The Family by Naomi Krupitsky is a multi generational story of two families that become connected by the Italian mafia. We begin in the early twentieth century with the families of Marco and Joey. They live next door to each other and have daughters very close in age, Sofia and Antonia. 

As Sofia and Antonia near school age, they begin to realize what their fathers are a part of and shortly thereafter tragedy strikes for one of them. Despite terrible loss, the girls remain close and their lives are constantly intertwined, even when they do not want this to be the case. As Sofia and Antonia grow up, the novel shifts to the families they create who also become stuck in "Family" life. 

I loved the subtle but rich character development from Krupitsky's sparse writing style. With so few words, she takes the reader into the heart of each character and creates a vivid atmosphere of organized crime and family drama. Krupitsky absolutely does not tell the reader how each character is feeling and simultaneously makes you feel so strongly, and she doesn't cast judgement on the choices her characters make. I loved the open look at decisions that are good and bad and decisions where hands were tied. I also think this style keeps the book moving instead of cheesy and over dramatic. 

I flew through this book while also trying to make it last, not wishing for it to end. And that ending! I'd read another book about this family and its future generations in a heartbeat. This debut novel was an absolute pleasure and I can't wait to see what Naomi Krupitsky writes next.