The Latecomer is a paradoxical book. The best way to describe how I felt while reading it was sitting next to a relative at a mandatory family dinner. You’re trapped, they do not care how much you wish to escape, they are going to tell you this family saga whether you like it or not. On the one hand, I was really impressed with the level of detail and thought that went into this epic family story. However, I seriously struggled to like any of the characters. Not in a fun, oh they’re morally gray way. They were all genuinely very unlikable people for many reasons. I also struggled with the slow pacing. 

The Oppenheimer family is a convoluted and imperfect family, which in theory sounded fascinating, but I couldn’t help feeling I’d just as soon leave them all to their misery. I did enjoy the ending and how the story concluded, though I wish it had come sooner and perhaps had been explored more instead of so much time spent in the sluggish middle. 

I have no doubt that there are those who will be spellbound by the mysterious Oppenheimer family and unable to put down the book until the very end. That’s the beauty of reading- not my cup of tea, but I am certain it will be someone else’s. The Latecomer is available now. Thank you to Jean Hanff Korelitz, Celadon Books, and Netgalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.