A review by kimr0gers
Last House by Jessica Shattuck

reflective slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

Following WWII, Nick & Bet Taylor settled into suburban life - Nick as an attorney for Big Oil, with a side of Middle Eastern espionage and Bet as a housewife after a brief stint as a code breaker. 

There’s an under current of discontent that they both hope will be cured by purchasing a rustic house in Vermont. This house plays a central role for the family - where they spend summers but also where the children come together in the tumultuous Vietnam era. 

Despite the material, the novel is slow-paced mostly from the perspective of Bet & oldest child Katherine. If you’re looking for recent history family conflict, it’s an easy read.