snootycrumb's review
3.0
This was an entertaining enough book. I'd probably give it 3.5 stars if I could. The audiobook was read by Molly Ringwald, which was a nice bonus. It was an interesting story about family relationships and responsibility and consequences, and I liked the connectivity of everything.
ejensen86's review against another edition
3.0
"The Middlesteins" is the story of a quintessential dysfunctional middle-class Chicago family.
Edie is literally killing herself by overeating. Her husband, Richard, being dragged down the downward spiral of his wife, ends up leaving her after decades of marriage. Their daughter, Robin, very much like Edie, is angry at both of her parents. Benny, the son, is married to a woman, Rachelle, who is maniacally Type A but still makes the rest of the family look sane(r).
The majority of the novel is a sad unraveling of the Middlestein family. The climax offers a tragic ending with some much needed comedic relief. "The Middlesteins" is a fast read. Attenberg is a great storyteller and tells the story of The Middlesteins while flawlessly switching character perspectives every chapter.
Edie is literally killing herself by overeating. Her husband, Richard, being dragged down the downward spiral of his wife, ends up leaving her after decades of marriage. Their daughter, Robin, very much like Edie, is angry at both of her parents. Benny, the son, is married to a woman, Rachelle, who is maniacally Type A but still makes the rest of the family look sane(r).
The majority of the novel is a sad unraveling of the Middlestein family. The climax offers a tragic ending with some much needed comedic relief. "The Middlesteins" is a fast read. Attenberg is a great storyteller and tells the story of The Middlesteins while flawlessly switching character perspectives every chapter.
sarahprandall's review
4.0
This was an extremely believable portrait of a family as they deal with the poor health of the matriarch, Edie. Through chapters from each character's point of view, we get to know Edie, her estranged husband Richard, daughter Robin, son Benny, daughter-in-law Rachelle, and grandchildren Emily & Josh. It's equal parts insightful, heartbreaking, and hopeful. Through their eyes we learn about regret, second chances, and the importance of family.
gl_mrtnl's review
3.0
I highly recommend getting past the first half of the book in order to appreciate it. I don't think it's a perfect novel but it's quite beautiful nonetheless. The beginning is underwhelming but it gets better nearing the end.
elainenotbenes's review
1.0
I had this book on my to read list for 8 years and finally got around to it. What a horrible book. Horrible characters. Terrible writing. Should have waited another 80 years because by then I’d be senile and not know wtf I was reading. Or mercifully, I’d be dead.
chazaloo's review
3.0
I wanted to love this book -- a binge-eating Jewish woman, and how her eating affects her family; what's not to love? -- but I could not warm up to the story or any of the characters. As much as I could relate to the whole suburban Jewish family milieu, I felt there was a filter between myself and the characters and found myself not caring much about them. I actually didn't like most of them, which is rare for me. It did make me crave quality Chinese food, though.