Book Review: The Most Fun We Ever Had by Claire Lombardo
As a devoted reader, I’m always on the lookout for rich, character-driven narratives that intricately weave family dynamics into their plots. Claire Lombardo’s The Most Fun We Ever Had caught my eye not just for its status as a New York Times bestseller and a Reese’s Book Club pick, but for its promise of a "complex family saga" filled with emotional depth. I was eager to dive into the lives of the Sorenson family, and I’m thrilled to share my experience with this compelling tale.
Set against a backdrop that stretches from the 1970s to 2016, this novel takes a candid look at the lives of Marilyn Connolly and David Sorenson, who, unaware of the complexities to come, fall in love and start a family. By the time we delve into their lives, they are parents to four daughters, each grappling with their unique struggles. The arrival of Jonah, a child placed for adoption by one of the daughters years earlier, propels the family into a whirlwind of reckoning.
One of the most impactful aspects of this book is Lombardo’s ability to capture the nuances of familial relationships. The Sorensons are not depicted as a perfect family, but rather as a vibrant, messy one, filled with love, tension, and unspoken resentments. As I read through their stories, I found many resonant truths about family dynamics. Emily Emm’s review encapsulated my feelings perfectly: this book isn’t just for entertainment; it helps you connect on a deeper level to humanity. Instances of grief, love, and the complexity of familial ties deeply engaged me and encouraged reflection on my relationships.
The writing style is both beautiful and immersive, which complements the character-driven narrative. One of the characters, Liza — a neurotic professor uncertain about her pregnancy — resonated with me due to her honest depiction of self-doubt and parental questioning. Lombardo’s prose allows us to connect with each daughter, exploring their struggles and triumphs across the landscape of their shared past.
However, the book does have its drawbacks. Some readers, including K. Cruz Oyola, felt that the characters came off as frustratingly self-centered, lacking an overarching direction. There were moments I felt the same; certain plotlines veered into repetition, almost losing momentum. While the narrative is undeniably rich, the pacing occasionally lagged, and it took me time to fully immerse myself in the characters’ lives, as other reviews mentioned.
Moreover, given that the book stretches over 640 pages, some moments felt repetitive, which diminished the emotional impact. Thanks to the dialogue-driven format, I sometimes wished that certain character arcs would develop more swiftly to maintain engagement. A couple of subplots felt superfluous, lacking the weight needed to justify their place in this levity-filled saga.
Despite these criticisms, I found the story’s heartwarming portrayal of intimate family moments deeply fulfilling. The contrasts in character experiences—Wendy’s struggle with grief juxtaposed with Violet’s anxiety as a stay-at-home mom—made for thoughtful discussions and reflections. As one reader noted, it’s not a typical happy ending, which I appreciated, as it adds a layer of authenticity to the narrative.
In many ways, The Most Fun We Ever Had is a beautiful reminder of the complexities of family life, inviting readers to delve into their own histories and relationships. It’s a rich tapestry of love, longing, and the sometimes painful realities that weave our lives together. While it may take some time to get into, the emotional payoff is certainly worth it.
In conclusion, I would recommend The Most Fun We Ever Had for anyone who enjoys character-driven novels with emotional nuance. Lombardo’s celebration of humanity within familial relationships, despite the occasional bouts of pacing issues, leaves a lasting impression. If you have the patience for a slow-building narrative, you’ll find a treasure trove of insights along the way, making it a rewarding reading experience overall.
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5 stars)
Discover the heartwarming and hilarious journey of family dynamics in The Most Fun We Ever Had. >>