The Carter family is preparing for the 70th birthday celebration of their billionaire patriarch, William Carter, at their Martha’s Vineyard estate. However, before the event can take place, William unexpectedly dies, setting off a chain of revelations that expose dark secrets about the origins of the family’s wealth.

Danielle Prescod’s The Rules of Fortune takes readers on a journey through time, spanning from the 1960s to the 2010s. Through the perspectives of four key members of the Carter family—William, Jacqueline, Asher, and Kennedy—the novel explores a world shaped by privilege and social hierarchy, where family loyalty often clashes with personal identity.

Beyond the intricacies of family drama, the novel also engages with broader societal themes, sparking discussions on capitalism, privilege, and racial identity. I found The Rules of Fortune deeply engaging and intriguing. The tension builds as the different protagonists make decisions that lead to the epitome of the novel, the death of William Carter. With its rich layers of mystery, family conflict, and social commentary, this novel is an intriguing and thought-provoking read.