oliviasbooktalk's Reviews (271)

This was compellingly honest and deliciously simple. It was equally heartwarming and heartbreaking, as well as realistic and relevant. It was coming-of-age in your 20s when you know you know nothing and are just making memories and enjoying youth. It was being uncertain in current times, but knowing contentment from the seemingly mundane life you’ve built. I also can’t emphasize enough just how immersive this was—you could have told me I was Lara’s fourth daughter picking cherries while learning about my mom’s past lives throughout the summer, and I would have believed you.

I'm convinced Ann Patchett wrote this for me, and as my first novel of hers, I now want to read her entire backlist.

As outlandish as this wealthy, old-money New York City family is, I do think the overall conversation and interest surrounding wealth is fascinating. Eat the rich, but also let me be a fly on the wall. If you like contemporary litfic, The Real Housewives, no plot just vibes, character-driven stories—this book is for you.