El libro en general me supo a poco, quisiera que se hubiera hondado un poco más en la resolución de los conflictos con la hermana, sentí que todo cerró muy pronto.

Es difícil empatizar con la protagonista porque muchas veces tiene actitudes o comentarios muy borders (no sé qué tanto influye que esté traducido del noruego y quizás es propio de ellos ser tan directos), pero también en sus monólogos internos podés entenderla. La relación familiar es bastante disfuncional, y muy real al mismo tiempo. Es común encontrarse teniendo pendamientos similares a los de Ida siendo una hermana mayor también, así que no la juzgo. 

I was recommended Grown Ups at a bookstore and it was sold to me as a lighthearted, hilarious, quick read. While it was a quick read, it was definitely not lighthearted or hilarious. 

My main issue with this book was the main character. She is borderline detestable, which can work when handled right. Unfortunately, I also could not relate, empathize, or connect with her or really anyone else in the book. The things that she says and does that are supposed to be quirky and funny really just come across as cruel and insensitive. I know that this was translated from Norwegian, so maybe something was lost in translation?

I will say that the actual writing quality was very good. The story flowed at a steady pace and it was a relatively quick read. The dialogue was handled well and there was enough description to create strong images. The emotional impact was there too. I definitely felt myself feeling discomfort at several points which means it provoked a reaction.

All in all, this want what I expected, but it wasn’t a bad read. If you enjoy difficult characters, messy family relationships, and character driven stories, you may enjoy this one. 

I received an early review copy from the publisher. The Summer Book by Tove Jansson meets Motherhood by Sheila Heti.