Reading Franzen's books has always been a delight, mostly because of his fluid and vivid writing. This book is for sure my most favorite of his works!

Like his almost every other book, the characters in this too are deeply layered, flawed, and, vulnerable, which makes it much more realistic and believable. This book explores the family dynamics of a Midwestern family in early 1970s America. It delves deeper into their personal lives, their interpersonal relationships, their secrets, moral values, their mental health, social obligations, political inclinations, choices, and, gives us a view of their stand on religion, spirituality, and morality. (TW: drug abuse)

This suspense-filled, masterfully crafted novel is only part one of a trilogy. It has brilliantly covered every single aspect, be it social, political, or intellectual, to give a flavor of the moral crisis that the Hildebrandt family went through in those times.

Even though the book is a bit chunky (600 pages) and might appear intimidating, it is very difficult to keep it down because of the delightful and captivating writing that just absorbs the reader in!