet the diverse mixture of friends/relatives fell for the plan and had a decent vacation in spite of the 'folly'. (Well, mostly decent with a few returning home early, but no spoilers.) The author kept the book interesting by telling the story from each vacationer's perspective - sexual relationships, and all. While I did find this book a quick, summer read, I could also associate the characters with people I know in real life... but would not normally want to spend a vacation in Spain with them.
I gave this book an extremely generous 3 stars. This book reminds me of a bad soap opera from which you just can't look away.
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