Always the Last to Know: A Family Drama That Hits Home
You know those books that seem to jump off the shelf and yell, “Read me!”? That’s exactly how I felt when I picked up Always the Last to Know by Kristan Higgins. While I might not have read any of her previous works, I was instantly drawn in by the intriguing premise of a complicated family navigating life’s curveballs. Let me tell you, I wasn’t disappointed!
At the heart of this story is the Frost family, a tapestry woven with threads of love, disappointment, and unspoken secrets. John and Barb, married for nearly five decades, find themselves trapped in a relationship that feels more like a long-standing habit than a loving partnership. Their two daughters, Juliette and Sadie, couldn’t be more different, yet both are struggling with their own internal battles that complicate the already tangled family dynamics.
Juliette, the seemingly perfect daughter, is grappling with a mid-life crisis masked by a successful career and a seemingly picture-perfect family. The complexities of her character resonated deeply with me, especially her struggle with feelings of inadequacy, which often hide behind layers of success. Sadie, on the other hand, is the free spirit—a stark contrast who, despite her artistic dreams, finds herself held back by memories of a past love.
The narrative takes a sharp turn when John suffers a stroke, shoving the “happy enough” lives of the Frosts into chaos. This shocking event serves as a catalyst, forcing each member of the family to confront their hidden truths. I must admit that in the early chapters, I found the characters a bit rough around the edges. Barb initially struck me as bitter and unlikable, while Juliette seemed too perfect, and Sadie was a touch stubborn. However, as I delved deeper into the story, something magical happened—I began to empathize with them.
What truly impressed me about Higgins’ writing is her ability to infuse warmth and authenticity into her characters. The pacing of the plot felt natural, unfolding like real life—with its chaotic moments interspersed with poignant reflections. One of my favorite aspects was how she illustrated that family can be both challenging and beautiful. The love shared within its many forms—be it familial, romantic, or platonic—is explored with such sensitivity that you can’t help but root for the characters to find their way back to one another.
There were moments in the story that left me reflecting on my own relationships, making me question what it means to truly know and love someone. The way Higgins captures the nuances of love—especially in its complexities—made me smile. It’s heartwarming to realize that while families may be messy, they are also sources of profound joy and resilience.
If you’re drawn to stories that delve into the intricacies of family relationships and personal growth, I highly recommend Always the Last to Know. It’ll appeal to anyone who appreciates well-drawn characters facing their truths and the resilience that family love can offer. For those who enjoy women’s fiction that’s both emotional and uplifting, this book is a gem worth reading.
I received an Advanced Readers Copy from Edelweiss and Berkley in exchange for an honest review, and I loved every moment of this heartfelt journey. If you’re looking to explore the many forms of love and the tangled mess of family, visit Bantering Books for more reviews and recommendations!