The Latecomer - Jean Hanff Korelitz

The Latecomer

By Jean Hanff Korelitz

  • Release Date: 2022-05-31
  • Genre: Fiction & Literature
Score: 4
4
From 624 Ratings

Description

*A New York Times Notable Book of 2022*
*A Washington Post Notable Work of Fiction*
*An NPR Best Book of the Year*
*A New Yorker Best Book of 2022*

From the New York Times bestselling author of The Plot, Jean Hanff Korelitz’s The Latecomer is a layered and immersive literary novel about three siblings, desperate to escape one another, and the upending of their family by the late arrival of a fourth.

The Latecomer follows the story of the wealthy, New York City-based Oppenheimer family, from the first meeting of parents Salo and Johanna, under tragic circumstances, to their triplets born during the early days of IVF. As children, the three siblings – Harrison, Lewyn, and Sally – feel no strong familial bond and cannot wait to go their separate ways, even as their father becomes more distanced and their mother more desperate. When the triplets leave for college, Johanna, faced with being truly alone, makes the decision to have a fourth child. What role will the “latecomer” play in this fractured family?

A complex novel that builds slowly and deliberately, The Latecomer touches on the topics of grief and guilt, generational trauma, privilege and race, traditions and religion, and family dynamics. It is a profound and witty family story from an accomplished author, known for the depth of her character studies, expertly woven storylines, and plot twists.

Reviews

  • Slow start

    4
    By Lori Messenger
    Things are really drawn out in parts 1&2, part 3 was awesome though. I started this book and half way through I set it down for a few weeks. Picked it back and skimmed to part 3.
  • Great

    5
    By Leslie B. Papel,Au.D.
    Just a great story. All the while wondering if this was true or fiction. Loved it!
  • The Latecomer

    2
    By GWYNEDD READER
    Ok,author definitely has her political views in view.
  • The Latecomer

    5
    By E,e,
    Very accessible…a good read.
  • The Latecomer

    5
    By Readingbythesea
    Always like a good story of a dysfunctional family.
  • The Latecomer

    5
    By Sated!
    Good story; a lot of factual information!
  • The Latecomer

    5
    By Harvey Sternberg
    Compelling story from beginning to end. Beautiful language. Couldn’t put it down.
  • So good!

    5
    By DEBBIELSROSS
    I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The character development and storyline were superb and engaging. It was one of those books that I delayed completing in order to savor the connection with the characters.

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