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A review by ejensen86
The Middlesteins by Jami Attenberg
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.