Family Family by Laurie Frankel
India Allwood grew up wanting to be an actor. She was hooked from the age of ten when she saw the play Guys and Dolls with her mother. Her whole life was about making this dream come true. She had to make a lot of tough choices along the way, but finally, decades later, her dream came true and she is one of the most well-known actors in America.
But now that she has realized her childhood dream, she feels in danger of losing it. Not because she is not a good actor, because she is the best, but all because she dared to tell the truth.
The situation is best described by India’s daughter, “It all started the way it all started. There was a tiny matter. And then it exploded.”
India made a big screen movie, and she did her best with the script provided. While she agrees it was a good movie, she also admits that some parts of it could have been written differently. Thinking this is one thing, but she tells a journalist and now a tiny matter has exploded and turned into a media storm.
Despite the ensuing drama and threat to her livelihood and career, India refuses to be ashamed. She admits that families are complicated, but she refuses to compromise hers for the sake of her career, the media, or really anything. She thinks that she is justified in defending her family and her livelihood, but outside forces are intent on convincing her otherwise.
Laurie Frankel’s writing speaks directly to my heart. It is witty, clever and humorous. It is such a dry, smart humor that I am reading parts of the text over and over, even weeks after I have finished the book.
She is a master at character development. India is self-assured and poised, especially as a young adult, which she is for half of the book. She is smart, opinionated, beautiful, caring and such a badass. I love the spark and spunky personality that Frankel has given her.
Plus, the supporting characters, of which there are many, are drawn almost as beautifully as India. Three dimensional and literally leaping off the page. India’s boyfriend, Robby Brighton, her mother, even her best friend Dakota. They all feel like real people.
While the characters are enough to make me giddy, the plot is the real gem. The way it is put together is superb. The story alternates between the present day media blow up to flashbacks starting in 1999 and moving toward the present, until it eventually stays in the present day. To say it is compelling is an understatement. It is also especially tender and raw. Frankel explores many themes in her newest offering – families, love, adoption, self-sacrifice, friendship and parenting.
Reading this was an eye opening experience, but not in the way that I first expected when I checked the new title out. There are many beautiful and unexpected turns along the way. Not only is this a great addition to the category of contemporary fiction in 2024, Frankel’s latest would make an excellent book club selection thanks to the various themes it explores. Consider adding this one to your list today, it is excellent!
Review written by: Jeana Gockley, Joplin Public Library Director
