A review by aliciasokol
The Latecomer by Jean Hanff Korelitz

5.0

A true 5 stars. I was thoroughly engrossed in this book and delighted by the witty, carefully crafted writing. This is a rather long and winding story with satisfying complexity. It requires a little patience, especially in the middle, but the reader is rewarded handsomely for it. I’ve not read any of this author’s previous books (though I will seek them out now). She did a masterful job developing characters that were complex, deeply individual and in most cases, quite sad. I did not find them particularly likeable. They did and said horrible things to one another and yet, I cared to know more and found myself rooting for their redemption. This is a tough task! In the past, I’ve stopped reading books that feature whiny characters of immense privilege. This easily could have been that…but it was not. The other noteworthy comment is that even though this book featured sad people in difficult relationships with one another, it was not depressing. It was truly an enjoyable, devourable, satisfying read. I hope this story makes its way to the screen (big or small! I’ll happily consume either).