In a recent conversation over book types someone said “I don’t really enjoy the ones that are just about relationships” which is about the exact moment I realized that’s most of what I read. The Most Fun We Ever Had is no exception.
Marilyn Connolly and David Sorenson share a love that nauseates their children and sets a bar that seems too high, and too perfect, to achieve by their four daughters, who are each in their own stage of turmoil. As the story weaves through timelines and narratives, a complex family dynamic emerges, one full of sisterly transgressions, embittered anxieties, and the search for the ‘right’ path.
Lombardo weaves a very vivid and intricate tapestry with the Sorenson family and their myriad problems, sprinkling in the beauty of big families and the profound moments of joy that make it all worthwhile. I love books about relationships because there’s so much to learn about how people process emotions and the world around them, and I think a lot of that processing happens when you write. If you, too, enjoy relationship-driven narratives then you might enjoy this one. If that’s not your cup of tea, this is definitely not the book for you.
While I enjoyed the story and the characters, I did find myself struggling through the middle of the book. I only have so much tolerance for (what I would consider) self-sabotage and with four daughters in various stages of crisis there were times when it felt hard to pick the book back up. However, I persevered and I’m glad I did, but the struggle to finish did influence my overall rating.
2% Rating: 6/10
Recommend? Maybe
Re-Read? Probably not
Time: 1:49